Russian industrialist and Council Vice Chairman Vasili Baranov took power following Buckner’s death. Born in Vladivostok in Y120, Baranov was a dynamic figure. He had no military experience, but was extremely skilled in economics, politics, and diplomacy, and was a quick study about any topic to which he put his mind.
Baranov faced an immediate crisis in the looming noconfidence vote, which the Unionists were certain to lose. Faced with the choice of defeat or resignation, he masterminded a political compromise, pointing out that a no-confidence vote and hurried new elections in the middle of an invasion would disrupt the Federation government at the worst possible moment. To remain in power, he formed what was effectively a coalition government with the Federalists, naming noted conservative Federalist Andorian politician and jurist Aelastok Kirnad as Vice Chairman, and retired Admiral Kincaid MacKenzie as Defense Minister. (Buckner had forced MacKenzie to retire because he was pushing too hard for construction of new classes of ships.) Baranov brought other Federalists into the government to replace the Unionists who had been killed at Olsen’s Reach. While nothing was said in public, rumor had it that Baranov had reached a deal with Kirnad: the Unionists would run the Federation while the Federalists would run the war.
Over time, Baranov earned the respect of his Star Fleet advisors, showing a deep understanding of the major strategic and operational dilemmas of modern war. He reached a formal alliance with the Kzintis (who had been on the brink of surrender at the time of Olsen’s Reach), and his hard bargaining made it clear that the Federation (despite its lack of military successes) was the senior partner. His diplomatic initiative to the Gorns and the appointment of former chairwoman Qnorna Kannal as ambassador succeeded in bringing the Confederation into the war against the Romulans in Y174, creating the Grand Alliance. Although Baranov held office for only three years, he is credited by many historians with saving the Federation, energizing the people and the economy, and providing outstanding leadership in the darkest hour. His critics claimed that he simply got out of the way of Kirnad and MacKenzie.
Not unexpectedly, the Unionists lost the Y176 elections, but few held Baranov responsible.[1]
- ↑ John Sickels (30 March 2011). GURPS Federation, Fourth Edition. Edited by Jean Sexton. (Amarillo Design Bureau, Inc.), pp. 19–20. ISBN 978-1-58564-155-0.