Athrak V

Athrak V was an uninhabited planet located in the Kareth Sector in Klingon space. Though there was no present day humanoid presence on the planet, an initial survey of the planet by independent scientists in 2324 indicated the presence of remains of an ancient civilization. Unfortunately, due to the planet's location within Klingon territory, more in depth study by Federation scientists was impossible.

In 2339, Federation scientist Dr. Ramsey discovered a connection between the planet and an artifact known as the Nevis Stone discovered on the planet Thelon III. Ramsey's research indicated that the Nevis Stone, Thelon III, and a common origin of the languages of several otherwise unrelated planets, all shared a connection to the civilization once present on Athrak V.

After discovering this connection, Ramsey brought his findings to Dr. Richard Galen, one of the Federation's most renowned archeologists and at the time an advisor to the Federation Science Council. The exact nature of Ramsey's discovery and the connection, as well as what exactly he shared with Galen, remains a mystery to most. However, it did spur Galen to lobby the Science Council and the Diplomatic Corps to arrange the necessary travel permits with the Klingon Empire to conduct a more in depth expedition.

After six months of negotiation with the Klingon High Council, the Diplomatic Corps secured the necessary travel permissions to allow Galen and one Federation starship to visit a planet in the Kareth Sector, with Athrak V intended as Galen's destination. However, neither the Diplomatic Corps nor the Klingon High Council knew which specific planet Galen intended to visit, only that he would be visiting an unspecified planet in the Kareth Sector.

In mid-2339 and with travel permissions secured, the USS Tempest (NCC-10535) picked up Dr. Galen at Starbase 515 along the Klingon border, only being briefed on their destination by Galen in person once he was aboard. With Galen aboard the Tempest proceeded to Athrak V to conduct the expedition.