Federation Nebula-Class starship.    Starfleet registry NCC-71203.  On Stardate 50575.1, starship Niobe, commanded by Captain David Harding had completed her two-month survey of the Osarni sector, when the ship was infested by the alien parasites thought to be threatening the Menkare Expanse.  The ship was lost with all hands when Niobe was destroyed during battle with starship Maximillian.