Cait
From FEInfobase
| Cait | |
| |
| Cait from Low Orbit in 2382 | |
| Class: |
M |
| Official Name: |
Lyncais 15 IV |
| Star System: | |
| Political System: |
Republic of Cait |
| Capitals: |
L'arrat |
| Species: | |
| Population: |
1.8 Billion |
| Warp Capable: |
1884 A.D (3721 E.C) |
| Day Length: |
22 Hours |
| Year Length: |
344 Days |
| First Mentioned: | |
| First Appearence: |
M3: Special Delivery |
| |
| Flag of the Republic of Cait | |
| [ Source ] | |
Contents |
General Information
The homeworld of the Caitian people and the 4th planet in the 15 Lyncais Star System. Cait is Class M and in its natural pre-war state was among the most natural of planets in the Federation. The development of cities sought to build around nature whenever possible. Alterations of the natural land profile and removal of natural growth were restricted to vital projects that could not succeed without doing so. Examples would include high-traffic planetary transportation, water delivery, sanitation systems, and eventually docking facilities for extra-planetary vehicles.
Pre-War
A once peaceful and tranquil world Cait was often compared to the vast plains of the African Serengeti. Endless expanses of plains broken up with bodies of calm natural spring water and the occasional expanse of forest or jungle. Very few large cities ever populated the planet and most communities remained small and heavily focused around one or two family clans.The largest of the cities of Cait are located mainly in the equatorial regions to facilitate space travel and commerce.. A virtual paradise, Cait was often a destination for travelers seeking out a peaceful and natural planet for vacation.
Cait and the Borg War
Cait was the scene of one of many tragedies of the conflict. In order to prevent assimilation, approximately 40% of the visible surface was scorched by heavy orbital bombardment. Most natural resources including strategic metals and fuels were destroyed in an attempt to make it seem unworthy of assimilation. While the majority (60%) of the viable surface remained in tact, those areas were poor in resources and were spared in part to allow eventual rebuilding. This tactic may have been drastic, but the Borg never set foot on the surface. If the planet was not bombarded in this way, it would have been very likely to have been assimilated due to its dilithium production facilities and heavy metals which could be used to construct tritanium, a key component on Borg ship hulls and armor.
In 2396, the Borg did attempt to take the system, but due in part to the heavy destruction inflicted, they did not see Cait as more then a staging ground for attacks and did not attempt to take any of the planets. As a result of the aforementioned actions, the Borg did not send a large fleet to the system, instead designating other fronts as requiring more attention. Cait was the scene of a very sound victory by the Federation forces assembled there. Most of the combat actions were carried out by either Starfleet vessels with Caitian commanders who felt they needed to be there to protect their home, and the small but determined Caitian military tasked with overall system defense.
The Aftermath
Due to the scorching, Cait does require external aid, but parts of the planet that were not scorched have begun to support settlements once again. Large scale terraforming and reclimation projects were placed underway and with proper care and resources, it may be possible within the decade to begin growing native food again. Most of the scorched land has no current claim. Plans have been brought up to reserve these large tracts of eventually reclaimed land for food production rather then settlements. This would not only be to assist Cait in feeding the resident population which includes Caitians and a fairly low population of refugees alike, but would be able to begin contributing foods for the Federation if it chooses to rejoin, or trade food for other assistance if it remains independent. Such plans are most assuredly long term, as feeding the resident population on native food is of paramount priority.
The mood on Cait was one of civil anarchy. Far and wide, most residents were focused on survival and coping with their situations to the best of their ability. Lawlessness was common, and rag tag bands of highwaymen and thugs roamed the land. Survival meant safety in numbers, or by carrying your own weapon. The people had little faith in their government, who was not doing much to curb the problems of the planet. The Crimson Claws were widely seen as the only real heroes of Cait, and focused on providing for the people while being contracted out as the official military.
Many people believed that only one family could bring stability to the government and to the planet. The R'Pas/T'arren family, headed by matriarch M'esserri R'Pas and patriarch K'ierran T'arren was practically seen as royalty. General R'Pas and Admiral T'arren were in command of the fleet that saved Cait from the Borg attack. As native Caitians, they were believed to have saved their planet. The Caitian government provided them with a generous plot of land and provisions to sustain them. Despite this, the people still held an unshakable faith that they were the best hope. However, neither M'esserri or K'ierran felt they should be in control of the planet, and did not make any attempt to interfere, despite disagreements with several decisions.
The Coup of 2408
As of 2408, Cait was in a stage of rebuilding and had not yet rejoined the Federation. In late 2408, efforts were underway to negotiate re-admission, and the USS Phoenix was tasked with contacting the government and extending the first olive branch to the planet since the war. As a token of good faith, the Phoenix was sent to Cait with a large cargo of terraforming equipment and computer processors.
During negotiations with the Phoenix, led by the Caitian Starfleet Captain S'rravl T'ssarra, Chancellor V'rrast was assassinated by Defense Minister K'rrav. K'rrav attempted to seize power for himself, believing that the negotiations with the Federation would destroy Cait.
The coup was successfully stopped by Crimson Claws Fleet Captain Aa'reth T'arren, who had seen this day coming for a long time. With the full backing of the organization, he walked into the government chambers and disposed K'rrav on the spot, having him arrested for treason and conspiracy against the state. Aa'reth took charge of the government immediately, finding deep levels of support among not only the military, but the populace. As a son of M'esserri R'Pas and K'ierran T'arren, the people accepted him as assuming control with their family name.
2409 and Beyond
After the brief turmoil of late 2408, Cait had a leader the people believed in, that had their best interests in mind. Instantly, the planet began to turn around for the better. Local Law Enforcement was re-established in force, along with the Crimson Claws being reorganized into the official Caitian Defense Force. These actions cut the crime rate dramatically, as punishments were levied in an even handed and harsh manner. There is still a lot of work to be done, but many believe that Cait has turned a corner.
Additionally, negotiations with the Federation have continued, with the stipulation that Cait will not re-join as a member world anytime soon. It is unknown if future elections will be held, but for the moment there is no end in sight for Aa'reth's term as Chancellor.