Editing Star Trek: Bridge Commander (section)

==Storyline==
The USS ''Dauntless'' is in orbit of planet Vesuvi IV. Her [[Captain (naval)|captain]], Robert Wright, is piloting a [[Shuttlecraft|shuttle]] to a research station orbiting the planet when the star goes [[supernova]], destroying the planet, killing the captain, and severely damaging the ''Dauntless''. After several months of repairs and refits, the ''Dauntless''' [[Executive officer#Military|first officer]] becomes her new captain, and after a brief resupply mission to the surviving Vesuvi colonies, an investigation into the star's destruction begins.

The ''Dauntless'' crew is later given the USS ''Sovereign'', the [[USS Enterprise-E|USS ''Enterprise''-E]]'s [[sister ship]], for the investigation. They also undergo a shakedown cruise to check for bugs in the ship's systems which results in a simulated battle against the USS ''Geronimo'' and two [[Klingon starships#Bird of Prey classes|Birds of Prey]]. Additionally, Lieutenant Commander Data from the ''Enterprise'' is temporarily assigned to the ''Sovereign'' to assist in the investigation. Initial hostilities with the [[Romulan|Romulans]] briefly lead the crew to suspect them as the culprits, but further evidence reveals a renegade faction of [[Cardassian|Cardassians]] are responsible. They are led by Legate Matan, the game's central villain.

Matan is assisted by a new race of aliens called the Kessok whom Matan exploited and lied to in order to gain their cooperation. While searching for the technology that destroyed the Vesuvi star in the Alioth system, the ''Sovereign'' is ambushed and forced to leave Data behind on the surface of the system's sixth planet.

The revelation of the Cardassians' responsibility for the destruction of the Vesuvi star leads to a full-scale war between the Federation and Matan's faction.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Star Trek Bridge Commander|date=February 27, 2002|developer=[[Totally Games]]|publisher=Activision|platform=[[Microsoft Windows]]|scene=Episode 6|level=Mission 1|quote='''Admiral Liu''': The Cardassian faction led by this rogue Matan has formally declared war on the Federation}}</ref> The Federation is at first at a disadvantage, having underestimated Matan's forces; however, they are able to repel an offensive against Starbase 12 and destroy Litvok Nor, a Cardassian space station identical to [[Deep Space Nine (fictional space station)|Deep Space 9]], and rescue Data. Additionally, a Federation–[[Klingon]]–Romulan alliance is formed to put an end to the war in the game's final missions.

Shortly after Data's rescue and the formation of the alliance, the ''Sovereign'' is ordered to destroy the remaining Kessok technology that destroyed the Vesuvi star. During an encounter with a Kessok heavy [[cruiser]], which makes no hostile movements and is unshielded, the player is presented with a choice: destroy the Kessok ship and the remaining device or hail it. If the player fires on the Kessok ship, two smaller vessels will [[Cloaking device|de-cloak]] and assist the heavy cruiser. The final mission will also be more difficult as the Kessok forces will initially side with the Cardassians. Hailing the vessel will open a dialog with the Kessok and reveal the Cardassians' exploitation of them.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Star Trek: Bridge Commander|date=February 27, 2002|developer=Totally Games|publisher=Activision|platform=Microsoft Windows|scene=Episode 8|level=Mission 1|quote='''Commander Data''': Just so. Neb-lus suspected Cardassian motives when the Kessok were first discovered by them. The Federation was painted as the enemy who would enslave and exterminate the Cardassians and the Kessok}}</ref>

The game's final mission involves destroying the remaining Kessok device in the custody of Matan before he can use it to destroy a newly founded Kessok colony. The final confrontation with Matan occurs near the star of the Omega Draconis system. The game ends with Matan's ship falling into the star and the beginnings of formal diplomatic relations with the Kessok. Captain Picard wishes the player good luck on their journeys, and the ''Sovereign'' warps away.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Star Trek: Bridge Commander|date=February 27, 2002|developer=Totally Games|publisher=Activision|platform=Microsoft Windows|scene=Ending Cinematic|quote='''Captain Picard''': We have begun diplomatic negotiations with the Kessok. In light of recent events, we are hopeful they will be open to a treaty of some kind}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Star Trek: Bridge Commander|date=February 27, 2002|developer=Totally Games|publisher=Activision|platform=Microsoft Windows|scene=Ending Cinematic|quote='''Captain Picard''': I'm sure we'll be hearing the name Sovereign in the future. We must be getting underway, and I know you want to get back to your ship, so I'll say, "Bon voyage," Captain, and see you out there}}</ref>