First Contact Procedure

Because Star Fleet operates across a vast area, the potential exists to encounter new races.  At times where it is likely that a First Contact will be made where (and when) your ship encounters a new culture for the first time.  The following procedures should be observed:

1- If the other culture initiates Contact:
The ship/facility CO, XO, Diplomatic Officer (if available), Security, Counselor and Chief Medical Officer should greet the representative in full dress uniform and an official greeting on behalf of the Federation should be offered.

The DO (if available) and counselor will advise the CO after observing the behavioral patterns of the species. Afterwards a full report must be submitted by the DO or Counselor, and CO.

2- If contact is hostile:
If a new culture is met, and attacks on sight, the DO (if available) and counselor should be immediately called to the bridge to help the CO interpret the actions of the species, (if possible).  If the new culture's technology poses a distinct threat to the ship then the CO (or duty officer) may return fire to disable the attacker.  This should be used rarely, and only when the CO (or duty officer) ensures that procedures were (are) being followed.

3- If Star Fleet or the UFP initatiates Contact:
This method is normally only used after extensive covert observation of the planet and it's inhabitants is made.

A small team (usually consisting of 2 or 3 of the following: CO, XO, DO, Counselor, Chief of Security, Chief of Science, Chief Medical Officer), will initiate contact with a selected member of the culture (the most 'open' to contact).  The reactions of the cultural representative MUST be noted and all care must be used to prevent disruption in the general population.

For contact to proceed the team must arrange to meet the top government officials of the planet.  The team must congratulate them on their development, and present them with the option to either remain "off limits" to offworlders, accept limited contact or finally to join the galactic community.  If they opt to remain "off limits", they will have the official designation of UFP Protectorate and Star Fleet will ensure their isolation.  If they accept limited contact or wish to join the galactic community a UFP ambassador and diplomatic team will be assigned to organize a treaty.

It is the primary role of the Diplomatic Officer to make a full report about all First Contact Procedures, but if a DO is not available it falls to the Counselor together with the XO and the CMO to complete the report.  The report should describe: The behavior patterns of the species, the appearance of the species and all special abilities they species might have (Telepathy, enhanced strength, etc.)  The report must be sent to the CO who will submit it to Star Fleet Command.