This Consortium vessel, under the command of Vanguard Colonel Titus Gaines, reached Demaria in 2346. The Demarian Militia launched an attack, fearing invasion. The Ballantine survived only because Gaines ordered his ship's shields dropped and weapons powered down to demonstrate they intended no harm to Demaria. Demarian Imperator Yellowfang Nightshadow praised the bravery of the commander, and welcomed the crew of the Ballantine to the city of Alhira - the first offworlders to do so under peaceful circumstances. Demaria joins the Stellar Consortium.

Ballantine was an American brewery, founded by Peter Ballantine who was born in Scotland in 1781. It is best known for Ballantine Ale, a pale ale that is one of the oldest brands of beer in the United States. At its peak, Ballantine, was the 4th largest brewer in the United States.