.jpg)
Star Trek: Independence
Star Trek: Independence
Star Trek: Independence is a fan-fiction series centered on the USS Independence, a new Courageous-class ship. It is set immediately after the Dominion War (2376).
The Courageous class was introduced in the last months of the Dominion War. It role was to be a cruiser version of the Defiant-class. The war ended, however, before the class saw combat.
The series was originally conceived and developed in the summer of 2005 by D’noth (TrekBBS username) and later posted that fall. The author was inspired by the PC game Star Trek: Bridge Commander. In fact, the Courageous-class was a game modification. It can be found at BCfiles.com.
Star Trek: Independence tends to focus on a covert struggle between Section 31 and a resistance group of current and former Starfleet officers.
Main characters
Captain Sintina Aurelia: Aurelia has only been field promoted as captain for three months before receiving command of one of Starfleet’s most powerful ships. She’s in her mid-thirties and known for her tactical prowess. In other aspects of command, however, she is severely lacking.
Commander Ethan Windslow: Recently demoted to commander from captain, Windslow is sent to the Independence as first officer. He is tight lipped about what happened to him during the war and why he was demoted. He claims to his wife that it involves the destruction of his old ship, but says no more. Aurelia considers him an annoyance and can’t wait to get rid of him.
Commander Zo’Kama: Assigned as the Chief Medical Officer, the Arkonian is a dedicated officer, but also has a quick wit. Her species was seen in ENT “Dawn”.
Lieutenant Commander Karim bin Nadal: Karim is a naturally suspicious person. Having been in Starfleet Intelligence, he saw first hand that the Federation isn’t as polished at it seems. He quickly learns of Section 31’s existence via Dr. Bashir on Deep Space Nine. His curiosity about the group draws some unwanted attention to the crew.
Lieutenant Jinal: The aloof Vulcan engineer is not what he seems. He constantly struggles to live up to the expectations of those around him.
Lieutenant (JG) Tang Zian: The science officer is rather young and inexperienced.
Lieutenant (JG) Kimula: The Andorian counselor is Aurelia’s voice of moderation and is more than willing to give her captain a kick in the tail if need be.
Honorary Ensign D’nas: The Tamarian (seen in TNG: “Darmok”) is an exchange officer assigned to the helm. He is probably the best pilot on the ship, including the senior officers, and is very curious about the Federation.
Episodes
Prisoners of War: On her last journey, the USS Midas and her crew covertly escort the Founder to Starbase 375. She puts a seed of doubt in bin Nadal’s mind. Captain Aurelia takes command of the Independence.
Dark Horses: The Independence travels back to DS9 where they take on the last her new crew, including Commander Windslow. In a chance encounter, Dr. Bashir tells bin Nadal about Section 31, and the ship is sent to track down a rogue Cardassian ship.
Confidence: Captain Aurelia is forced to deal with her new first officer and Dr. Zo’Kama reveals a secret about their Vulcan chief engineer.
The Spoils: At Cardassia Prime, the crew, inadvertently subvert a Section 31 plot to embarrass the Romulan Star Empire.
Retributions: The Indy is ordered to liberate a Dominion prison camp. What they find there are old friends and a troubling situation.
Crimes and Shadows: Commander Windslow’s actions during the war are brought to light and Aurelia is introduced to an undercover war.
Way of the Gun: Karim and Ivan Cherenkov (from the Dark Territory series) are both sent on a secret mission to help save a senior counter-31 leader and try to stop an assassination.
The Expropriation: Section 31 can no longer tolerate the crew of the Independence and orders their elimination. Only Karim and Jinal can save the crew from certain death.
Into the Night: A brief vignette focusing on Ethan Windslow before he joined the Independence
Renegade: A Sintina focused vignette from her time on the Midas
Wounds of Chin'toka: Also set on the Midas, this vignette looks at the cost of war.
Machines of War: The Independence encounters a machine race that poses unique challenges to Aurelia and Bin Nadal in this crossover with the Transformers.
Eyes Uncovered: The Independence and its crew enjoys a bit of downtime as they return their Tamarian exchange officer, D'Nas back home.