Cardassian Reconstruction Efforts Continue

Jake Sisko
Federation News Service

CARDASSIA CITY, CARDASSIA PRIME -- The Federation relief teams here on Cardassia Prime continue to struggle with the many aspects of rebuilding this devastated planet and its people.

Shane Tejral, an environmental reconstructionist known for his recent work on Betazed after the Dominion occupation, remains optimistic. "We're continuing our research and computer simulations on possible bioremediation processes to deal with the widespread residual toxins in the atmosphere and soil. That's our main thrust at the moment. On a less global scale, however, we're obtaining very positive results from the soil reclamators in Lakaria Province, and we hope to expand the distribution of the reclamators to more Cardassian farmers."

"Our immediate medical concern," reports Dr. Julian Bashir, head of the relief mission and a former Carrington Award nominee, "has become the new illnesses that are spreading among the refugee population. We have hopes that we're close to a solution for the worst of them."

Restoring infrastructure continues to be a primary objective as well. Teams of engineers and computer technicians have been traveling to outlying population centers to assist in re-establishing communications, transportation, the central databases, and the power grid. Once that's accomplished, it'll be easier to learn where aid and assistance are most needed, and to deliver it.

Two more medical support vessels are expected within the week; the additional resources and personnel will make it easier to reach more of those who need help the most.

Meanwhile, the Cardassian people will soon be making a decision regarding the next steps in their reconstruction. They are only ten days away from a vote on reforming a new planetary government. The vote may also determine the future of the relief teams here, and whether they will be able to continue their work. This adds particular urgency to the restoration of communications, to ensure that as many Cardassians as possible are able to participate in this significant election. It is expected that it may take weeks to announce the final results.