First Battle of Deep Space 9

See Also: Second Battle of Deep Space 9

The First Battle of Deep Space 9 was the prelude to the Federation-Klingon War.

In early 2372, a Klingon task force launched an attack on the Federation space station of Deep Space 9, with the goal of capturing Detapa Council members who had taken refuge there.

Prelude

Cardassian Actions

After the Battle of the Omarion Nebula in 2371, the Cardassian Union was in a state of turmoil. The Cardassian Underground had finally been able to make a stand against the oppressive rule of the Central Command. Faced with growing unrest and civil uprisings, Central Command sealed their borders, in order to focus their attention on the rebellion. Despite their efforts, a revolt in 2372 was able to overthrow Central Command, and restored power to the civilian government, the Detapa Council.

Klingon Actions

Meanwhile, the Klingon Empire had been infiltrated by a Founder, masquerading as a high-ranking and well-respected General. This Founder took advantage of the wide-spread paranoia, due largely in part to the idea of Changelings pretending to be other people. The Klingon High Council was coerced into thinking the Cardassian civilian revolt succeeded only due to Dominion assistance, and that it was the Klingons' responsibility to wipe out any Changelings within the Cardassian government. In reality, there were no Changelings among the Detapa Council, and the Klingons' disenchantment with decades of peace helped them embrace the idea of invading Cardassian space.

Klingon forces arrived at Deep Space 9, telling the Federation they were there to help in guarding the Bajoran Wormhole. Benjamin Sisko knew better, and urged the Klingons to re-think, and reconsider. Brushing Starfleet off, the Klingons made their way into Cardassian space, thus starting the Klingon-Cardassian War. Bound by their alliance with the Klingons, the Federation could not interfere, though they did secretly warn the Cardassians by way of a Cardassian friend who had lived aboard the starbase. Days later, the Federation Council officially condemned the Klingons' actions, and the offended Klingons withdrew from the Khitomer Accords, breaking off all diplomatic contact.

The Battle

Due to the actions of the Federation during the Klingon-Cardassian War, several dozen Klingon warships surround the station's shield perimeter. The Klingons wanted the council members of the Cardassian civilian government, but Starfleet refused to hand them over. Blood tests were done, testing for Founder DNA, but the Klingons were unperturbed.

The first wave of Klingon ships opened fire on the station, moving to surround it on all sides. The station's weapons returned fire, destroying eight Klingon warships in the opening volley, and heavily damaging several more. The Klingon forces pressed on their attack regardless.

Realizing that attempts at negotiations with the Klingons was futile, Commander Sisko ordered the station to fire at will. Klingon heavy disruptor cannons scored several direct hits, disabling two of the station's shield generators, opening a gap in the station's shields. Klingon boarding parties beamed into the station at various points, and began battling with any Starfleet Officers they came across. Quickly-erected force fields hindered the Klingons' movement, and full power was restored to the outside shields. Though Klingon forces on the starbase were contained, more Klingon ships were incoming.

Starfleet sent cavalry, including one Miranda-class and two Excelsior-class starships. With the Starfleet ships set to arrive on target before the Klingon ships, Sisko and Worf pleaded with the Klingons to call of their attacks. The Klingons insisted they would prevail, and the two Starfleet officers insisted that a continuation of the battle would result in the Klingon Empire starting a war with both the Cardassians and the Federation, which would pave the way for the Dominion to conquer them all. Finally, the Klingons recognized the truth and logic in this argument, and the fleet was called to stand down.

Aftermath

Officially, this battle ended indecisively.

The Klingons failed to capture Deep Space 9, let alone the members of the Detapa Council. However, the Federation failed to stop the Klingons in their continued assault against Cardassians and their territory.

The Detapa Council returned to Cardassia, though their rule was short. Cardassia would soon enter into a secret agreement with the Dominion.

War between the Federation and the Klingons was avoided, but their alliance and trust with one another was lost. The First Battle of Deep Space 9 had been nearly successful for the Founders, as their goal had been to irreparably destroy the Federation-Klingon alliance.