Metan starships were a type of rarely-seen starship operated by Metan military in the 23rd century.
Service history[]
Attempting to ignite all-out war between the Federation, Klingon Empire, and Romulan Star Empire, the Metans secretly built a number of these vessels. Each was capable of feigning the weapon signatures of ships used by the other governments as well as the type of ion trail it left. (TOS comic: "Deadlock")
These ships also employed a rare type of shield technology that was bonded to the hull. (TOS - The Chosen comic: "Collision Course!")
In the year 2269, an unidentified Metan starship attacked targets in Romulan space, making it seem like Starfleet was responsible, and then destroyed four freighters and a scout in Federation shipping lanes, making it look like the Romulans were at fault. When resulting conflict led to the USS Enterprise and Shaal's battlecruiser crippling each other in battle, the Metan vessel swooped in aiming to destroy both combatants, but was itself destroyed. Although it was spotted visually, the ship's identity and origins remained unknown to Starfleet. (TOS comic: "Deadlock")
Three months later, in similar fashion the Klingon outpost at Tarnak II was assaulted, seemingly by the Federation, their distress signal reported sighting an unidentified attacking vessel. Then Starbase 14 was nearly destroyed, this time apparently by Romulans. (TOS - The Chosen comics: "The Hunted", "Blood Enemies")
But when a Metan starship was spotted by ships from all three governments preparing to attack a Romulan planet using Klingon disruptors, the deception was exposed. This Metan starship was disabled and captured by the Enterprise. Captain James T. Kirk was instructed to tow the enemy vessel back to the Federation, so its crew could be put on trial. That choice was unacceptable to Commanders Kang and Koram, who instead had their ships destroy the captured vessel. (TOS - The Chosen comic: "Collision Course!")
Appendices[]
Appearances[]
- TOS comic: "Deadlock"
- TOS - The Chosen comic: "Collision Course!"