In compiling this edition of A HISTORY OF STARFLEET, I not only relied on the written articles by Admiral Chris Smith, to whom all of us are eternally grateful, and a partial text by General Akers, but other articles, posts and eyewitness accounts of the times as relayed to this author. On the latter accounts (from 1994-on) it incorporates a part of General Akers narrative along with a personal account, taking in consideration all the views of the the people and events in question. I have tried to include most view points on conflicting histories as is possible. This history is a ongoing project and it will be continued. There are mistakes. And with your help we, talking about all the members of the Office of the Fleet Historian, shall try to correct those mistakes in the text and timelines in a timely manner. Please forgive us if we seam to forget but let me assure you we have not. We are (as Spock likes to say) HUMAN and we do not intend to hurt, mislead or offend anyone, however we which to show only the truth or the various points of view of the times in question. I would like to thank Lieutenant General Scott Akers, SFMC, Director of the Office of the STARFLEET Historian, for the opportunity to serve within his office on this project and the trust he has put into my handling it. Being able to dabble in several of my personal interests while doing this project has been very worthwhile. I also want to thank all those unnamed persons who in some small way added to this narrative. I also want to express my appreciation to my family, especially Captain Karen Higdon, whom at first 'tolerated' my hobby in Trekdom and now embraces it as the XO of the starship I command, the USS Black Hawk. I am Honored to Serve...
Fleet Captain Jeff Higdon
April 26, 2000