U.S.S. Callaway, Captain's Log

[CDR Hunter]

The Legend of the Kingdom of Callaway
Early in October of 1861, six hundred (600) Federal troops began converging at Wellsville, Montgomery County, Missouri, on Callaway County's North-East border. Their mission was to subdue "Rebel Callaway". The lawyer and former State Representative, Jefferson F. Jones, with the help of many subordinates, quickly gathered six hundred (600) troops to defend our county from the Federal invasion.

These troops congregated at Brown's Spring, in North Central Callaway County to train and prepare. Equipped, with mostly shotguns and small caliber hunting rifles, they did what they could to present the appearance of a well trained army spoiling for a fight. They went as far as to paint logs black and hide them in the brush with wagon wheels to give the appearance of artillery.

After receiving reports from Union spies on the activities in Callaway County, the Federal commander, postponed his invasion. Afraid that his troops would be annihilated, he waited for reinforcements to arrive.

Meanwhile, Colonel Jeff Jones sent an envoy with a letter to the Federal commander. Though the envoy's primary mission was to apprise Jones of the status of the Federal troops, the letter stated that Jones' force was formed in self defense and that if the Federal Army would not invade Callaway County, nor molest or arrest any of its' citizens, Jones would disband his army.

The Federal Commander, General John B. Henderson, agreed to the terms rather than risk a loss in battle to this "well trained and armed" force of men. In essence he allowed Callaway County to negotiate a treaty as a sovereign state with the Federal Government. This treaty recognized our independence and granted Callaway its' own right to govern itself.

Callaway County became "The Kingdom of Callaway" in October of 1861. After the war was over the 'Kingdom' still refused to be reconstructed and be governed by outside forces. The right of the people was still our supreme law. We were proud that we had faced adversity, had stood strong against it, and had won our right to be who we wanted to be.

[CDR Hunter]

I knew it was too good to be true when the Callaway was assigned to provide security for peace talks between the Klingon Empire and the Federation at the large embassy complex on Regulus. Of course I was still hopeful all would go well, and we might bring an end to the bloodshed. My hopes were immediately crushed when we dropped out of warp to find all communications with the planet cut off. Upon entering orbit we discovered an Orion cruiser loitering next to the main communications satellite, jamming all frequencies. The permanently assigned security forces were nowhere to be seen and I presume the worst.

After attempting to hail the Orion ship, they immediately opened fire and a short engagement ensued. Fortunately, they were woefully underarmed to deal with a top-of-the-line starship like the Callaway. Our shields were able to hold off all of their attacks and they quickly retreated after taking the first salvo of quantum torpedoes to their hull.

As I suspected, scans of the embassy showed phaser and disruptor fire, indicating a large scale firefight was in full swing. After quickly transmitting a situation report to Starfleet Command, I joined my security team on the planet's surface. We quickly met up with LT Paris and managed to make our way to the embassy with no casualties.

Entering the embassy, we found that Klingon forces had taken the Federation diplomatic party hostage and began slowly sweeping through the building, beaming the diplomats back to the safety of the Callaway in orbit. After the last of the ground threats were neutralized, I returned to the ship to begin preparing a full report and see to the injured colonists that we recovered, but was instead met by Ambassador Kas of the Klingon council. He was able to explain that the perpetrator of the attacks was a Klingon admiral named B'Vat who was attempting frame Kas for the attack, which would ultimately result in his execution, and derail the peace talks in one move.

Almost as if on cue, B'Vat himself entered the system and began attacking Kas's ship in hopes of salvaging the failed plot. The intervention of the Callaway was ultimately successful in driving off B'Vat and saving the life of Ambassador Kas, whose presence would be crucial if we are ever to have any hopes of another attempt at peace talks with the Klingons.

The Callaway remained in orbit for several more days as we continued to provide medical assistance and await transportation for the diplomatic party back to Earth. Needless to say, I am extremely disappointed that we weren't able to make any progress on returning to peace, but at least with all of the details of this event available, the Federation Council has decided to maintain diplomatic contact with the Klingon government.