Quick Links
Meet the True Sons of Antar – a nasty bunch clawing their way out of a pit of hatred. They’re not here for unity; they’re here to mess things up. This isn’t one of those happyStar Trekalliances; it’s a brutal saga of chaos and malevolence. The True Sons, as described in the novelRise of the Federation: Live by the Codeby Christopher L. Bennett, wreck the balance between Antarans and Denobulans. They aren’t about niceties; they’re the wrecking ball smashing the alliance to bits. Cooperation becomes a joke, diplomacy turns rusty, and prejudice rears its ugly head.
Live by the Codetosses readers into a ruthless dance with these dark forces. The once-harmonious universe now echoes with the sinister code of the True Sons – a code darker than any star in the vast expanse ofStar Trek.
Who Are the True Sons of Antar?
Origin
Rise of the Federation: Live by the Codeby Christopher L. Bennett
Goals
The True Sons of Antar trace their roots to a turbulent past, rooted in the 19th-century conflicts between the Antarans and Denobulans. These wars claimed the lives of millions on both sides,leaving scars that persisted for centuries. The uneasy truce that followed saw the races deliberately avoiding each other, fostering a deep-seated mutual animosity that endured until the 22nd century.
The delicate balance shifted in 2151 when the United Earth Starfleet vessel Enterprise intervened, rescuing an Antaran and thrusting him into an unexpected encounter with the ship’s Denobulan physician, Phlox. This meeting between representatives of historically warring factions set the stage for a cautious reconciliation between the Antarans and Denobulans.
As the Antaran government took strides to mend relations with the Denobulans, a malevolent force emerged in the form of the True Sons. This extremist group harbored a visceral hatred for Denobulans and vehemently opposed the Antarangovernment’s efforts to foster unity. Their radical agenda aimed to sabotage any progress made toward reconciliation.
The catalyst for their violence was the marriage between Sohon Retab, an Antaran politician’s son, and Vaneel, the daughter of Phlox. This union, the first of its kind, became a flashpoint for the True Sons. It pushed them to orchestrate a series of heinous acts in a bid to disrupt the fragile peace between the two races.
The True Sons' plan began with the murder of Sohon Retab by the Denobulan extremist Mettus, the son of Phlox. This act of violence triggered a chain of events that would test the newfound unity. The True Sons, undeterred by the Denobulangovernment’s reluctance to intervene, launched a brazen attack on the prison holding Mettus, kidnapping him to orchestrate a show trial.
Connection to Dr. Phlox
During this crisis, Phlox, the Denobulan physician, emerged as an unlikely hero. Unwilling to let his son face a death sentence, Phlox bridged the gap between the two races, pleading for Mettus’s life. This emotional plea provided an opening for Antaran forces to launch a daring rescue mission, leading to a confrontation in the Enphera Desert.
The True Sons attempted to finalize Mettus’s execution in the Enphera Desert. Broadcasting the trial to both their leadership and the citizens of Antar, theyaimed to solidify their gripon the fractured society. However, fate intervened. Phlox, risking life and limb, appeared on the scene, begging for the life of his son and disrupting the proceedings.
This pivotal moment allowed Antaran forces to storm the trial, capturing the entire True Sons leadership. Simultaneously, they traced the signals to the True Sons' headquarters, launching a raid that dealt a severe blow to the organization’s infrastructure. Phlox, taking a blast meant for his son, showcased the lengths one would go to preserve the fragile peace between Antarans and Denobulans.
The swift and decisive action by Antaran forces not only rescued Mettus, but also crippled the True Sons of Antar. With key leaders captured and their headquarters dismantled, the extremist organization found itselfon the brink of collapse. The ideals that fueled their hatred were shattered by the resolute unity displayed by those committed to building bridges between the once-warring races.
Legacy
In the aftermath, as Phlox recovered from his injuries and Mettus found himself in Antaran custody, a surprising twist unfolded. Mettus, confronted with the stark contrast between the reality of Antaran society and the twisted narrative he had been fed, experienced a profound change of heart. The once-embittered son forgave his father,marking a poignant momentof redemption and understanding.
The True Sons of Antar, a dark chapter in theStar Treksaga, serves as a cautionary tale of how prejudice and extremism can threaten interstellar relations. Dr. Phlox’s intervention and the Antarans' decisive actions not only thwarted the extremists, but renewed a commitment to understanding and cooperation between the Antarans and Denobulans.
