First mentioned inStar Trek: The Original Series,a different Federation existed before the creation of the United Federation of Planets.Star Trekwriter Gene L. Coon is credited with creating the Federation, and helping to establish Starfleet as a concept. The Federation was first mentioned inStar Trek: The Original Seriesseason 1, episode 23, “A Taste of Armageddon,” which features a visiting Federation Ambassador, and has since become a central part of theStar Trekuniverse and played a role in nearlyeveryStar Trekseries.
SeveralStar Trekprojects have revolved around the United Federation of Planets and its establishment. For example,Star Trek: Enterpriseleads up to the founding of the Federation, whileStar Trek: First Contactdepicts humanity’s first encounter with the Vulcans.So many disparate elements had to come together for the Federation to form, andits existence exemplifiesGene Roddenberry’s utopian vision of the future. However, while this version of the Federation is the most well-known inStar Trek,another Federation actually existed first.
Star Trek’s First Federation Predated The United Federation Of Planets
Balok Is The Only Official Representative Of The First Federation Seen On Screen
InStar Trek: The Original Seriesseason 1, episode 10, “The Corbomite Maneuver,” Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and his crew encounter Commander Balok and his ship, the Fesarius. Balok says his ship is the flagship of the so-called First Federation, and announces that the Enterprise will be destroyed for trespassing into First Federation space.Kirk decides to bluff Balok and claims that a substance called corbomite will destroy Balok’s shipalong with the Enterprise. Kirk and his crew eventually meet thereal Balok (Clint Howard), who is actually an incredibly intelligent child-like alien who claims he was only testing the Enterprise.
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Balok serves as a representative for the First Federation and proposes that one of the Enterprise crew members remain on his ship to facilitate an exchange of knowledge and culture. Lt. Dave Bailey (Anthony Call) volunteers to remain aboard the Fesarius with Balok. Although neither Balok nor Bailey have been seen onscreen since,the First Federation remains a part ofStar Trekhistory.Many details surrounding the First Federation remain unknown, but it’s very possible it predates the United Federation of Planets.
The First Federation Has Been Mentioned After Star Trek: TOS
The First Federation Exists Through At Least The 32nd Century
While Balok converses with Captain Kirk in “The Corbomite Maneuver,” he shares a drink from the First Federation called tranya. Sometime later, the First Federation began exporting tranya to Federation colonies, and by the time ofStar Trek: Deep Space Nine,it was being served at Quark’s. The drink is also mentioned inStar Trek: Picardseason 1, episode 5, “Stardust City Rag” as being served on the planet Freecloud. Furthermore,the First Federation has been spotted on star charts and maps seen in the background of scenesinStar Trek VI: The Undiscovered CountryandStar Trek: Discovery.
Star Trek: Lower Deckshas also incorporated references to Balok and the First Federation. InLower Decksseason 3, episode 5, “Reflections,” the Collectors Guild have a device from the First Federation at their recruitment booth at a fair on Tulgana IV.The puppet Balokinitially used to intimidate Captain Kirk has also made a couple of appearances onLower Decks. Although much about the First Federation remains a mystery, the intergalactic power introduced inStar Trek: The Original Seriesremains active through the 32nd century.
Star Trek: The Original Series
Cast
Star Trek follows the U.S.S. Enterprise on its five-year mission to explore the galaxy, led by Captain James T. Kirk and First Officer Mr. Spock. The crew confronts a variety of challenges, including Klingons, Romulans, and genetic supermen, as they search for new life and civilizations.
