The Setlik III massacre was a major event of the Federation-Cardassian War.
The Federation colony of Setlik III was believed by the Cardassian Union to be the staging ground for an assault on Cardassian space, and a strike force was dispatched to the colony to destroy it. However, no such military base existed, and the Cardassian troops attacked the civilian population, with over 100 casualties. The Federation starship USS Rutledge under the command of Captain Benjamin Maxwell was the first vessel to respond to the colony's distress calls, though it was stationed some hours away. Upon arrival at Setlik III, the Rutledge deployed landing parties, who were instrumental in saving the lives of the remaining colonists (TNG: "The Wounded"). Crewman Miles O'Brien became known as the "Hero of Setlik III" and was decorated for his actions in combat on the surface. (DS9: "Empok Nor")
Amongst the casualties were Maxwell's family, as well as Rutledge crewmembers Will Kayden and Raymond Boone. Boone himself was killed by the Cardassians after being captured. He was replaced by a surgically altered Cardassian operative. He was not revealed as an imposter until 2370. (DS9: "Tribunal")
- The exact date of the massacre has never been stated, although it is known to have taken place sometime between 2347 and the early 2350s.
External Link
Additional information (albeit non-canon) from the novelization of DS9: "Emissary" by Jeanne M. Dillard.