Cestus III

Cestus III was a planet near the border between the United Federation of Planets and the Gorn Hegemony. In 2267, the Federation established an outpost there, unaware of Gorn claims in that region of space. (TOS episode: "Arena") The outpost was destroyed by the Gorn, and all personnel lost, despite the efforts of an accidental time traveler from the 24th century. (TNG novel: Requiem)

Following intervention by the Metrons, the Gorn ceded Cestus III to the Federation. The planet became a thriving colony world over the course of the next century, with several cities springing up across the planet, including Pike City (the capital), Johnson City, Lakeside, New Chicago, Palombo, Port Shangri-La, and Prairieville, and eventually was elevated above its colony status to become a Member in its own right. The planet experienced a significant population explosion in 2370 when, following the formal end of the Cardassian Wars, Cestus III accepted a quarter-million people displaced by the establishment of the Demilitarized Zone. (TNG novel: A Time for War, A Time for Peace) In 2371, the Gorn Hegemony faced a coup d'etat, and the rebellious warrior caste launched a surprise invasion of Cestus. Fortunately, the rebellion was short-lived, and Gorn forces withdrew to their own territory. (TNG comic book: The Gorn Crisis)

The old Earth sport baseball saw a renaissance on Cestus III in 2371, with the establishment of the Cestus Baseball League. (DS9 episode "Family Business")

In 2379, Cestus Governor Nanietta Bacco launched a successful campaign for the office of President of the United Federation of Planets, following the unexpected resignation of her predecessor, President Min Zife.

President Bacco returned to Cestus III to throw out the first pitch of the 2380 Cestus Baseball League season. President Bacco was an avid follower of the Pike City Pioneers. (TNG novels: A Time for War, A Time for Peace, Articles of the Federation)