First Federation

The First Federation was a political and military organization located in the Beta Quadrant, and was first encountered by the United Federation of Planets in the 23rd century.

The first Federation starship to encounter the First Federation was the USS Enterprise in 2266 while the vessel was performing a star-mapping mission. With little information about any inhabited planets in the area, the Enterprise soon encountered and destroyed a marker buoy. The Enterprise continued on until they encountered the First Federation flagship, the Fesarius, commanded by Commander Balok. After testing Captain Kirk and the Enterprise crew, Balok welcomed Kirk aboard the Fesarius with open arms, and Kirk left behind Lieutenant David Bailey as a form of cultural exchange. (TOS episode: "The Corbomite Maneuver")

The Fesarius escorted the Enterprise to a First Federation base, and Captain Kirk was given a tour of the base. The immense docking facility contained room for 17 Fesarius-class vessels, which were automatically constructed by huge robotic machinery. (TOS novel: Dark Victory)

A pair of First Federation ambassadors were traveling on the Enterprise. (TNG novel: Gulliver's Fugitives)

Little information has been revealed about the First Federation since, although it is known that their ships are well traveled. In 2371, the USS Voyager encountered a derelict Fesarius-class vessel that had been abandoned in the Delta Quadrant for centuries. (VOY novel: Ragnarok)

Quark had several bottles of tranya that had the ensign of the First Federation on them in 2372. (DS9 novel: The 34th Rule, )

In 2373, Voyager discovered the Fesarius herself in the Delta Quadrant, after the Voyager crew rescued David Bailey from the Mondasians. As thanks for their assistance, Captain Janeway was given a tour of the Fesarius, and was given 12 barrels of tranya to enjoy on their journey home. (VOY short story: "Ambassador at Large")