Star Trek: 10 Times The Federation Was The Bad Guy
9. Violating The Treaty Of Algeron
The look on Riker's face when he sees Admiral Pressman step off the transporter pad in The Pegasus tells us that things are going to get rough. And the way Pressman announces that their old lost ship, the USS Pegasus, may have been discovered by the Romulans...well, he may as well have added a nudge, nudge and a wink, wink.
Turns out the Pegasus had been testing an experimental phasing cloaking device, which is strictly forbidden by the Treaty of Algeron. When the experiment put the ship at risk, most of the crew mutinied, and a young Riker sided with his Captain, helping him escape just minutes before an explosion. If that weren't shady enough, a recommendation for a full investigation was ignored and the report was classified and quietly hidden away...the hallmark of a classic cover-up.
What's worse, Pressman intends to restart the project once the device is recovered, with the support of the Chief of Starfleet Security and a bunch of Starfleet Intelligence cronies. This is clearly not just a Badmiral solo gig.
Riker is ordered to keep the project secret, even from Picard, putting him in a terrible position. And when the Enterprise reaches the Pegasus and discovers it partially materialised in solid rock, Pressman insists on beaming aboard only with Riker to maintain the cover-up. The plan is only foiled when they're forced to use the device as a means of escape and Picard ensures justice is served.
It might not be the worst thing the Federation has ever done, but breaking a peace treaty, running a forbidden experiment, sparking a mutiny and then covering it all up are not exactly 'good guy' vibes.