Major Federation star system in the Raeyan Sector. Site of Starbase 911 and Union Gateway. The most recent system commander was Commodore James Frost, whose flagship, the U.S.S. Odin, was attached to Starbase 911.

See Also: Battle of Union

Overview

The Union system is home to the Federation colony of Union III; Union Gateway, the most strategically important position in three sectors and the keystone of Task Force 38's entire mission, Starbase 911, Task Force 38's headquarters in Federation territory, The Hermes and Poseidon shipyards, and the Manner Research Station, an unassuming science facility that secretly hosts the most sophisticated suite of sensor equipment in the Beta Quadrant.

Union is a G-type, main-sequence star with nine orbiting planets, including the M-class Union III. Prior to the discovery of Iconian ruins on Union III and the related Union Gateway, Union was mainly noted for the heavy concentrations of dilithium found in many of its moons. The star system was discovered by deep-space probes in 2298, but not fully explored until the U.S.S. Exploration passed through the system in 2350.

Union Gateway

Main Article: Union Gateway

Union Gateway is an Iconian Very Large Gateway in the Beta Quadrant discovered in 2375. Linking to Solaria Gateway in the Delta Quadrant and serving as the enabling artifact for the Delta Quadrant Operations's entire mission, it is the single most important feature of Union system.

Starbase 911

"We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started... and know the place for the first time."

-T. S. Eliot, Starbase 911 Dedication Plaque

Formerly Starbase 74, Union's sole starbase was upgraded to a Spacedock-class facility following the discovery of Union Gateway. After six years of work, it was reopoened in November 2381 as Starbase 911. It was commanded by Vice Admiral Athos Roark until Roark's 2383 retirement. His successor, Commander Sk'lar Hst, commanded until his premature death in early 2384. The base's was then commanded Captain Alix Masterson, former security chief of the U.S.S. Sizemore, which was at that time still attached to Starbase 911. Vice Admiral Athos Roark until Roark's 2383 retirement. His successor, Commander Sk'lar Hst, commanded until his premature death in early 2384. The base's was then commanded by commander Captain Alix Masterson, former security chief of the U.S.S. Sizemore, which was at that time still attached to Starbase 911. After Masterson's transfer, Starfleet focused its resources on the construction of the newest Starbase 900 in the Round Table, and Starbase 911 fell into disrepair. A skeleton crew under Chief Engineer Jamilith Neumila remained in place "to keep the lights on," as he put it, but the degradation of the facilities continued apace. Eventually large sections of the station were overrun by vagrants and refugees from the planet. Commodore James Frost was put in command of the base for a short time in mid-2386, and made modest progress in restoring the base (see his mission logs), but his assignment did not last long.

Defensive Capabilities

In addition to the standard Spacedock-class base defenses, which are themselves formidable, Starbase 911 is defended by a self-replicating antimatter minefield; a tachyon detection grid blanketing the system (controlled jointly by the Manner and 911 operations centers); a large-scale orbital planetary defense grid (much of which falls well within the Union defensive perimeter); over one hundred small craft, including forty-two fighter craft of various classes; and any starships presently attached to the station, typically numbering two or three.

It is for this reason that Starbase 911--and, by extension, Union System--is widely considered to be invulnerable to direct assault by a hostile fleet of almost any size.

Important Locations

Operations Centre

This massive room controls the entire 2,400-deck starbase and functions as the main operations center for the system. Shaped very much like a bowl, there are seven-tiers in the centre with the lowest level being the central 'pool table' console. Turbolifts deposit personnel on the highest tiers, near the Duty Officer's Office, which overlooks the entire bridge through the floor-to-ceiling transparent aluminium double doors. In an alcove near the massive forward viewscreen, the four-person transporter pad allows direct, emergency transport to any location.

The operations console on the lowest tier uses high-resolution imaging to display a three-dimensional holographic, suspended in mid-air, of the system. This same display can be used to image statistics or even hails. The main forward viewscreen can be split into four separate, distinct screens.

Most primary functions are controlled from the first-tier above the operations level. Communications, mapping and environmental controls are controlled from the third-tier. The general rule of thumb is the higher the console's priority, the closest to the operations level.

Medical Infirmary

The starbase medical infirmary is a three-story full service medical facility. All three balcony-style levels are visible from the ground floor and suspended in the middle of the open-air column is a multi-function holo-emitter. Located in isolated areas from the main infirmary are several laboratories and medical offices, including a well-appointed chief medical officer's office.

Observation Deck

This ten metre-wide corridor runs the entire surrounding edge of the saucer section, almost 24 kilometers long. The floor-to-ceiling transparent aluminium provides an unprecedented view of surrounding space including the blue-green sphere of Union III and her surrounding moons, Canterbury and Claudius.

The corridor is furnished with occasional sets of sofas, chairs and coffee tables along with several species of plants from the many planets of the Federation. Food replicators and other emergency equipment, stowed nearby, are strategically placed throughout the corridor complex.

Berth Nine

The most used starship berth out of the 25 internal berths. After operations opens the gargantuan doors leading to the internal bays and docks, starships maneuver in on thruster power before aligning with a predetermined berth. Berth 9 secures the starship to the starbase by various sized umbilicals and features a large flat deck from which one can view the entire docking procedure safely.

Topside Lounge

Like all Starfleet facilities, Starbase 911 has a recreational area set aside for off-duty personnel. Not unlike many other facilities, this lounge is a combination of a bar, lounge, games room and largely a comfortable, multi-purpose facility. Like the Observationa Deck, floor-to-ceiling transparent aluminium offer a view of surrounding space and local traffic.

The Topside Lounge is neighbor to a number of other eating and shopping establishments, including a combination replimat-bar called "Eddie's Happy Bottom Riding Club"--one of several HBRC franchises scattered throughout the galaxy.

Admiral's Office

A well-furnished space made up of the yeoman's external office that includes a waiting area, and the larger internal office. The internal office is split into two tiers, seperated by only two steps. The upper tier is home to the desk and several other furnishing such as paintings and plants whilst the lower tier is a seating area, much like the arrangements in the observation deck.

Union III

A chilly breeze blew across the open water near the old Starfleet starbase, pushing along the few dead leaves still about the park. Though it had been a warm winter, the park was still empty of the usual joggers and walkers. Starfleet personnel rarely got posted to such Eden's so they normally took advantage of it. Roark was glad they didn't on this day.

The vice-admiral stood near the water's edge, on a cobblestone dock that was recently constructed by civil authorities in an effort to beautify the city before a regional conference. It lent the city a cosmopolitan feel that it lacked when Roark first arrived. In his mind's eye, he could see the dirt roads and pre-fabricated building being erected in the middle of town. Dozens of sweat-covered engineers, far from the comforts of starships, walked around the site with stacks of PADDs and kit.

He smiled, then turned and walked away.

As he approached the waiting shuttlecraft in Foundation Park, the breeze died down and the sun broke through the clouds. The air warmed ever so slightly but not enough. Vice Admiral Athos Roark boarded the shuttlecraft, stopped at the door and looked over his shoulder.

He nodded and talking to himself, he said, "All good things ..."

--Admiral Athos Roark, final post

Union III is the only settled planet in the Union system.

Following the Battle of Union, Union III's infrastructure was severely damaged, and on-the-ground casualties were found to be much higher than initially hoped. Meanwhile, the destruction of F'hoca Gateway and the loss of the Old Theatre meant the Federation lost contact with many of Union III's Delta Quadrant trading partners. The planet has entered a severe depression, with degrading infrastructure and mass emigration. The figures given below reflect pre-Battle census numbers and statistics, not the post-Battle reality.

Overview

Population: 950,000 civilians, plus 2,100 transients at any one time

Cities: Farway (capital; spaceport), Equinox (spaceport), Progoss, Northumbria The sister cities of Farway, Equinox, Progoss and Northumbria are less alike than most off-worlders think. Farway surrounds Starfleet facilities and the Daystrom Institute of Archeaology, whilst Equinox is largely a civilian city with a mayor. Equinox was founded a few years ago by a mining company which needed more space for industrial scale machinary. Progoss and Northumbria are new settlements of colonists, attempting to create a permanent residence on Union III under the guidance of Starfleet Colonisation. Farway is the largest city with a little over 500,000 inhabitants, Equinox the second largest with approximately 178,500. The remainder of the population live in either Progross or Northumbria, or rurally.

Currency: Federation credits, latium The Union economy is very primitve compared to the more sophiscated models used by more well-founded colonies, but Union is still regulated and will only trade in the above currency(s). The Ferengi Galactic Bank, or FGB, has recently set up a branch office and regularly converts currency. Note: FGB also operates as the Ferengi consulate.

Defenses: In addition to the full defensive capacity of Starbase 911, Union is home to a full garrison of marines represnting the 10th Armored Division. This includes over one hundred full-fledged fighters of its own, counted separately from Starbase 911's own hundred small combat craft.

Farway Sites

Operations Center

The operations center is the core of Planetary Operations. The large structure contains the primary operations room, with the CO's office. In addition the building also contains Department heads for Colony Operations, and some training and recreational facilities.

It is located at the North end of the Academy Campus, and is surrounded by smaller satellite buildings.

Foundation Park & Lake Columbia

The park is a large green oasis in the bustling city of Farway. It is commonly used by Colony staff in their off time as a place to relax and play. Lake Columbia is often used for aquatic activities, from swimming, to boating, to fishing. The park itself has open grassland, cultivated flowered areas and 'wild' woodland zones.

Government House

The powerhouse of the Union III. Government House is home to the Planets Prime Ministers Government. From here laws are made, and motions passed to ensure the smooth running of Union III. Government House is located in the Capital, Farway.

Kass Medical Center

Located at the South end of the College Campus directly opposite the Operations Building. This smaller building houses the Medical facilities required to care for the Colony and planet as a whole. Containing many wards, treatment areas, surgical suites, dentistry suites and laboratories, this complex also houses the Colony Medical staff. The Medical staff treat injuries and also teach at the Academy, as such the Complex has some lecture halls to facilitate this. The Center is named in honor of 21st-century bioethicist Leon Kass.

University College Campus

Located on a rise to the southern edge of the City of Farway. The University contains a myriad of buildings that cater to all aspects of teaching and training in archeaology. There are also accommodation buildings where the students and lecturers reside. Farway being at the Eastern Edge, Hills to the West, Operations to the North and the Medical Complex at the south form the boundaries of the University Campus.

Shuttle/Runabout Pads

Behind the Operations Center is a Federation Starport that facilitates the moving of supplies and personnel on and off Union III. From here staff can also take out Shuttles and Runabouts on missions. A small fighter squadron is also located here who are directly responsible for security of the Academy.

Iconian Ruins

In the mountainous region to the East of the Academy site is a large underground cave complex. It can be reached on foot from the Academy, but due to the difficult terrain it is mostly reached by Runabouts. The Ruins themselves are badly degraded, with the majority of interesting remnants being preserved underground in the caves. This is also the location of the Iconian Portal Control. This area of the caves is off-limits to general personnel.

Klingon Consulate

The residence and work place of the Klingon Ambassador to Union III and the Federation in general. Situated on the edge of Farway to provide short commutes to both the Civilian Government and the Federation representative.

It is unknown whether the Klingon embassy was expelled following the Battle of Union.

Officer's Mess

A place to get a drink or a bite to eat when on or off duty. The officers mess is a place for the Starfleet Officers to relax and get to know their colleagues. The Officer's mess is located on the second level of the Operations Center with views over the valley towards Farway.

Other Major Facilities

The Manner Research and Training Center, known locally as "The Manner," is a nexus of scientific activity around the Gateway, despite being a relatively weak Regula station at the edge of the system's defense perimeter. Secretly, it was upgraded to include the most powerful set of sensors in the Beta Quadrant, and it regularly ties into sensor feeds from the other side of the Gateway to assist with data-gathering and analysis.

The Hermes and Poseidon Shipyards are two separate spaceyard facilities, responsible for limited starship construction and any repair work that cannot be done aboard Starbase 911. The two stations, though separate, are referred to in all but official communications as "The Drydocks."

Credits

Original information created by the players of the U.S.S. Excelsior-C simm. Permission for its use on the SB900 websites given by Alcar Dovan.