Vulcan Survey Ship Captured by Tholians

Earth - 78.5.9 - The Vulcan survey cruiser Aitrus was attacked by a fleet of ships belonging to the rogue species calling themselves the Tholians. The ship was patrolling near the Eastern Cluster when a group of three Tholian warships began pursuit. The Aitrus attempted to evade while broadcasting messages to the Tholians, but was unable to outrun the interlopers.

Fleet Admiral Enrique Murcielago of Starfleet Command released the following statement:

It's my sad duty to inform the people of the United Federation that Starfleet recently suffered a tragic loss when the Vulcan cruiser Aitrus was brutally attacked by Tholian marauders during a routine patrol through Federation space. The ship has been reported by civilian witnesses to the battle as having been crippled, then captured. The ship was inside the "safe zone" announced earlier by the Federation government, intended to avoid just such an incident while matters are being sorted out with this mysterious new species.
The disposition of the crew is not known. Accordingly, we honor their sacrifice and commend their souls to the great mystery that awaits all sentient life at its end. I will shortly be departing to Vulcan to offer my personal condolences to the families of the bereaved.
To the best of my knowledge, the Federation Diplomatic Corps has yet to receive any contact from these Tholians. Their sole mode of communication appears to be threats and capricious attacks. With such a species it may prove impossible to negotiate -- we must hope that this is not the case.
In the meantime, Starfleet is conducting a review of its options. Everything is on the table.

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