The Sim

The armistice between the United Federation of Planets and the Cardassian Union was signed in 2367. Under the terms of the cease-fire agreement, both sides agreed to end major engagements and to open diplomatic channels. It wasn't perfect. Minor skirmishes continued on both sides, primarily over unresolved issues such as control of border planets and of course, the occupation of Bajor.

Negotations between the two sides continued and through their efforts the Cardassians left Bajor -- two years later. Finally free, the celebrations on Bajor lasted for days but, as it always happens, reality set in. Things were far from settled. The Bajorans faced a long period of recovery from a brutal, fifty-year occupation; many in the resistance were left with an all-consuming rage against Cardassians responsible for countless atrocities.

While some struggle to form a government, members of the Kohn-Ma, under the leadership of a former member of the resistance, Sayal Mazi, decides that the guilty cannot go unpunished and begins to lay plans of their own.

And they were not alone. Colonists on border worlds, fearing the loss of everything they've built, take inspiration from resistance fighters in World War II on Earth and form the Maquis. Operating in the demilitarized zone between the Cardassian Union and the United Federation of Planets, they seek to safeguard their way of life against all comers whether they be Cardassian or Federation.

Among the Cardassians, Gul Zelar, commanding the CDS Ocett, a Galor Class Type-III cruiser, emerges as an outspoken opponent to the peace. Politically savvy with familial ties to the Obsidian Order, Zelar lays plans of his own.

The Akira Class

In the Federation, with the memory of Wolf 359 barely two years old, Starfleet looks to improve their ability to respond to threats. Pre-production testing is scheduled to begin on a ship designed for a combat role while still capable of patrol and exploration. Five vessels, Akira Class, are scheduled for launch and crews are assembled. The USS Thunderbird is one of these five.

History of the Class

The Akira Class entered pre-production testing in 2369 using five ships. Among those were the first in class, the USS Akira, the USS Thunderchild and the USS Thunderbird. The Command staff and Chief Engineer were brought to the Utopia Planitia Fleetyards a month prior to launch to be briefed on the ship and its systems.

After the battle of Wolf 359, Starfleet engineering sought to develop a vessel heavily biased toward the combat role. The ship's design called for two large shuttlebays linked through the center of the ship that would allow for landing and launch operations to be handled simultaneously. This configuration would make the Akira Class ideal for evacuation both of small craft or personnel. During wartime, the ship could also serve as a fighter carrier with capacity for over 100 fighters.