The number-one adversasry of the Federation is the Klingon Empire. More poweful than the Romulans, the Klingons are less admirable characters. Their only rule of life is that rules are made to be broken by shrewdness, deceit, or power. Cruelty is something admirable; honor is a despicable trait. They will go out of their way to provoke an incident with the Federation.

The Klingon Empire is, in many areas, in close proximity to Federation territory. A specific border separates the two, but it is continually being violated by the Klingons.

Rule is by absolute dictatorship, and assassination is common. Their society is totally devoted to personal gain by the cleverest, strongest, or most treacherous. As a result, their vessels often operate much like "privateers," and wrlike acts are a way of life. Life on all levels is completely supervised, and extensive use is made of "snooping devices" (again, on all levels) to help maintain total control.

Physically, the Klingons are slightly oriental looking, dark complexioned, with bushy eyebrows that arch up at both ends. The men, without exception, are bearded. They have no patience with women, even their own, and treat them as sometime useful animals.

About two years ago, both the Klingons and the Federation were preparing for an all-out war. In fact, a Klingon battle fleet was already in space, bound for an attack. The war never materialized, however, as it was averted by superior beings from the planet Organia. ("Errand of Mercy") Quite arbitrarily, these beings disamed both fleeets simultaneously, and declared the war over before it bad begun.

A treaty was imposed on both sides, and is now known as Organian Peace Treaty. Terms are very specific; neither side may fight. In cases of dispute over a newly discovered plant, the Orgaians arbitrate the matter, awarding the planet to whichever side can develop it more effciently.

The treaty remains in effect, buy there have been numerous minor incidents and encounters, usually provoked by the Klingons.

In ters of weaponry, the Klingons are armed with Sonic Disrupter Pistols. Their ships are comparable in power and capability to the starships, although design-wise the difference between the two calsses of vessels is startling.

All in all, the Klingons appear to have little (by our standards) in the way of redeeming qualities.

Episode List and Guest Star for Season One