The USS Enterprise has arrived at its destination – Barzan II (near the Briar Patch). We have been asked to host negotiations that will determine the administrative rights to the first known wormhole in existence, recently discovered in the Barzan System.

Apparently, the Barzans (who do not yet have interplanetary space travel), discovered the wormhole near their home world, they sent an unmanned probe through the terminus, and that probe returned with data indicating that the wormhole leads to a distant region of the Gamma Quadrant (near the Denkiri Arm). The Barzans lack any significant resources, so they hope a diplomatic agreement with a nearby power will improve the economy of their planet.

Five local species/powers are present at these negotiations, the Federation, the Caldonians, the Chrysalians, the Suliban, and the Yridians. Each participant has arrived aboard the Enterprise with a team of diplomats and negotiators. Respected Human negotiator, Seth Mendoza, is leading the delegation from the Federation. Negotiations are taking place in our negotiation hall.

Earlier today, at around 1430 hours, a small reception was held in Ten Forward. Delegates in attendance were treated to a viewing of the Barzan Wormhole as it became visible outside the ship. According to Premier Bhavani of the Barzans, the wormhole appears every 240 minutes. The attached image is a view of the wormhole during this appearance.

After early negotiations, later this afternoon, Premier Bhavani agreed to allow one of our runabouts entry into the wormhole. Captain Picard and negotiator Mendoza believe it prudent to have more complete data on the wormhole (beyond what the Barzans have provided) before the negotiations continue. Our runabout, manned by a team of science officers, will enter the wormhole tomorrow morning, during the 1032 appearance. The Suliban have been granted permission to send a small science shuttle through at the same time.

Our runabout will spend 24 hours on the Gamma Quadrant side of the wormhole, gathering local data and observing the wormhole appearances during that time, and then return to the Enterprise, here at Barzan II. Our gathered data will be shared with all delegates, and then the negotiations can continue. Negotiations are likely to continue through next week.

To date, wormholes, like this, have only been theoretical. No other stable wormhole has ever been known to exist, so, if this is a viable wormhole, it could be a major asset to the Barzans, a significant scientific discovery, and an instant transport corridor to the distant Gamma Quadrant. It could open up new shipping lanes, and shift the balance of commerce in this sector.

-Lieutenant Sam Archer