The USS Apollo, NCC-71669 departed Utopia Planitia after receiving some upgrades. Along with the Quantum Slipstream Drive, the ship was modified to house a small fighter wing. With shore leave in the Sol System wrapped up the crew of the Apollo headed back to the Typhon Sector, testing out their new propulsion system. The drive performed as expected and in no time, the ship arrived at the far end of the sector.

Upon exiting the slipstream, the Apollo picked up a unique energy signature originating from a nearby system. As the ship approached, the crew tried to determine what the strange signal was. Fleet Captain Andrus Jaxx dispatched an away team under the command of the newly minted First Officer, Lt. Commander Sundassa Faranster. After reaching the source of the signal, the team was surprised to encounter an Iconian Gateway.