Romulans Establish Outposts on Neutral Ground;
Orleans Avenue “Rich in Precious Dilithium Crystals”

Community activists and local law enforcement authorities are expressing concern that the recent federal government deadline to evacuate all FEMA trailers has lead to an increased Romulan presence on the neutral ground (also known as The Neutral Zone).

“The Romulan presence on the neutral ground is in direct violation of the contract brokered between the federal government and the Romulans after Hurricane Katrina,” said Captain James Luke Pikirk of the Federals.

“I want to make it quite clear to the Romulan leadership that their continued presence will not be tolerated, and the we will use any methods at our disposal to ensure the Romulans return to their own territory.”

While a tacit peace agreement has existed for centuries allowing equal access to the neutral ground for all citizens during the carnival season, the building of semi-permanent Romulan outposts is causing no small amount of anxiety in several neighborhoods throughout the city.

“The cargo hold of my ship has been raided twice since March,” said marina resident Leonard Roddenberry. “I don’t want to accuse, but those Tribbles are worth a lot of money.”

A local Romulan leader going only by the name T’quarl is asking for dialogue.

“Look, if we could beam all the Romulans to affordable housing, we would,” T’quarl said. “But these are trying times for all species.”

He added: “The Orleans Avenue neutral ground is rich in precious dilithium crystals.”

As of right now the Federation are hesitant to use military resources to deal with the Romulan presence.

“While I insist the Romulans vacate the neutral ground at once, I am optimistic we can resolve this matter without staging military operations,” Pikirk said.

The Romulans, despite continuing to build up their presence on the neutral ground, seem unconcerned with posturing by the Federals.

“Let them try to stop my people from rebuilding in the wake of the devastation wrought by Katrina,” said T’quarl.

“Besides, their puny weapons are no match for our disruptor beams and cloaking devices.”