Joseph Orlando

Chapter 62 - The shipyards of the Federation

Added 2025-07-21 12:00:08 +0000 UTC

Picard took a breath, his expression carefully neutral. “I am the captain of a single Starfleet vessel, even if it is the flagship. Matters of fleet logistics, design, or shipbuilding fall far outside my official authority.”

That was a weak response to my ears and likely to everyone watching, but what else could he realistically say? Remaining silent for too long would have been far worse.

“I understand, I really do,” Tessa said, nodding with a hint of feigned empathy. “But would it surprise you to learn that the Federation has fewer shipyards than both the Klingon Empire and the Romulan Star Empire—nations whose territory and resources are significantly smaller than ours? Or that, even with our limited number of shipyards, we’re still operating far below their operational capacities? That prior to the Hur’q invasion, Federation shipyards across the quadrant were averaging just 50% utilization?”

She didn’t pause for Picard’s response, perhaps a kindness on her part. Instead, another chart appeared on the screen, this time highlighting shipyard output and capacity—sourced again from publicly available Federation records.