The Tarsus IV Massacre was one of the most barbarous acts to take place since the founding of the Federation, and served as a reminder that humanity might not be as far removed from its violent past as many would like to think. In 2246, the colony world of Tarsus IV was the site of a severe crop blight. An exotic fungus destroyed most of the food supply, and then-Governor Kodos was faced with a grim calculus: by rationing the food he could save half the 8000 colonists and visitors until the colony was resupplied, but only if the other half stopped consuming supplies—completely and immediately.