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{{disambiguation link|First Contact}}
 
{{disambiguation link|First Contact}}
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{{aquote|No matter how many stars there are in the sky, no matter how many galaxies swirl beyond our own, no matter what the mathematical probabilities or the number of times we say 'we are not alone in the universe', our first visit from the stars is always the province of [[Children's story|children's stories]] and [[science fiction]]. First contact with aliens always lives squarely in the impossible. First contact is just a dream... until one day, it isn't.|[[Una Chin-Riley]]|2259|Strange New Worlds}}
The term '''first contact''' describes the first official encounter between representatives of two [[races]] or [[government]]s. Occasionally, the official first contact takes place years or even decades after members of the [[species]] involved have first met.
 
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The [[Terminology|term]] '''first contact''' [[Description|described]] the first official encounter between [[representative]]s of two [[race]]s or [[government]]s. ({{film|8}})
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{{bginfo|In the [[script]]s, the term "first contact" is only capitalized as "First Contact" when referring to the historically significant first contact between [[Human]]s and [[Vulcan]]s that occurred in [[2063]]. Otherwise first contact is spelled simply as "first contact". ''{{st-minutiae|resources/scripts/fc.txt}} {{st-minutiae|resources/scripts/189.txt}}}}
   
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The first contact protocols of the [[United Federation of Planets]] and [[Starfleet]] are based on procedures long used by the [[Vulcan]]s. ({{ENT|Civilization}}; {{SNW|Strange New Worlds}})
Typically, first contact is only initiated by the [[Federation]] if a [[civilization]] is sufficiently advanced and has developed interstellar travel (via [[warp drive]], for example). Contact with more primitive civilizations is prohibited by the [[Prime Directive]].
 
   
It has been stated that the preferred method is to privately approach [[scientist]]s and intellectual leaders to make the initial contact, on the assumption that they would more easily grasp the concept of [[alien]] [[life]]. ({{TNG|First Contact}})
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Occasionally, the official first contact took place years or even decades after members of the [[species]] involved first met. Typically, first contact was only initiated by the [[Federation]] if a [[civilization]] was sufficiently advanced or had developed interstellar travel (via [[warp drive]], for example). Contact with more primitive civilizations was prohibited by the [[Prime Directive]]. It was stated that the preferred method was to privately approach [[scientist]]s and intellectual leaders to make the initial contact, on the assumption that they would more easily grasp the concept of [[alien]] [[life]]. Also, the population was typically observed covertly for some time before making first contact, a decision made after the Klingon first contact. ({{TNG|First Contact}})
   
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[[File:First contact art.jpg|thumb|A drawing titled "First Contact"]]
[[Captain]] [[McCoullough]] revised the first contact protocols for [[Starfleet]]. Following first contact with the enigmatic [[Wadi]], [[Benjamin Sisko]] wished McCoullough was in his place. ({{DS9|Move Along Home}})
 
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[[Starfleet Command]] [[Directive 010]] stated that "''Before engaging alien species in battle, any and all attempts to make first contact and achieve non-military resolution must be made.''" ({{VOY|In the Flesh}}) [[First contact procedure]]s were a part of the [[Bridge Officer's Test]]. ({{TNG|Thine Own Self}}) These [[Starfleet]] first contact principles were revised over the years, including by [[Captain]] [[McCoullough]]. ({{DS9|Move Along Home}}) One who [[Specialist|specialized]] in making first contacts was known as a [[first contact specialist]]. ({{TNG|Tin Man}})
   
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Several Starfleet captains became known in part for the number of species with which they had initiated contact. As of 2378, [[Kathryn Janeway]] had made first contact with more species than any [[captain]] since [[James T. Kirk]]. ({{VOY|Friendship One}}) By [[2379]], [[Jean-Luc Picard]] had represented the Federation during first contacts with twenty-seven different alien races. ({{film|10}})
The [[Bolian]] [[Federation]] [[Ambassador]] [[Vadosia]] mentioned that he had a particular interest in first contact procedures. ({{DS9|The Forsaken}})
 
   
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Other cultures also recognized first contact as a momentous occasion. According to [[Marla Gilmore]], the [[Ponea]] considered every first contact to be a reason for [[party|celebration]]. ({{VOY|Equinox}})
By [[2379]], [[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard]] had represented the Federation during the first contacts with 27 different alien races. ({{film|10}})
 
   
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[[Seven of Nine]] once expressed to Kathryn Janeway that her practice of following Starfleet protocol regarding first contact was incompatible with the objective of getting the {{USS|Voyager}} home. Janeway respectfully disagreed, noting that she and her crew sought out new races because they wanted to as part of an insatiable Human curiosity about the [[universe]], not simply because they were following protocol. ({{VOY|Random Thoughts}})
The {{USS|Voyager}} made the most first contacts since [[James T. Kirk]] during its journey through the unexplored [[Delta Quadrant]] from [[2371]]-[[2378]]. ({{VOY|Friendship One}})
 
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Angry about the situation during the "first contact" with the [[Novan]]s, [[Captain]] [[Jonathan Archer]] stated, "''If I can't make first contact with other Humans I don't have any [[business]] being out here.''" ({{ENT|Terra Nova}})
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In [[2151]], a [[drawing]] {{dis|Title|arts|titled}} "{{dis|First Contact|art}}" and created by the [[fourth grade]] [[student]] {{dis|Haley|student}} was sent to {{EnterpriseNX}}. It depicted a first contact between a one-[[eye]]d [[alien]] with ten [[tentacle]]s and a Human in an [[environmental suit]] from the [[USA]]. ({{ENT|Breaking the Ice}})
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Until the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701}}'s [[2259]] discovery of the [[Kiley]] using [[warp]] in the form of a [[warp bomb]], [[Science Officer]] [[Spock]] stated that not once in the entire [[history]] of first contact had warp been first developed as anything but a drive. ({{SNW|Strange New Worlds}})
   
 
== Human-Vulcan first contact ==
 
== Human-Vulcan first contact ==
[[File:Vulcan captain, first contact.jpg|thumb|Human-Vulcan first contact in [[2063]]]]
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[[File:Vulcan captain, first contact.jpg|thumb|Human-Vulcan first contact in 2063]]
[[File:Kirk-Spock in 1930.jpg|thumb|[[James T. Kirk|Kirk]] and [[Spock]] in [[1930]]]]
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[[File:Kirk-Spock in 1930.jpg|thumb|Kirk and Spock in 1930]]
The term First Contact, in [[Human]] context, is also used to specifically refer to the first official publicly and globally known contact between Humans and extraterrestrials. The First Contact took place on the evening of [[April|April 5]], [[2063]], when a [[T'Plana-Hath type|Vulcan survey ship]], the [[T'Plana-Hath (starship)|''T'Plana-Hath'']], having detected the [[warp signature]] of the ''[[Phoenix]]'', touched down in [[Bozeman]], central [[Montana]], where they met with the ''Phoenix''{{'}}s designer and pilot, [[Zefram Cochrane]]. This event is generally referred to as the defining moment in [[Human history]], eventually paving the way for a unified [[United Earth|world government]] and, later, the [[United Federation of Planets]]. The event also became an annual holiday called [[First Contact Day]]. ({{film|8}}; {{ENT|Broken Bow|Desert Crossing|E²|These Are the Voyages...}}; {{TNG|The Outcast|Attached}}; {{VOY|Homestead}})
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The capitalized term First Contact, in [[Human]] context, was used to specifically refer to the first official publicly and globally known contact between Humans and extraterrestrials. The First Contact took place on the evening of [[April|April 5]], [[2063]], when a [[T'Plana-Hath type|Vulcan survey ship]], the ''{{dis|T'Plana-Hath|starship}}'', having detected the [[warp signature]] of the ''[[Phoenix]]'', touched down in [[Bozeman]], central [[Montana]], where the crew met with the ''Phoenix''{{'}}s designer and pilot, [[Zefram Cochrane]]. This event was generally referred to as the defining moment in [[Human history]], eventually paving the way for a unified [[United Earth|world government]] and, later, the [[United Federation of Planets]]. The event also became an annual holiday called [[First Contact Day]]. ({{film|8}}; {{ENT|Broken Bow|Desert Crossing|E²|These Are the Voyages...}}; {{TNG|The Outcast|Attached}}; {{VOY|Homestead}}; {{ST|Children of Mars}}; {{PIC|Maps and Legends}})
   
An unofficial first contact between Humans and a Vulcan occurred during the [[Great Depression|Depression era]] in [[New York City]]. In [[1930]], [[James T. Kirk|Kirk]] and [[Spock]], a Vulcan from the [[23rd century]], traveled through time and walked on the streets of New York being witnessed by many. When the two were caught stealing clothes by the [[police]], Kirk attempted to explain to the officer that Spock was [[Chinese]] and his ears the result of a childhood accident. After they escaped from being taken into custody, Spock disguised his Vulcan appearance. ({{TOS|The City on the Edge of Forever}})
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An unofficial first encounter between Humans and a Vulcan occurred during the [[Great Depression|Depression era]] in [[New York City]]. In [[1930]], James Kirk and Spock, a Vulcan from the [[23rd century]], traveled through time and walked on the streets of New York being witnessed by many. When the two were caught stealing clothes by the [[police]], Kirk attempted to explain to the officer that Spock was [[Chinese]] and his ears the result of a childhood accident. After they avoided being taken into custody, Spock disguised his Vulcan appearance. ({{TOS|The City on the Edge of Forever}})
   
Well documented at the [[Vulcan Science Directorate]] and [[Vulcan Space Council|Space Council]], but not in common Human knowledge, is also the incident of a small [[Vulcan survey ship (20th century)|Vulcan survey ship]] crash-landing in [[Carbon Creek]], [[Pennsylvania]], a [[mining]] town, in [[1957]]. Sent to investigate the launch of Earth's first [[artificial satellite]], ''[[Sputnik]]'', the [[starship]]'s [[impulse manifold]] began to malfunction during the third week of intelligence gathering, forcing the [[crew]] to attempt an emergency landing. The [[commander]] of the vessel perished in the crash, leaving command to [[T'Mir]], [[T'Pol]]'s second [[foremother]]. Unable to confirm the transmission of their [[distress call]], having exhausted their [[emergency ration]]s, the remainder of the Vulcan crew was ultimately compelled to enter Carbon Creek in disguise. Without [[money|currency]], T'Mir and [[Mestral]] were able to obtain [[food|sustenance]] in the form of [[pretzel]]s and [[water]] at the local [[bar]]. Mestral, however, confident in his knowledge of simple [[geometry]], was able to obtain currency, and, consequently, "[[cryogenics|cryogenic]]" (i.e. frozen) food, through a [[game]] of [[pool]]. As the weeks wore on, the crew took up various employments and increased their interactions with the Humans. T'Mir, Mestral, and [[Stron]], nevertheless, managed to keep their existence as aliens a secret. ({{ENT|Carbon Creek}})
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Well documented at the [[Vulcan Science Directorate]] and [[Space Council]], but not in common Human knowledge, was also the incident of a small [[Vulcan survey ship 001|Vulcan survey ship]] [[crash landing]] in [[Carbon Creek]], [[Pennsylvania]], a [[mining]] town, in [[1957]]. The survey ship was sent to investigate the launch of Earth's first [[artificial satellite]], ''[[Sputnik]]''. An [[impulse manifold]] malfunction forced the crew to attempt crash-landing. The [[commander]] of the vessel perished in the crash, leaving command to [[T'Mir]], [[T'Pol]]'s second [[foremother]]. Having exhausted their [[emergency ration]]s, the crew entered Carbon Creek in disguise as Humans. As the weeks and months wore on, the crew took up various employment in the town and managed to keep their identity as aliens a secret. T'Mir and [[Stron]] were rescued by the ''[[D'Vahl]]'' in [[1958]]. [[Mestral]] chose to stay behind and live on Earth among Humans, which the other two kept covered up. ({{ENT|Carbon Creek}})
   
 
==Roswell UFO incident==
 
==Roswell UFO incident==
[[File:Ferengi Shuttle photo.jpg|thumb|The Roswell UFO, ''[[Quark's Treasure]]'']]
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[[File:Quark's Treasure photographs.jpg|thumb|The Roswell UFO, ''Quark's Treasure'']]
 
[[File:Hyumans mimicking ferengi.jpg|thumb|Humans attempting to communicate with the aliens]]
 
[[File:Hyumans mimicking ferengi.jpg|thumb|Humans attempting to communicate with the aliens]]
The [[Roswell Incident]] was the actual first contact between Humans and extraterrestrials, that was not considered by Humans to be a supernatural event. The incident was however covered up by the [[United States Air Force]] and never made public knowledge. In [[1947]], the [[Ferengi shuttle]] ''[[Quark's Treasure]]'' crash-landed near the town of [[Roswell]], [[New Mexico]]. The event was initially reported in the [[newspaper]]s, but was quickly retracted by the military, claimed to be a misidentification of [[weather balloon]] debris. The three aliens, thought to be [[Martian]]s at the time, were found unconscious on board the damaged ship and taken into custody by the [[United States Army Air Corps]]. [[President]] [[Harry Truman]] wanted the aliens to be examined and interrogated, tortured if necessary. The shuttle was stored in [[Hangar 18]] of the Air Force Base and was examined by the military. They however couldn't figure out how it worked.
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The [[Roswell Incident]] was the actual first contact between modern Humans and extraterrestrials that was not considered by Humans to be a supernatural event. The incident was however covered up by the [[United States Air Force]] and never made public knowledge. In [[July]] [[1947]], the [[Ferengi shuttle]] ''[[Quark's Treasure]]'' crash-landed near the town of [[Roswell]], [[New Mexico]]. The event was initially reported in the [[newspaper]]s, but was quickly retracted by the military, claimed to be a misidentification of [[weather balloon]] debris. The three aliens, thought to be [[Martian]]s at the time, were found unconscious on board the damaged ship and taken into custody by the [[United States Army Air Forces]]. [[President]] [[Harry Truman]] wanted the aliens to be examined and interrogated, tortured if necessary. The shuttle was stored in [[Hangar 18]] of the Air Force Base and was examined by the military; however, they couldn't figure out how it worked.
   
[[Quark]] introduced himself as a [[Ferengi]], the [[Chief Financial Officer]] of the [[Ferengi Alliance]], and wanted to sell advanced technology to the [[United States]] in exchange for [[gold]]. He claimed the Ferengi had conducted surveillance of Earth for years and knew everything there was to know about Humans. He threatened to sell the technology to the [[Soviet Union]] if the Americans wouldn't buy it from him. [[Rom]] attempted to tell the interrogators the truth, that they were accidental time travelers from the future. [[Nog]] in turn attempted to tell the interrogators what they wanted to hear, that they were scouts of a massive alien invasion force that was orbiting the Earth and about to invade the planet.
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[[Quark]] introduced himself as a [[Ferengi]], the [[chief financial officer]] of the [[Ferengi Alliance]], and wanted to sell advanced technology to the [[United States]] in exchange for [[gold]]. He claimed the Ferengi had conducted surveillance of Earth for years and knew everything there was to know about Humans. He threatened to sell the technology to the [[Soviet Union]] if the Americans wouldn't buy it from him. [[Rom]] attempted to tell the interrogators the truth, that they were accidental time travelers from the future. [[Nog]] in turn attempted to tell the interrogators what they wanted to hear, that they were scouts of a massive alien invasion force that was orbiting the Earth and about to invade the planet.
   
The three Ferengi managed to escape on their ship with the help from [[Faith Garland]] and [[Jeff Carlson]]. [[Odo]] was seen shape-shifting by the two [[20th century]] humans. The Americans did not learn where the aliens really came from or what their true mission was or where they went after they escaped. The incident however proved the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life to the United States government, and gave them information on alien physiology from the thorough medical examinations of the three Ferengi. ({{DS9|Little Green Men}})
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The three Ferengi managed to escape on their ship with the help from [[Garland]] and [[Jeff]]. [[Odo]] was seen shape-shifting by the two [[20th century]] Humans. The Americans did not learn where the aliens really came from or what their true mission was or where they went after they escaped. The incident however proved the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life to the United States government, and gave them information on alien physiology from the thorough medical examinations of the three Ferengi. ({{DS9|Little Green Men}})
   
 
== Other notable first contacts ==
 
== Other notable first contacts ==
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=== Human-Sky Spirit first contact ===
 
=== Human-Sky Spirit first contact ===
[[File:Sky Spirits.jpg|thumb|A [[Sky Spirit]]]]
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[[File:Sky Spirits.jpg|thumb|A Sky Spirit]]
The earliest known notable Human - extraterrestrial first contact was with the [[Sky Spirit]]s, a race of [[humanoid]] explorers, with [[Warp drive|warp-capable]] [[starship]]s, from the [[Delta Quadrant]] of the [[Milky Way Galaxy]]. They first visited Earth in the Paleolithic age around [[Distant past#Tens of thousands of years ago|42,600 BC]] and saw that most Humans were barbaric in nature. They did however find a nomadic tribe of hunters who had no culture or language, but who had respect for all life and land. The Sky Spirits initiated first contact and gave the nomads a genetic bond that made them a race of Human-Sky People hybrids called the [[Inheritor]]s. The genetic bond gave them the appearance of the Sky Spirit race and the Sky Spirit mentality for curiosity and adventure that eventually became part of all Human culture. The Inheritors were also the first people to migrate to the American continent. When the Europeans invaded the lands around the [[16th century]] most of the Inheritors were killed by war and disease. Only a few Inheritors, who had the Sky Spirit physical appearance, survived in hiding in the [[Central America]]n [[rain forest]]. ({{VOY|Tattoo}})
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The earliest known notable Human - extraterrestrial first contact was with the [[Sky Spirit]]s, a race of [[humanoid]] explorers, with [[warp-capable]] [[starship]]s, from the [[Delta Quadrant]] of the [[Milky Way Galaxy]]. They first visited Earth in the Paleolithic age around [[45,000 years ago|42,600 BC]] and saw that most Humans were barbaric in nature. They did however find a nomadic [[tribe]] of hunters who had no culture or language, but who had respect for all life and land. The Sky Spirits initiated first contact and gave the nomads a genetic bond that made them a race of Human-Sky People hybrids called the [[Inheritor]]s. The genetic bond gave them the appearance of the Sky Spirit race and the Sky Spirit [[mentality]] for curiosity and adventure that eventually became part of all Human culture. The Inheritors were also the first people to migrate to the American continent. When the Europeans invaded the lands around the [[16th century]] most of the Inheritors were killed by war and disease. One tribe of Inheritors, who had the Sky Spirit physical appearance, survived in hiding in the [[Central America]]n [[rain forest]], while at least one other tribe modernized and moved away from Earth. ({{VOY|Tattoo}})
   
 
=== Human-Kukulkan first contact ===
 
=== Human-Kukulkan first contact ===
[[File:Kukulkan.jpg|thumb|[[Kukulkan]]]]
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[[File:Kukulkan.jpg|thumb|Kukulkan]]
[[Kukulkan]], an immensely old alien being and the last of its race, saw humanoids in the [[Milky Way Galaxy|galaxy]] as violent beings, always eventually destroying themselves. Kukulkan visited [[Earth]] as an experiment and had contact with all the civilizations on the planet. With a plan of turning Humans to a path of peace, it gave them advanced knowledge, such as the Mayan calendar, hieroglyphic writing, and architectural plans to a city with designs of [[obelisk]]s, [[pyramid]]s, temples and gateways. The ancient Egyptians, [[Chinese]] and the [[Native American]]s attempted to build the city but only finished parts of it. Kukulkans visit was remembered in [[Comanche]], [[Maya]]n and [[Aztec]] legend. In [[Toltec]] legend he was called [[Quetzalcoatl]]. Kukulkan was the basis of the Chinese [[dragon]], and all the other similar winged [[snake|serpent]] gods in the various cultures on Earth. ({{TAS|How Sharper Than a Serpent's Tooth}})
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[[Kukulkan]], an immensely old alien being and the last of its race, saw humanoids in the [[Milky Way Galaxy|galaxy]] as violent beings, always eventually destroying themselves. Kukulkan visited [[Earth]] as an experiment and had contact with all the civilizations on the planet. With a plan of turning Humans to a path of peace, it gave them advanced knowledge, such as the Mayan calendar, hieroglyphic writing, and architectural plans to a city with designs of [[obelisk]]s, {{dis|pyramid|structure}}s, temples and gateways. The ancient Egyptians, [[Chinese]] and the [[Native American]]s attempted to build the city but only finished parts of it. Kukulkan's visit was remembered in [[Comanche]], [[Maya]]n and [[Aztec]] legend. In [[Toltec]] legend he was called [[Quetzalcoatl]]. Kukulkan was the basis of the Chinese [[dragon]], and all the other similar winged [[snake|serpent]] gods in the various cultures on Earth. ({{TAS|How Sharper Than a Serpent's Tooth}})
{{bginfo|The Kukulkan visit was not given a specific date but the accounts would seem to suggest an era around [[Distant past#Thousands of years ago|5,000 BC to 2,000 BC]]. According to the [[Star Trek: The Animated Series (DVD)|TAS DVD]] [[audio commentary]], the idea of Kukulkan as an alien was inspired by the {{w|Erich von Däniken}} book ''{{w|Chariots of the Gods?}}''|According to the PC game ''[[Star Trek: 25th Anniversary (PC)#5 - The Feathered Serpent|Star Trek: 25th Anniversary]]'', Quetzalcoatl was a different, humanoid alien who contacted the early Aztecs later on in a failed attempt to teach them a philosophy of peace and non-violence.}}
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{{bginfo|The Kukulkan visit was not given a specific date but the accounts would seem to suggest an era around [[5th millennium BC|5000 BC to 2000 BC]]. According to the [[Star Trek: The Animated Series (DVD)|TAS DVD]] [[audio commentary]], the idea of Kukulkan as an alien was inspired by the {{w|Erich von Däniken}} book {{wt|Chariots of the Gods?}}|According to the PC game ''[[Star Trek: 25th Anniversary (PC)#5 - The Feathered Serpent|Star Trek: 25th Anniversary]]'', {{mb|Quetzalcoatl}} was a different, humanoid alien who contacted the early Aztecs later on in a failed attempt to teach them a philosophy of peace and non-violence.}}
   
 
=== Human-Greek gods first contact ===
 
=== Human-Greek gods first contact ===
 
[[File:Apollo.jpg|thumb|[[Apollo]]]]
 
[[File:Apollo.jpg|thumb|[[Apollo]]]]
In the early [[3rd millennium BC]], a group of powerful immortal beings from [[Pollux IV]] landed on Earth in the [[Mediterranean]] region. These aliens considered themselves to be gods and presented themselves as such to the primitive Humans. They had the power to control and transform the environment, to change physical shape, the power of teleportation, as well as control over the life and death of other beings. The worship of these aliens was the beginning of the Ancient Greek civilization and their deeds on Earth became the [[Greek mythology|Greek classic myths]]. Eventually Humans became less interested in the worship of these gods. Instead of punishing Humans and demanding worship, the aliens left Earth around [[3rd millennium BC|2700 BC]] for their home planet. Many of the Greek gods eventually decided to end their own existence.
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In the early [[3rd millennium BC]], a group of powerful immortal beings from [[Pollux IV]] landed on Earth in the [[Mediterranean]] region. These aliens considered themselves to be gods and presented themselves as such to the primitive Humans. They had the power to control and transform the environment, to change physical shape, the power of teleportation, as well as control over the life and death of other beings. The worship of these aliens was the beginning of the Ancient Greek civilization and their deeds on Earth became the [[Greek mythology|Greek classic myths]]. Eventually, Humans became less interested in the worship of these gods. Instead of punishing Humans and demanding worship, the aliens left Earth around [[3rd millennium BC|2700 BC]] for their home planet. Many of the Greek gods eventually decided to end their own existence.
   
In [[2267]], [[James T. Kirk]] and his crew made contact with [[Apollo]], the last of the [[Greek god]]s, who had waited for his worshipers to develop space travel and seek him out. The encounter resulted in the death of Apollo and the extinction of his species. ({{TOS|Who Mourns for Adonais?}})
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In [[2267]], James Kirk and his crew made contact with [[Apollo]], the last of the [[Greek god]]s, who had waited for his worshipers to develop space travel and seek him out. The encounter resulted in the death of Apollo and the [[extinction]] of his species. ({{TOS|Who Mourns for Adonais?}})
   
 
=== Human-Megan first contact ===
 
=== Human-Megan first contact ===
[[File:Sorcerer-contractor.jpg|thumb|A [[sorcerer-contractor]] conjuring a structure]]
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[[File:Sorcerer-contractor.jpg|thumb|A sorcerer-contractor conjuring a structure]]
During the [[13th century]], a group of [[Megan]]s settled on [[Earth]]. They were an ageless [[species]] from a [[parallel universe]] where [[magic]] was part of the natural laws. They assisted [[Human]]s as [[sorcerer-contractor]]s using their natural ability to change reality with the power of thought. The Megans were responsible for the medieval [[mythology|legends]] of magic and [[Love philter|love potions]], [[witch]]es, wizards, evil sorcerers, demons and warlocks.
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During the [[13th century]], a group of [[Megan]]s settled on [[Earth]]. They were an ageless [[species]] from a [[parallel universe]] where [[magic]] was part of the natural laws. They assisted [[Human]]s as [[sorcerer-contractor]]s using their natural ability to change reality with the power of thought. The Megans were responsible for the medieval [[mythology|legends]] of magic and [[Love philtre|love potions]], [[witch]]es, wizards, evil sorcerers, demons, and warlocks.
   
By the [[17th century]], it had become clear to the Megans, that Humans were only manipulating them to gain power for themselves and to serve their own greeds and lusts. When Megans refused to serve, Humans turned against them and taught others to fear and hate them. [[Lucien]], a Megan, known on Earth by the name Lucifer, became synonymous with the mythological [[Devil]] of [[Christianity]]. [[Asmodeus]], became known as a demon. The Megans who had survived the centuries of persecution eventually settled in [[Salem]], [[Massachusetts]], to live out their lives there in the guise of normal Humans. After several Megans made the mistake of using their powers again, they were burned as witches during the [[Salem witch trials]]. The last surviving Megans left Earth and returned to their [[universe]], where they remained bitter and fearful of Humans.
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By the [[17th century]], it had become clear to the Megans, that Humans were only manipulating them to gain power for themselves and to serve their own greed and lust. When Megans refused to serve, Humans turned against them and taught others to fear and hate them. [[Lucien]], a Megan, known on Earth by the name Lucifer, became synonymous with the mythological [[Devil]] of [[Christianity]]. [[Asmodeus]], became known as a demon. The Megans who had survived the centuries of persecution eventually settled in [[Salem]], [[Massachusetts]], to live out their lives there in the guise of normal Humans. After several Megans made the mistake of using their powers again, they were burned as witches during the [[Salem witch trials]]. The last surviving Megans left Earth and returned to their universe, where they remained bitter and fearful of Humans.
   
 
In [[2269]], the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701}} made contact with the Megans and Captain Kirk managed to prove them that Humans had changed. Asmodeus welcomed Humans to visit [[Megas-Tu]] in the future. ({{TAS|The Magicks of Megas-Tu}})
 
In [[2269]], the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701}} made contact with the Megans and Captain Kirk managed to prove them that Humans had changed. Asmodeus welcomed Humans to visit [[Megas-Tu]] in the future. ({{TAS|The Magicks of Megas-Tu}})
   
 
=== Human-Non-corporeal first contact ===
 
=== Human-Non-corporeal first contact ===
[[File:Anaphasic lifeform.jpg|thumb|"[[Ronin]]" in its true form]]
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[[File:Anaphasic lifeform.jpg|thumb|"Ronin" in its true form]]
In the late [[17th century]], a symbiotic non-corporeal [[anaphasic lifeform]] took the appearance of a Human male, claiming to be the [[ghost]] of a man called [[Ronin]], who was born in [[1647]] in [[Glasgow]], [[Scotland]]. It did this to fool [[Jessel Howard]] into a symbiotic relationship. Jessel was one of [[Beverly Crusher]]'s distant ancestors and one of the rare Humans who had biochemistry compatible with the lifeforms energy matrix. The symbiotic relationship was passed down to each of her daughters and was the source of many ghost stories surrounding the family. ({{TNG|Sub Rosa}})
 
   
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The energy creature known as [[Onaya]] had visited Earth as early as the [[1st century]] and encountered [[Catullus]].
In [[19th century|1888]], [[Redjac]] a non-corporeal parasitic lifeform began to gain fame on Earth when he used host-Humans to become a serial killer of women in [[London]], [[England]]. The entity fed on the [[emotion]]s produced by the fear and terror in its vitcims. [[Newspaper]]s dubbed him "Jack the Ripper". ({{TOS|Wolf in the Fold}})
 
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In the late [[17th century]], a symbiotic non-corporeal [[anaphasic lifeform]] took the appearance of a Human male, claiming to be the [[ghost]] of a man called [[Ronin]], who was born in [[1647]] in [[Glasgow]], [[Scotland]]. It did this to fool [[Jessel Howard]] into a symbiotic relationship. Jessel was one of [[Beverly Crusher]]'s distant ancestors and one of the rare Humans who had biochemistry compatible with the lifeform's energy matrix. The symbiotic relationship was passed down to each of her daughters and was the source of many ghost stories surrounding the family. ({{TNG|Sub Rosa}})
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In [[19th century|1888]], [[Redjac]] a non-corporeal parasitic lifeform began to gain fame on Earth when he used host-Humans to become a serial killer of women in [[London]], [[England]]. The entity fed on the [[emotion]]s produced by the fear and terror in its victims. [[Newspaper]]s dubbed him "Jack the Ripper". ({{TOS|Wolf in the Fold}})
   
 
=== Human-Klingon first contact ===
 
=== Human-Klingon first contact ===
[[File:Klaang.jpg|thumb|[[Klaang]] standing in a corn field in [[Broken Bow]], [[Oklahoma]], on [[Earth]] in [[2151]]]]
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[[File:Klaang.jpg|thumb|[[Klaang]]]]
Unofficially, the first known contact between a Human and a Klingon took place, when [[Samuel Clemens]] traveled forward in time from the year [[1893]]. He was [[beam]]ed aboard the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} and met [[Lieutenant]] [[Worf]] in the year [[2369]]. Clemens returned to his own time and did not reveal his knowledge of the existence of extraterrestrials or Klingons to the public. ({{TNG|Time's Arrow, Part II}})
+
Unofficially, the first known encounter between a Human and a Klingon took place when [[Samuel Clemens]] traveled forward in time from the year [[1893]]. He was [[beam]]ed aboard the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} and met [[Lieutenant]] [[Worf]] in the year [[2369]]. Clemens returned to his own time and did not reveal his knowledge of the existence of Klingons or other extraterrestrials to the public. ({{TNG|Time's Arrow, Part II}}) [[Lily Sloane]] also met Worf in [[2063]] and remained silent about the encounter. ({{film|8}})
   
In April of [[2151]], a small [[Klingon]] [[scout]]ship piloted by the [[courier]] [[Klaang]] was returning to [[Qo'noS]] with evidence that [[Suliban Cabal]] was responsible for recent internal strife within the [[Klingon Empire]]. Klaang was pursued by members of the cabal and [[crash landing|crash-landed]] on Earth in [[Broken Bow]], [[Oklahoma]]. Though Klaang managed to dispatch his pursuers, he was shot by a Human [[farmer]] named [[Moore (farmer)|Moore]]. Against the urgings of the Vulcans, [[Starfleet]] launched its first [[warp factor|warp 5]] vessel {{EnterpriseNX}} to return the wounded Klaang to Qo'noS. ({{ENT|Broken Bow}}) This first contact with the Empire was considered a disastrous event that led to decades of war. Based on this bad experience, it was decided to conduct surveillance on new races before making contact. ({{TNG|First Contact}})
+
In April of [[2151]], a Klingon {{class|K'toch}} [[scout]]ship piloted by the [[courier]] [[Klaang]] was returning to [[Qo'noS]] with evidence that the {{dis|Cabal|Suliban}} was responsible for recent internal strife within the [[Klingon Empire]]. Klaang was pursued by members of the cabal and crash-landed on Earth in [[Broken Bow]], [[Oklahoma]]. Though Klaang managed to dispatch his pursuers, he was shot by a Human [[farmer]] named {{dis|Moore|farmer}}. Against the urgings of the Vulcans, Starfleet launched its first [[warp five engine|warp five]] vessel {{EnterpriseNX}} to return the wounded Klaang to Qo'noS. ({{ENT|Broken Bow}}) This first contact with the Empire was considered a disastrous event that led to decades of war. Based on this bad experience, it was decided to conduct surveillance on new races before making contact. ({{TNG|First Contact}})
   
 
=== Human-Andorian first contact ===
 
=== Human-Andorian first contact ===
[[File:P'Jem monastery.jpg|thumb|The monastery of P'Jem, the site of the Human-Andorian first contact in [[2151]]]]
+
[[File:P'Jem monastery.jpg|thumb|The monastery of P'Jem, the site of the Human-Andorian first contact in 2151]]
The first known contact between Humans and [[Andorian]]s occurred accidentally in [[June]] of 2151 at the Vulcan [[monastery]] of [[P'Jem]]. The [[Andorian Empire]] believed that the [[Vulcan High Command]] had constructed a [[listening post]] at the monastery which was being used to [[spy]] on the Andorians, in violation of a treaty signed between the two, and had repeatedly sent [[officer]]s of the [[Andorian Imperial Guard]] to search for it.
+
The first contact between Humans and [[Andorian]]s occurred in [[June]] of [[2151]] at the Vulcan [[monastery]] at [[P'Jem]]. The [[Andorian Empire]] had at the time sent a [[commando]] of the [[Andorian Imperial Guard]] to the monastery. They suspected that the [[Vulcan High Command]] had constructed a secret [[listening post]] at the monastery to [[spy]] on the Andorians, in violation of a [[treaty]] between the two powers. The Andorians, led by [[Andorian Imperial Guard ranks|Commander]] [[Thy'lek Shran]], believed ''Enterprise'' was a [[supply ship]] for the listening post and took the [[landing party]] [[hostage]]. After the listening post deep below the monastery in the [[catacombs]] was {{dis|discovery|observation|discovered}}, Captain Archer allowed the Andorians to leave with proof of the listening post.
   
One such search coincided with a visit by a [[landing party]] from the ''Enterprise'' NX-01 led by Captain [[Jonathan Archer]]. The Andorians, led by [[Commander]] [[Thy'lek Shran|Shran]], mistakenly believed ''Enterprise'' to be a supply vessel for the listening post and took the landing party prisoner. ''Enterprise'' personnel would later attempt a rescue of the landing party. Though there were no fatalities during the resulting firefight, the Humans and Andorians stumbled upon the listening post deep below the monastery. Captain Archer's decision to allow the Andorians to leave with proof of the listening post would temporarily strain Earth-Vulcan relations, particularly after the Andorians later destroyed the monastery and listening post. It would, however, mark the beginning of a long-standing alliance between [[Earth]] and [[Andoria]] and a personal friendship between Archer and Commander Shran. ({{ENT|The Andorian Incident|Shadows of P'Jem}})
+
The incident caused a temporary strain on Earth-Vulcan relations, particularly after the Andorians later destroyed the monastery and listening post. It was however, the beginning of a long-standing [[alliance]] between [[Earth]] and [[Andoria]] and a personal [[friendship]] between Archer and Commander Shran. ({{ENT|The Andorian Incident|Shadows of P'Jem}})
   
 
=== Human-Akaali first contact ===
 
=== Human-Akaali first contact ===
First contact with the [[Akaali]] was made by ''Enterprise'' NX-01 in 2151. It was significant in that it was the first Human-initiated first contact. Despite the Vulcan advice not to contact the primitive Akaali [[homeworld]], Captain Archer took a landing party to the surface. In doing so, the ''Enterprise'' uncovered a covert mining operation by the [[Malurian]]s. ({{ENT|Civilization}})
+
First contact with the [[Akaali]] was made by ''Enterprise'' NX-01 in 2151. It was significant in that it was the first Human-initiated first contact. Despite the Vulcan advice not to contact the primitive [[Akaali homeworld]], Captain Archer took a [[landing party]] to the surface. In doing so, the ''Enterprise'' uncovered a covert [[mining]] operation by the [[Malurian]]s. ({{ENT|Civilization}})
   
 
=== Federation-Gorn first contact ===
 
=== Federation-Gorn first contact ===
[[File:Gorn Kirk cannon.jpg|thumb|[[James T. Kirk|Kirk]] fires his makeshift cannon]]
+
[[File:Kirk fires cannon at Gorn.jpg|thumb|Kirk fires his makeshift cannon]]
  +
First contact between the Federation and the [[Gorn]] occurred in phases.
First contact with the [[Gorn]] occured in [[2267]], when they attacked the [[Federation]] colony on [[Cestus III]]. The Gorn saw the strike as a preemptive move, since they regarded the Cestus system as part of their territory. ({{TOS|Arena}})
 
   
  +
The first known encounter with the [[Gorn]] took place in the [[2230s]] when the {{SS|Puget Sound}} was captured by the Gorn. The entire crew save one, [[La'an Noonien-Singh]], were killed and La'an launched in a [[Mark IV liferaft]], where she was rescued by the {{USS|Martin Luther King Jr.}} ({{SNW|Strange New Worlds}})
[[James T. Kirk]] was the first Federation officer to physically confront a Gorn following his pursuit of their vessel in response to the attack on Cestus III. This pursuit alerted the attention of the [[Metrons]], a highly advanced race who opposed conflict within their territory. They transported Kirk and the [[Unnamed Gorn|Gorn captain]] to a prepared [[planet]] and forced them to battle there. This deed was meant as a punishment, but ultimately, Kirk spared the Gorn captain; the mercy displayed by Kirk's refusal caused the observing [[Metron]] to think of the conflict as a test, which Humans had passed. ({{TOS|Arena}})
 
  +
  +
In [[2259]], the USS ''Enterprise'', responding to a request from a colony on [[Finibus III]], were attacked by [[Gorn hunter]]s and a [[Gorn destroyer]] as the colony had been attacked by them prior to their arrival and used the survivors as a trap. The ''Enterprise'' was heavily damaged by the attack, but were able to drive away their attackers. ({{SNW|Memento Mori}}) Later that same year, the ''Enterprise'' was called to investigate the disappearance of the {{USS|Peregrine}} near [[Valeo Beta V]]. Captain [[Christopher Pike]] lead an away team to the planet and discovered the ship crash landed due to survivors being implanted with Gorn eggs, the only survivor being a young human girl named [[Oriana]]. The infestation was culled by the away team, but not before [[Cadet]] [[Chia]] and [[Lieutenant]] [[Duke]] were murdered and Lieutenant [[Hemmer]] comittted [[suicide]] to prevent the eggs inside him from hatching ({{SNW|All Those Who Wander}})
  +
 
First contact with the Gorn occurred in [[2267]], when they attacked the [[Federation]] colony on [[Cestus III]]. The Gorn saw the strike as a preemptive move, since they regarded the Cestus system as part of their territory. ({{TOS|Arena}})
  +
 
James Kirk was the first Federation officer to physically confront a Gorn following his pursuit of their vessel in response to the attack on Cestus III. This pursuit attracted the attention of the [[Metron]]s, a highly advanced race who opposed conflict within their territory. They transported Kirk and the [[Gorn captain 1|Gorn captain]] to a prepared [[planet]] and forced them to battle there. This deed was meant as a punishment, but ultimately, Kirk spared the Gorn captain; the mercy displayed by Kirk's refusal caused the observing Metron to think of the conflict as a test, which Humans had passed. ({{TOS|Arena}})
   
 
=== Federation-Ferengi Alliance first contact ===
 
=== Federation-Ferengi Alliance first contact ===
First contact with the [[Ferengi]] took place in multiple phases. The very first contact between Humans and Ferengi actually occurred in [[1947]] in the [[Roswell Incident]]. Although the aliens were identified as Ferengi and their physiology was examined, knowledge of the incident was suppressed and never became public knowledge. ({{DS9|Little Green Men}})
+
First contact with the [[Ferengi]] took place in multiple phases. The very first contact between Humans and Ferengi actually occurred in [[1947]] in the Roswell Incident. Although the aliens were identified as Ferengi and their physiology was examined, knowledge of the incident was suppressed and never became public knowledge. ({{DS9|Little Green Men}})
   
In [[2151]], the ''Enterprise'' NX-01 was boarded by a single [[Ulis's starship|Ferengi ship]], [[sedative|sedating]] the entire crew, except for [[Commander]] [[Charles Tucker III|Tucker]]. The Ferengi never identified themselves as such. ({{ENT|Acquisition}})
+
In [[2151]], the ''Enterprise'' NX-01 was boarded by a single [[Ulis' starship|Ferengi ship]], [[sedative|sedating]] the entire crew, except for [[Commander]] [[Charles Tucker III|Tucker]]. The Ferengi never identified themselves as such. ({{ENT|Acquisition}})
   
[[File:Tarr.jpg|thumb|[[DaiMon]] [[Tarr]] making first contact with [[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard|Picard]] in [[2364]]]]
+
[[File:Tarr.jpg|thumb|[[DaiMon]] [[Tarr]] making first contact with Captain Picard in 2364]]
In [[2355]], the {{USS|Stargazer}} encountered a vessel of unknown origin in the [[Maxia Zeta system]], a system the Ferengi had claimed as part of their territory. The Federation was unaware of the claim at the time. Combat between the two vessels ensued, and it was here that Captain Jean-Luc Picard employed the [[Picard Maneuver]] to confuse and destroy the [[Unnamed Ferengi starships#Battle of Maxia|Ferengi ship]]. The ''Stargazer'' also took heavy damage and had to be abandoned by its crew following the incident, and the enemy ship was not officially identified as a Ferengi vessel until [[2364]]. ({{TNG|The Battle}})
+
In [[2355]], the {{USS|Stargazer|NCC-2893}} encountered a [[Bok's son's vessel 001|vessel of unknown origin]] in the [[Maxia Zeta system]], a system the Ferengi had claimed as part of their territory. The Federation was unaware of the claim at the time. Combat between the two vessels ensued, and it was here that Captain Jean-Luc Picard employed the [[Picard Maneuver]] to confuse and destroy the [[Bok's son's ship 001|Ferengi ship]]. The ''Stargazer'' also took heavy damage and had to be abandoned by its crew following the incident, and the enemy ship was not officially identified as a Ferengi vessel until [[2364]]. ({{TNG|The Battle}})
   
 
Determinate first contact between the [[Ferengi Alliance]] and the [[United Federation of Planets]] occurred in 2364 in the [[Delphi Ardu system]], where a [[Tarr's Marauder|Ferengi starship]] and the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} were trapped in [[orbit]] by a derelict [[Outpost 63|outpost]] of the ancient [[Tkon Empire]]. Prior to this, only conflicting hearsay and third hand reports were known by Federation scholars regarding the Ferengi. It was known for sure only that the Ferengi were ruthless traders. ({{TNG|The Last Outpost}})
 
Determinate first contact between the [[Ferengi Alliance]] and the [[United Federation of Planets]] occurred in 2364 in the [[Delphi Ardu system]], where a [[Tarr's Marauder|Ferengi starship]] and the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} were trapped in [[orbit]] by a derelict [[Outpost 63|outpost]] of the ancient [[Tkon Empire]]. Prior to this, only conflicting hearsay and third hand reports were known by Federation scholars regarding the Ferengi. It was known for sure only that the Ferengi were ruthless traders. ({{TNG|The Last Outpost}})
   
Contact between the Ferengi Alliance and the Federation steadily increased to a level of significance, and only minor conflicts ensued from then on. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'', etc.)
+
Contact between the Ferengi Alliance and the Federation steadily increased to a level of significance, and only minor conflicts ensued from then on. ({{s|TNG}}, etc.)
   
 
=== Federation-Borg first contact ===
 
=== Federation-Borg first contact ===
The first contact between Humans and the [[Borg]] occurred in [[2063]] during the Borg [[temporal incursion]] to prevent the Human-Vulcan first contact. [[Lily Sloane]] was the only Human of that era to witness the Borg, though many saw the [[Borg sphere]] in orbit in the night sky over [[Bozeman]], [[Montana]] attempting to bomb the ''[[Phoenix]]'' launch silo. [[Borg drone]]s were found in the debris of the sphere in [[2153]]. The Borg were destroyed by the crew of the {{EnterpriseNX}}. They didn't state their species during the later encounter. ({{film|8}}; {{ENT|Regeneration}})
+
The first contact between Humans and the [[Borg]] occurred in [[2063]] during the Borg [[temporal incursion]] to prevent the Human-Vulcan first contact. [[Lily Sloane]] was the only Human of that era to witness the Borg, though many saw the [[Borg sphere]] in orbit in the night sky over [[Bozeman]], [[Montana]] attempting to bomb the ''Phoenix'' [[missile silo]]. [[Borg drone]]s from the sphere were found in a [[debris]] field in [[2153]], where they were revived by a survey crew who weren't aware of the danger the drones posed. These drones assimilated the survey crew, along with their research vessel, ''[[Arctic One]]'', and escaped into space, where they immediately attempted to contact the Collective. These Borg were later intercepted and destroyed by the crew of {{EnterpriseNX}}, but not before they were able to send a subspace communication deep into the [[Delta Quadrant]]. They didn't identify themselves during the later encounter, and it is unknown if Starfleet was aware of their true identity. ({{film|8}}; {{ENT|Regeneration}})
   
Formal first contact with the [[Borg]] was forced upon the [[Federation]] by the entity known as [[Q]], a member of the [[Q Continuum]] in [[2365]]. ({{TNG|Q Who}}) (See also: [[Borg#First Contact|Borg First Contact]])
+
Formal first contact with the [[Borg]] was forced upon the [[Federation]] by the entity known as [[Q]], a member of the [[Q Continuum]] in [[2365]] in [[System J-25]]. ({{TNG|Q Who}}) (See also: [[Borg#first contact|Borg first contact]])
   
 
=== Federation-Wadi first contact ===
 
=== Federation-Wadi first contact ===
A [[Vulcan ship]] traveling through the [[Gamma Quadrant]] encountered a [[Wadi starship]], initiating first contact. An official meeting was developed in [[2369]] between the [[Wadi]] and the [[United Federation of Planets]], with the meeting to occur on [[Deep Space 9]]. The Wadi starship with their representative [[Falow]] arrived at the station, marking the first Gamma Quadrant delegation to arrive in the [[Alpha Quadrant]]. [[Commander]] [[Benjamin Sisko]] led the contact, however, Falow and his crew were more interested in the [[games|gaming]] available in the Alpha Quadrant rather than an official meeting. ({{DS9|Move Along Home}})
+
A [[Vulcan 24th ship 001|Vulcan ship]] traveling through the [[Gamma Quadrant]] encountered a [[Wadi ship]], initiating contact. An official meeting was developed in [[2369]] between the [[Wadi]] and the [[United Federation of Planets]], with the meeting to occur on [[Deep Space 9]]. The Wadi ship with their representative [[Falow]] arrived at the station, marking the first Gamma Quadrant delegation to arrive in the [[Alpha Quadrant]]. [[Commander]] [[Benjamin Sisko]] led the contact, however, Falow and his crew were more interested in the [[games|gaming]] available in the Alpha Quadrant rather than an official meeting. ({{DS9|Move Along Home}})
   
 
=== Federation-Dominion first contact ===
 
=== Federation-Dominion first contact ===
The [[Ferengi]] were the first [[Alpha Quadrant]] species to learn of the existence of the [[Dominion]], which was achieved through business dealings with a Gamma Quadrant race called the [[Dosi]]. The Federation then heard more about the Dominion when [[Skrreea]]n refugees came through the [[Bajoran wormhole]], having escaped when the Dominion had conquered the Skreeans' oppressors, the [[T-Rogoran]]s. Following the Skreeans' exodus, [[Odo]] and [[Jadzia Dax]] later learned that the Dominion had conquered the [[Yaderan]]s in [[2340]]. First official contact between the Federation and the Dominion came in late [[2370]], when [[Benjamin Sisko]] and [[Quark]] were taken prisoner on a planet in the Gamma Quadrant by the [[Jem'Hadar]]. The [[USS Odyssey|USS ''Odyssey'']] was later destroyed by the Dominion. ({{DS9|Rules of Acquisition|Sanctuary|Shadowplay|The Jem'Hadar}})
+
The Ferengi were the first [[Alpha Quadrant]] species to learn of the existence of the [[Dominion]], which was achieved through business dealings with a Gamma Quadrant race called the [[Dosi]]. The Federation then heard more about the Dominion when [[Skrreea]]n refugees came through the [[Bajoran wormhole]], having escaped when the Dominion had conquered the Skreeans' oppressors, the [[T-Rogoran]]s. Following the Skreeans' exodus, [[Odo]] and [[Jadzia Dax]] later learned that the Dominion had conquered the [[Yaderan]]s in [[2340]].
  +
  +
The first official contact between the Federation and the Dominion came in late [[2370]], when Benjamin Sisko and [[Quark]] were taken prisoner on a planet in the Gamma Quadrant by the [[Jem'Hadar]]. Starfleet tasked the {{USS|Odyssey}} under the command of Captain [[Keogh]], with going through to the Gamma Quadrant, and locating Commander Sisko. During this rescue attempt, the ''Odyssey'' was rammed and destroyed by the Jem'Hadar, as they were retreating back through the wormhole to the Alpha Quadrant, marking an end to one of most disastrous first contacts in Starfleet history. ({{DS9|Rules of Acquisition|Sanctuary|Shadowplay|The Jem'Hadar}})
   
 
=== Bajor-Cardassia first contact ===
 
=== Bajor-Cardassia first contact ===
Ancient [[Bajoran]]s first established contact between [[Bajor]] and [[Cardassia]] through the use of a [[Bajoran lightship]]. Although traveling at sublight speeds, the ship was eventually propelled by a [[tachyon]] eddy to speeds equivalent to [[warp]], enabling the ship to bypass the hazards of the [[Denorios belt]]. Cardassian archaeologists claim the vessel's remnants were discovered on [[Cardassia Prime]] in [[2371]], coinciding with the arrival of [[Benjamin Sisko|Benjamin]] and [[Jake Sisko]] on a replica lightship, though it is implied that Cardassia had been unofficially aware of them for some time by that point. Cardassians had previously dismissed Bajoran claims of first contact as a "[[fairy tale]]", disputing that Bajorans achieved interstellar flight first. ({{DS9|Explorers}})
+
Ancient [[Bajoran]]s first established contact between [[Bajor]] and [[Cardassia]] through the use of a [[Bajoran lightship]]. Although traveling at sublight speeds, [[Bajoran lightship 001|the ship]] was eventually propelled by a [[tachyon]] eddy to speeds equivalent to [[warp]], enabling the ship to bypass the hazards of the [[Denorios belt]]. Cardassian archaeologists claim that the vessel's remnants were discovered on [[Cardassia Prime]] in [[2371]], coinciding with the arrival of Benjamin and [[Jake Sisko]] on a replica lightship, though apparently Cardassia had been unofficially aware of them for some time by that point. Cardassians had previously dismissed Bajoran claims of first contact as a "[[fairy tale]]", disputing that Bajorans achieved interstellar flight first. ({{DS9|Explorers}})
   
  +
===Vulcan-Klingon first contact===
== See also ==
 
  +
A disastrous first contact between the [[Vulcan]]s and the [[Klingon]]s was made at the [[planet]] [[H'atoria]] in the year [[2016]], which resulted in the destruction of a [[Vulcan 21st ship 001|Vulcan ship]]. The Vulcan starship's attempt to peacefully [[hail]] the Klingons was seen as a sign of weakness and an invitation to attack, and the Klingons made no attempt to contact the Vulcans. Yet the Vulcans were not to make the same mistake twice: in subsequent encounters with Klingon vessels, Vulcan starships adopted a shoot-on-sight policy. Eventually, this policy worked: the Klingons were a warrior race who respected strength, and were only willing to communicate with the Vulcans on even terms once they had proven themselves. Nonetheless, relations between the Vulcans and Klingons remained tense afterwards. ({{DIS|The Vulcan Hello}})
* [[Alien abduction]]
 
  +
===Federation-Galardonian first contact===
* [[First contacts|List of first contacts]]
 
  +
In [[2379]], the [[crew]] of the {{USS|Quito}} made [[first contact]] with the [[Galardonian]]s. [[Beckett Mariner]] was among the crew who [[beam]]ed down to meet with the local [[population]], including a group of [[farmer]]s. Apparently during the initial [[mission]], the local [[wildlife]] was not properly documented, including a [[Galardonian insect|flying insect]] that produced a [[Rage virus|viral infection]]. ({{LD|Second Contact}})
   
  +
=== Federation-Lapeerian first contact ===
== Appendices ==
 
  +
In [[2381]], the [[Federation]] [[starship]]s {{USS|Archimedes|24th century}} and {{USS|Cerritos}} were assigned a first contact mission to [[Lapeeria]]. Due to an unexpected incident that disabled the ''Archimedes'', [[Captain]] [[Carol Freeman]] of the ''Cerritos'', who normally specialized in [[second contact]]s, conducted the first in-person contact with the [[Lapeerian leader 001|Lapeerian leader]]. The Lapeerians revealed themselves to be a very casual people who were fond of [[alcohol]]. ({{LD|First First Contact}})
=== Related topics ===
 
  +
* [[Drayan II]]
 
  +
=== Federation-Areore first contact ===
* [[Gamma Trianguli VI]]
 
  +
Later that year, the crew of the ''Cerritos'' responded to a distress call by the [[AWOL]] [[Exocomp]] [[Peanut Hamper]] on the planet of [[Areolus]] where it's people were under attack by the [[Drookmani]]. Led by Freeman, along with [[D'Vana Tendi]] and [[Shaxs]], established first contact with the [[Areore]] people. ({{LD|A Mathematically Perfect Redemption}})
* [[Gorn]]
 
  +
* [[Malcorian]]s
 
  +
=== Federations-Species 10-C first contact ===
* [[Mirasta Yale]]
 
  +
In [[3190]], the [[Federation]] [[starship]] {{USS|Discovery}} was assigned a mission to find and initiate first contact with [[Species 10-C]] in order to stop the rampaging [[Dark Matter Anomaly]] that threatened the galaxy. The mission was threatened by renegade allies [[Cleveland Booker]] and [[Ruon Tarka]], who sought to find and obtain the power source that could transport them to another universe. The mission was further threatened by [[United Earth]] [[General]] [[Diatta Ndoye]], whose fear of the [[diplomat]]s safety caused her to briefly ally with the two. Species 10-C were revealed to be giant creatures whose bonds of unity lead to no concept of individualism. ({{DIS|Coming Home}})
* [[Romulan]]
 
  +
* [[Tholian]]
 
 
== Appendices==
* [[Vhnori]]
 
 
===See also===
* [[Vidiian]]
 
 
*[[Alien abduction]]
 
*[[First contacts|List of first contacts]]
  +
 
===Related topics===
 
*[[Drayan II]]
 
*[[Gamma Trianguli VI]]
 
*[[Gorn]]
 
*[[Malcorian]]s
 
*[[Mirasta Yale]]
 
*[[Romulan]]
 
*[[Tholian]]
 
*[[Vhnori]]
 
*[[Vidiian]]
  +
  +
===External links===
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*{{Wikipedia|First contact (anthropology)}}
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**{{Wikipedia|First contact (science fiction)}}
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*{{mbeta|First contact}}
   
 
[[de:Erstkontakt]]
 
[[de:Erstkontakt]]
 
[[ja:ファースト・コンタクト]]
 
[[ja:ファースト・コンタクト]]
 
[[nl:Eerste contact]]
 
[[nl:Eerste contact]]
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[[ru:Первый контакт]]
 
[[sv:Första kontakt]]
 
[[sv:Första kontakt]]
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[[Category:Culture]]
 
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[[Category:Communication]]
 
[[Category:Events]]
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[[Category:Legal procedures]]

Latest revision as of 20:03, 21 March 2024

For additional meanings of "First Contact", please see First Contact.
"No matter how many stars there are in the sky, no matter how many galaxies swirl beyond our own, no matter what the mathematical probabilities or the number of times we say 'we are not alone in the universe', our first visit from the stars is always the province of children's stories and science fiction. First contact with aliens always lives squarely in the impossible. First contact is just a dream... until one day, it isn't."

The term first contact described the first official encounter between representatives of two races or governments. (Star Trek: First Contact)

In the scripts, the term "first contact" is only capitalized as "First Contact" when referring to the historically significant first contact between Humans and Vulcans that occurred in 2063. Otherwise first contact is spelled simply as "first contact". [1] [2]

The first contact protocols of the United Federation of Planets and Starfleet are based on procedures long used by the Vulcans. (ENT: "Civilization"; SNW: "Strange New Worlds")

Occasionally, the official first contact took place years or even decades after members of the species involved first met. Typically, first contact was only initiated by the Federation if a civilization was sufficiently advanced or had developed interstellar travel (via warp drive, for example). Contact with more primitive civilizations was prohibited by the Prime Directive. It was stated that the preferred method was to privately approach scientists and intellectual leaders to make the initial contact, on the assumption that they would more easily grasp the concept of alien life. Also, the population was typically observed covertly for some time before making first contact, a decision made after the Klingon first contact. (TNG: "First Contact")

First contact art

A drawing titled "First Contact"

Starfleet Command Directive 010 stated that "Before engaging alien species in battle, any and all attempts to make first contact and achieve non-military resolution must be made." (VOY: "In the Flesh") First contact procedures were a part of the Bridge Officer's Test. (TNG: "Thine Own Self") These Starfleet first contact principles were revised over the years, including by Captain McCoullough. (DS9: "Move Along Home") One who specialized in making first contacts was known as a first contact specialist. (TNG: "Tin Man")

Several Starfleet captains became known in part for the number of species with which they had initiated contact. As of 2378, Kathryn Janeway had made first contact with more species than any captain since James T. Kirk. (VOY: "Friendship One") By 2379, Jean-Luc Picard had represented the Federation during first contacts with twenty-seven different alien races. (Star Trek Nemesis)

Other cultures also recognized first contact as a momentous occasion. According to Marla Gilmore, the Ponea considered every first contact to be a reason for celebration. (VOY: "Equinox")

Seven of Nine once expressed to Kathryn Janeway that her practice of following Starfleet protocol regarding first contact was incompatible with the objective of getting the USS Voyager home. Janeway respectfully disagreed, noting that she and her crew sought out new races because they wanted to as part of an insatiable Human curiosity about the universe, not simply because they were following protocol. (VOY: "Random Thoughts")

Angry about the situation during the "first contact" with the Novans, Captain Jonathan Archer stated, "If I can't make first contact with other Humans I don't have any business being out here." (ENT: "Terra Nova")

In 2151, a drawing titled "First Contact" and created by the fourth grade student Haley was sent to Enterprise NX-01. It depicted a first contact between a one-eyed alien with ten tentacles and a Human in an environmental suit from the USA. (ENT: "Breaking the Ice")

Until the USS Enterprise's 2259 discovery of the Kiley using warp in the form of a warp bomb, Science Officer Spock stated that not once in the entire history of first contact had warp been first developed as anything but a drive. (SNW: "Strange New Worlds")

Human-Vulcan first contact

Vulcan captain, first contact

Human-Vulcan first contact in 2063

Kirk-Spock in 1930

Kirk and Spock in 1930

The capitalized term First Contact, in Human context, was used to specifically refer to the first official publicly and globally known contact between Humans and extraterrestrials. The First Contact took place on the evening of April 5, 2063, when a Vulcan survey ship, the T'Plana-Hath, having detected the warp signature of the Phoenix, touched down in Bozeman, central Montana, where the crew met with the Phoenix's designer and pilot, Zefram Cochrane. This event was generally referred to as the defining moment in Human history, eventually paving the way for a unified world government and, later, the United Federation of Planets. The event also became an annual holiday called First Contact Day. (Star Trek: First Contact; ENT: "Broken Bow", "Desert Crossing", "", "These Are the Voyages..."; TNG: "The Outcast", "Attached"; VOY: "Homestead"; ST: "Children of Mars"; PIC: "Maps and Legends")

An unofficial first encounter between Humans and a Vulcan occurred during the Depression era in New York City. In 1930, James Kirk and Spock, a Vulcan from the 23rd century, traveled through time and walked on the streets of New York being witnessed by many. When the two were caught stealing clothes by the police, Kirk attempted to explain to the officer that Spock was Chinese and his ears the result of a childhood accident. After they avoided being taken into custody, Spock disguised his Vulcan appearance. (TOS: "The City on the Edge of Forever")

Well documented at the Vulcan Science Directorate and Space Council, but not in common Human knowledge, was also the incident of a small Vulcan survey ship crash landing in Carbon Creek, Pennsylvania, a mining town, in 1957. The survey ship was sent to investigate the launch of Earth's first artificial satellite, Sputnik. An impulse manifold malfunction forced the crew to attempt crash-landing. The commander of the vessel perished in the crash, leaving command to T'Mir, T'Pol's second foremother. Having exhausted their emergency rations, the crew entered Carbon Creek in disguise as Humans. As the weeks and months wore on, the crew took up various employment in the town and managed to keep their identity as aliens a secret. T'Mir and Stron were rescued by the D'Vahl in 1958. Mestral chose to stay behind and live on Earth among Humans, which the other two kept covered up. (ENT: "Carbon Creek")

Roswell UFO incident

Quark's Treasure photographs

The Roswell UFO, Quark's Treasure

Hyumans mimicking ferengi

Humans attempting to communicate with the aliens

The Roswell Incident was the actual first contact between modern Humans and extraterrestrials that was not considered by Humans to be a supernatural event. The incident was however covered up by the United States Air Force and never made public knowledge. In July 1947, the Ferengi shuttle Quark's Treasure crash-landed near the town of Roswell, New Mexico. The event was initially reported in the newspapers, but was quickly retracted by the military, claimed to be a misidentification of weather balloon debris. The three aliens, thought to be Martians at the time, were found unconscious on board the damaged ship and taken into custody by the United States Army Air Forces. President Harry Truman wanted the aliens to be examined and interrogated, tortured if necessary. The shuttle was stored in Hangar 18 of the Air Force Base and was examined by the military; however, they couldn't figure out how it worked.

Quark introduced himself as a Ferengi, the chief financial officer of the Ferengi Alliance, and wanted to sell advanced technology to the United States in exchange for gold. He claimed the Ferengi had conducted surveillance of Earth for years and knew everything there was to know about Humans. He threatened to sell the technology to the Soviet Union if the Americans wouldn't buy it from him. Rom attempted to tell the interrogators the truth, that they were accidental time travelers from the future. Nog in turn attempted to tell the interrogators what they wanted to hear, that they were scouts of a massive alien invasion force that was orbiting the Earth and about to invade the planet.

The three Ferengi managed to escape on their ship with the help from Garland and Jeff. Odo was seen shape-shifting by the two 20th century Humans. The Americans did not learn where the aliens really came from or what their true mission was or where they went after they escaped. The incident however proved the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life to the United States government, and gave them information on alien physiology from the thorough medical examinations of the three Ferengi. (DS9: "Little Green Men")

Other notable first contacts

During the history of Earth, the planet was in fact contacted several times by aliens. These contacts before the 21st century were not well known, went unnoticed, faded away into mythology or were interpreted as supernatural encounters. Even so, many of them had a lasting impact on the evolution of Human culture through the ages.

On several occasions extraterrestrial visitors on Earth who interacted with Humans appeared to be or were disguised as Humans themselves and were not identified as aliens. These included the Sahndaran refugees who lived among the Greeks during the 1st millennium BC, the El-Aurian Guinan, the half-Betazoid Deanna Troi and a group of Devidian shapeshifters who visited San Francisco in the 1890s, the Bajoran Kira Nerys in San Francisco in 1930 and the Trill Jadzia Dax in San Francisco in 2024. In some cases when aliens were identified by Humans, the encounters didn't become public knowledge, such as when the half-Klingon B'Elanna Torres was discovered by Humans in Arizona in 1996 and the group of Xindi-Reptilians who were seen in Detroit in 2004. (TOS: "Plato's Stepchildren"; TNG: "Time's Arrow", "Time's Arrow, Part II"; DS9: "Past Tense, Part II"; VOY: "Future's End, Part II"; ENT: "Carpenter Street")

Human-Sky Spirit first contact

Sky Spirits

A Sky Spirit

The earliest known notable Human - extraterrestrial first contact was with the Sky Spirits, a race of humanoid explorers, with warp-capable starships, from the Delta Quadrant of the Milky Way Galaxy. They first visited Earth in the Paleolithic age around 42,600 BC and saw that most Humans were barbaric in nature. They did however find a nomadic tribe of hunters who had no culture or language, but who had respect for all life and land. The Sky Spirits initiated first contact and gave the nomads a genetic bond that made them a race of Human-Sky People hybrids called the Inheritors. The genetic bond gave them the appearance of the Sky Spirit race and the Sky Spirit mentality for curiosity and adventure that eventually became part of all Human culture. The Inheritors were also the first people to migrate to the American continent. When the Europeans invaded the lands around the 16th century most of the Inheritors were killed by war and disease. One tribe of Inheritors, who had the Sky Spirit physical appearance, survived in hiding in the Central American rain forest, while at least one other tribe modernized and moved away from Earth. (VOY: "Tattoo")

Human-Kukulkan first contact

Kukulkan

Kukulkan

Kukulkan, an immensely old alien being and the last of its race, saw humanoids in the galaxy as violent beings, always eventually destroying themselves. Kukulkan visited Earth as an experiment and had contact with all the civilizations on the planet. With a plan of turning Humans to a path of peace, it gave them advanced knowledge, such as the Mayan calendar, hieroglyphic writing, and architectural plans to a city with designs of obelisks, pyramids, temples and gateways. The ancient Egyptians, Chinese and the Native Americans attempted to build the city but only finished parts of it. Kukulkan's visit was remembered in Comanche, Mayan and Aztec legend. In Toltec legend he was called Quetzalcoatl. Kukulkan was the basis of the Chinese dragon, and all the other similar winged serpent gods in the various cultures on Earth. (TAS: "How Sharper Than a Serpent's Tooth")

The Kukulkan visit was not given a specific date but the accounts would seem to suggest an era around 5000 BC to 2000 BC. According to the TAS DVD audio commentary, the idea of Kukulkan as an alien was inspired by the Erich von Däniken book Chariots of the Gods?
According to the PC game Star Trek: 25th Anniversary, Quetzalcoatl (β) was a different, humanoid alien who contacted the early Aztecs later on in a failed attempt to teach them a philosophy of peace and non-violence.

Human-Greek gods first contact

Apollo

Apollo

In the early 3rd millennium BC, a group of powerful immortal beings from Pollux IV landed on Earth in the Mediterranean region. These aliens considered themselves to be gods and presented themselves as such to the primitive Humans. They had the power to control and transform the environment, to change physical shape, the power of teleportation, as well as control over the life and death of other beings. The worship of these aliens was the beginning of the Ancient Greek civilization and their deeds on Earth became the Greek classic myths. Eventually, Humans became less interested in the worship of these gods. Instead of punishing Humans and demanding worship, the aliens left Earth around 2700 BC for their home planet. Many of the Greek gods eventually decided to end their own existence.

In 2267, James Kirk and his crew made contact with Apollo, the last of the Greek gods, who had waited for his worshipers to develop space travel and seek him out. The encounter resulted in the death of Apollo and the extinction of his species. (TOS: "Who Mourns for Adonais?")

Human-Megan first contact

Sorcerer-contractor

A sorcerer-contractor conjuring a structure

During the 13th century, a group of Megans settled on Earth. They were an ageless species from a parallel universe where magic was part of the natural laws. They assisted Humans as sorcerer-contractors using their natural ability to change reality with the power of thought. The Megans were responsible for the medieval legends of magic and love potions, witches, wizards, evil sorcerers, demons, and warlocks.

By the 17th century, it had become clear to the Megans, that Humans were only manipulating them to gain power for themselves and to serve their own greed and lust. When Megans refused to serve, Humans turned against them and taught others to fear and hate them. Lucien, a Megan, known on Earth by the name Lucifer, became synonymous with the mythological Devil of Christianity. Asmodeus, became known as a demon. The Megans who had survived the centuries of persecution eventually settled in Salem, Massachusetts, to live out their lives there in the guise of normal Humans. After several Megans made the mistake of using their powers again, they were burned as witches during the Salem witch trials. The last surviving Megans left Earth and returned to their universe, where they remained bitter and fearful of Humans.

In 2269, the USS Enterprise made contact with the Megans and Captain Kirk managed to prove them that Humans had changed. Asmodeus welcomed Humans to visit Megas-Tu in the future. (TAS: "The Magicks of Megas-Tu")

Human-Non-corporeal first contact

Anaphasic lifeform

"Ronin" in its true form

The energy creature known as Onaya had visited Earth as early as the 1st century and encountered Catullus.

In the late 17th century, a symbiotic non-corporeal anaphasic lifeform took the appearance of a Human male, claiming to be the ghost of a man called Ronin, who was born in 1647 in Glasgow, Scotland. It did this to fool Jessel Howard into a symbiotic relationship. Jessel was one of Beverly Crusher's distant ancestors and one of the rare Humans who had biochemistry compatible with the lifeform's energy matrix. The symbiotic relationship was passed down to each of her daughters and was the source of many ghost stories surrounding the family. (TNG: "Sub Rosa")

In 1888, Redjac a non-corporeal parasitic lifeform began to gain fame on Earth when he used host-Humans to become a serial killer of women in London, England. The entity fed on the emotions produced by the fear and terror in its victims. Newspapers dubbed him "Jack the Ripper". (TOS: "Wolf in the Fold")

Human-Klingon first contact

Klaang

Klaang

Unofficially, the first known encounter between a Human and a Klingon took place when Samuel Clemens traveled forward in time from the year 1893. He was beamed aboard the USS Enterprise-D and met Lieutenant Worf in the year 2369. Clemens returned to his own time and did not reveal his knowledge of the existence of Klingons or other extraterrestrials to the public. (TNG: "Time's Arrow, Part II") Lily Sloane also met Worf in 2063 and remained silent about the encounter. (Star Trek: First Contact)

In April of 2151, a Klingon K'toch-class scoutship piloted by the courier Klaang was returning to Qo'noS with evidence that the Cabal was responsible for recent internal strife within the Klingon Empire. Klaang was pursued by members of the cabal and crash-landed on Earth in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Though Klaang managed to dispatch his pursuers, he was shot by a Human farmer named Moore. Against the urgings of the Vulcans, Starfleet launched its first warp five vessel Enterprise NX-01 to return the wounded Klaang to Qo'noS. (ENT: "Broken Bow") This first contact with the Empire was considered a disastrous event that led to decades of war. Based on this bad experience, it was decided to conduct surveillance on new races before making contact. (TNG: "First Contact")

Human-Andorian first contact

P'Jem monastery

The monastery of P'Jem, the site of the Human-Andorian first contact in 2151

The first contact between Humans and Andorians occurred in June of 2151 at the Vulcan monastery at P'Jem. The Andorian Empire had at the time sent a commando of the Andorian Imperial Guard to the monastery. They suspected that the Vulcan High Command had constructed a secret listening post at the monastery to spy on the Andorians, in violation of a treaty between the two powers. The Andorians, led by Commander Thy'lek Shran, believed Enterprise was a supply ship for the listening post and took the landing party hostage. After the listening post deep below the monastery in the catacombs was discovered, Captain Archer allowed the Andorians to leave with proof of the listening post.

The incident caused a temporary strain on Earth-Vulcan relations, particularly after the Andorians later destroyed the monastery and listening post. It was however, the beginning of a long-standing alliance between Earth and Andoria and a personal friendship between Archer and Commander Shran. (ENT: "The Andorian Incident", "Shadows of P'Jem")

Human-Akaali first contact

First contact with the Akaali was made by Enterprise NX-01 in 2151. It was significant in that it was the first Human-initiated first contact. Despite the Vulcan advice not to contact the primitive Akaali homeworld, Captain Archer took a landing party to the surface. In doing so, the Enterprise uncovered a covert mining operation by the Malurians. (ENT: "Civilization")

Federation-Gorn first contact

Kirk fires cannon at Gorn

Kirk fires his makeshift cannon

First contact between the Federation and the Gorn occurred in phases.

The first known encounter with the Gorn took place in the 2230s when the SS Puget Sound was captured by the Gorn. The entire crew save one, La'an Noonien-Singh, were killed and La'an launched in a Mark IV liferaft, where she was rescued by the USS Martin Luther King Jr. (SNW: "Strange New Worlds")

In 2259, the USS Enterprise, responding to a request from a colony on Finibus III, were attacked by Gorn hunters and a Gorn destroyer as the colony had been attacked by them prior to their arrival and used the survivors as a trap. The Enterprise was heavily damaged by the attack, but were able to drive away their attackers. (SNW: "Memento Mori") Later that same year, the Enterprise was called to investigate the disappearance of the USS Peregrine near Valeo Beta V. Captain Christopher Pike lead an away team to the planet and discovered the ship crash landed due to survivors being implanted with Gorn eggs, the only survivor being a young human girl named Oriana. The infestation was culled by the away team, but not before Cadet Chia and Lieutenant Duke were murdered and Lieutenant Hemmer comittted suicide to prevent the eggs inside him from hatching (SNW: "All Those Who Wander")

First contact with the Gorn occurred in 2267, when they attacked the Federation colony on Cestus III. The Gorn saw the strike as a preemptive move, since they regarded the Cestus system as part of their territory. (TOS: "Arena")

James Kirk was the first Federation officer to physically confront a Gorn following his pursuit of their vessel in response to the attack on Cestus III. This pursuit attracted the attention of the Metrons, a highly advanced race who opposed conflict within their territory. They transported Kirk and the Gorn captain to a prepared planet and forced them to battle there. This deed was meant as a punishment, but ultimately, Kirk spared the Gorn captain; the mercy displayed by Kirk's refusal caused the observing Metron to think of the conflict as a test, which Humans had passed. (TOS: "Arena")

Federation-Ferengi Alliance first contact

First contact with the Ferengi took place in multiple phases. The very first contact between Humans and Ferengi actually occurred in 1947 in the Roswell Incident. Although the aliens were identified as Ferengi and their physiology was examined, knowledge of the incident was suppressed and never became public knowledge. (DS9: "Little Green Men")

In 2151, the Enterprise NX-01 was boarded by a single Ferengi ship, sedating the entire crew, except for Commander Tucker. The Ferengi never identified themselves as such. (ENT: "Acquisition")

Tarr

DaiMon Tarr making first contact with Captain Picard in 2364

In 2355, the USS Stargazer encountered a vessel of unknown origin in the Maxia Zeta system, a system the Ferengi had claimed as part of their territory. The Federation was unaware of the claim at the time. Combat between the two vessels ensued, and it was here that Captain Jean-Luc Picard employed the Picard Maneuver to confuse and destroy the Ferengi ship. The Stargazer also took heavy damage and had to be abandoned by its crew following the incident, and the enemy ship was not officially identified as a Ferengi vessel until 2364. (TNG: "The Battle")

Determinate first contact between the Ferengi Alliance and the United Federation of Planets occurred in 2364 in the Delphi Ardu system, where a Ferengi starship and the USS Enterprise-D were trapped in orbit by a derelict outpost of the ancient Tkon Empire. Prior to this, only conflicting hearsay and third hand reports were known by Federation scholars regarding the Ferengi. It was known for sure only that the Ferengi were ruthless traders. (TNG: "The Last Outpost")

Contact between the Ferengi Alliance and the Federation steadily increased to a level of significance, and only minor conflicts ensued from then on. (Star Trek: The Next Generation, etc.)

Federation-Borg first contact

The first contact between Humans and the Borg occurred in 2063 during the Borg temporal incursion to prevent the Human-Vulcan first contact. Lily Sloane was the only Human of that era to witness the Borg, though many saw the Borg sphere in orbit in the night sky over Bozeman, Montana attempting to bomb the Phoenix missile silo. Borg drones from the sphere were found in a debris field in 2153, where they were revived by a survey crew who weren't aware of the danger the drones posed. These drones assimilated the survey crew, along with their research vessel, Arctic One, and escaped into space, where they immediately attempted to contact the Collective. These Borg were later intercepted and destroyed by the crew of Enterprise NX-01, but not before they were able to send a subspace communication deep into the Delta Quadrant. They didn't identify themselves during the later encounter, and it is unknown if Starfleet was aware of their true identity. (Star Trek: First Contact; ENT: "Regeneration")

Formal first contact with the Borg was forced upon the Federation by the entity known as Q, a member of the Q Continuum in 2365 in System J-25. (TNG: "Q Who") (See also: Borg first contact)

Federation-Wadi first contact

A Vulcan ship traveling through the Gamma Quadrant encountered a Wadi ship, initiating contact. An official meeting was developed in 2369 between the Wadi and the United Federation of Planets, with the meeting to occur on Deep Space 9. The Wadi ship with their representative Falow arrived at the station, marking the first Gamma Quadrant delegation to arrive in the Alpha Quadrant. Commander Benjamin Sisko led the contact, however, Falow and his crew were more interested in the gaming available in the Alpha Quadrant rather than an official meeting. (DS9: "Move Along Home")

Federation-Dominion first contact

The Ferengi were the first Alpha Quadrant species to learn of the existence of the Dominion, which was achieved through business dealings with a Gamma Quadrant race called the Dosi. The Federation then heard more about the Dominion when Skrreean refugees came through the Bajoran wormhole, having escaped when the Dominion had conquered the Skreeans' oppressors, the T-Rogorans. Following the Skreeans' exodus, Odo and Jadzia Dax later learned that the Dominion had conquered the Yaderans in 2340.

The first official contact between the Federation and the Dominion came in late 2370, when Benjamin Sisko and Quark were taken prisoner on a planet in the Gamma Quadrant by the Jem'Hadar. Starfleet tasked the USS Odyssey under the command of Captain Keogh, with going through to the Gamma Quadrant, and locating Commander Sisko. During this rescue attempt, the Odyssey was rammed and destroyed by the Jem'Hadar, as they were retreating back through the wormhole to the Alpha Quadrant, marking an end to one of most disastrous first contacts in Starfleet history. (DS9: "Rules of Acquisition", "Sanctuary", "Shadowplay", "The Jem'Hadar")

Bajor-Cardassia first contact

Ancient Bajorans first established contact between Bajor and Cardassia through the use of a Bajoran lightship. Although traveling at sublight speeds, the ship was eventually propelled by a tachyon eddy to speeds equivalent to warp, enabling the ship to bypass the hazards of the Denorios belt. Cardassian archaeologists claim that the vessel's remnants were discovered on Cardassia Prime in 2371, coinciding with the arrival of Benjamin and Jake Sisko on a replica lightship, though apparently Cardassia had been unofficially aware of them for some time by that point. Cardassians had previously dismissed Bajoran claims of first contact as a "fairy tale", disputing that Bajorans achieved interstellar flight first. (DS9: "Explorers")

Vulcan-Klingon first contact

A disastrous first contact between the Vulcans and the Klingons was made at the planet H'atoria in the year 2016, which resulted in the destruction of a Vulcan ship. The Vulcan starship's attempt to peacefully hail the Klingons was seen as a sign of weakness and an invitation to attack, and the Klingons made no attempt to contact the Vulcans. Yet the Vulcans were not to make the same mistake twice: in subsequent encounters with Klingon vessels, Vulcan starships adopted a shoot-on-sight policy. Eventually, this policy worked: the Klingons were a warrior race who respected strength, and were only willing to communicate with the Vulcans on even terms once they had proven themselves. Nonetheless, relations between the Vulcans and Klingons remained tense afterwards. (DIS: "The Vulcan Hello")

Federation-Galardonian first contact

In 2379, the crew of the USS Quito made first contact with the Galardonians. Beckett Mariner was among the crew who beamed down to meet with the local population, including a group of farmers. Apparently during the initial mission, the local wildlife was not properly documented, including a flying insect that produced a viral infection. (LD: "Second Contact")

Federation-Lapeerian first contact

In 2381, the Federation starships USS Archimedes and USS Cerritos were assigned a first contact mission to Lapeeria. Due to an unexpected incident that disabled the Archimedes, Captain Carol Freeman of the Cerritos, who normally specialized in second contacts, conducted the first in-person contact with the Lapeerian leader. The Lapeerians revealed themselves to be a very casual people who were fond of alcohol. (LD: "First First Contact")

Federation-Areore first contact

Later that year, the crew of the Cerritos responded to a distress call by the AWOL Exocomp Peanut Hamper on the planet of Areolus where it's people were under attack by the Drookmani. Led by Freeman, along with D'Vana Tendi and Shaxs, established first contact with the Areore people. (LD: "A Mathematically Perfect Redemption")

Federations-Species 10-C first contact

In 3190, the Federation starship USS Discovery was assigned a mission to find and initiate first contact with Species 10-C in order to stop the rampaging Dark Matter Anomaly that threatened the galaxy. The mission was threatened by renegade allies Cleveland Booker and Ruon Tarka, who sought to find and obtain the power source that could transport them to another universe. The mission was further threatened by United Earth General Diatta Ndoye, whose fear of the diplomats safety caused her to briefly ally with the two. Species 10-C were revealed to be giant creatures whose bonds of unity lead to no concept of individualism. (DIS: "Coming Home")

Appendices

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