Originally, her people were favoring the Chrysalians, who had hired a Human negotiator, Devinoni Ral, to manage their interests during these negotiations. Unfortunately, Mr. Ral has been accused of inappropriate behavior towards our Lieutenant Commander Deanna Troi, and has neglected to reveal his true identity as a partial Betazoid. Since the Barzans value honesty, they have abandoned their interests in the Chrysalian bid, and have accepted the Federation offer instead. As of roughly 1630 hours today, with the signing of the Barzan Wormhole Treaty, the Federation has administrative control of the Barzan Wormhole.
This treaty with the Barzans gives the Federation access to the wormhole, with Starfleet taking responsibility for the administration and defense of the conduit. In exchange, the Federation will open up new trade routes with Barzan II, which should greatly boost the Barzan global economy. Barzan will also retain its current autonomy, and remain independently governed, but become a Federation protectorate. Federation embassies and consulates will be established in the Barzan system, with a small contingent of Federation Port Guard ships assigned to help defend Barzan II. They will remain there until the Barzans are able to establish their own planetary defense fleet.
Starfleet will immediately begin the deployment of Deep Space 5 (the newest Galaxy-class saucer starbase – originally planned for deployment elsewhere). DS5 will be transported from Earth to Barzan II, and deployed at the mouth of the wormhole. It will then become the port of call for all ships entering or exiting the wormhole. Federation and future Barzan vessels will have free access to the wormhole, while vessels from other species and powers will be charged a transit fee. The fee will support wormhole maintenance, as well as the Barzan economy.
According to our best estimates, the Barzan Wormhole leads to the distant Gamma Quadrant, roughly 60,000 light years from Barzan II, and 150 light years from the Delta Quadrant. This has become a significant asset to the Federation and the Barzan people.
With negotiations complete, the Enterprise will remain near the wormhole until Deep Space 5 can be deployed in about a month. It is likely that the Enterprise will send multiple runabout-based exploratory missions through the wormhole during that time. Whether the Enterprise itself will be sent through the wormhole (after DS5 is deployed) remains uncertain.
-Lieutenant Sam Archer
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October 24, 2365 -- (Original Devron Timeline)