DATASHEET & BRIEFING
SPACE STATION NEXUS
DATASHEET
& BRIEFING
1. THE CENTURION CLASS SPACE STATION
With the emergence of, larger, more powerful space stations and starbases, the
Galactic Confederation was
faced with a decision about what to with some of it’s older and progressively more
outdated frontier stations.
Ultimately, one proposal that was advanced was the concept of partially dismantling
these stations and rebuilding them with some new added components, which would update
their existing parts and allow them to continue on in various roles well into the 24th
century. Since the modular nature of the existing stations made this task relatively easy,
it would be simply a matter of designing a package of updates and replacements that would
turn this concept from theory into feasible reality.
Three types of update packages were proposed:
1. Centurion Class Defense Outposts
2. Discovery Class Science and Research Outposts
3. Pioneer Class Frontier Outposts
All three variants have enjoyed great popularity in their respective fields, as they offer ideal conditions for their respective fields – a large and powerful military presence in the Centurions, extensive lab space with powerful computer and research resources in the Discoveries and large Cargo and commerce areas in the Pioneers.
Externally, all three variants are generally very similar, with four ‘docking arms’ extending themselves from the main body of the stations. These docking arms were installed to allow the larger Starships, such as the Ambassador class and the forthcoming Galaxy class, to be able to dock with the station. Smaller Starships, such as the older Constitution and Excelsior class still can utilize the large retractable doors in the upper ("mushroom") portion of the station, however, this area is usually frequented by smaller trading vessels or in case of some of the Discovery stations, used for zero G research.
The docking arms, once attached to a ship, can allow for the speedy exchange of cargo through its massive cargo lanes that run from the top portion through a zero G floating tube and then down into the docking arms. Whole shuttles and even runabouts can be moved on or off ship this way. The lengthy walkway from the docking arm airlocks to the main body of the station has often become a active area of commerce and entertainment, with shops, vendors and restaurants opening up almost instantly to cater towards the arriving crews, as well as the onboard personnel. These ventures have often served to give the stations a very personal and unique flair.
The Centurion class also adds a extensive shuttle/fighter docking ring at the bottom of upper docking station and can be equipped with up 180 photon launchers along the bay and usually is now equipped with two 360 degree Colimer Phaser banks.
Of all the variants, the Pioneers and Centurions are generally very
similar (the Pioneers lacking the more advanced military equipment, weapons, fighters and
sensors) while the Discoveries are generally very unique and different as they are
customized for various purposes and research needs.
2.
SPACE STATION NEXUS
The Nexus, a Centurion class station, is situated in the Obsidian Planetary System, a class G2 dwarf star that contains one M class planet, Galena, and orbits a sun about 15% larger then the one found in Sector 001.
Located along the southern frontier of Federation space and west of Klingon space, the system was the focal meeting point of three ancient trading routes which lead into what is now Klingon, Federation and unexplored territories. Galena itself first encountered representatives of the Federation in 2192 and after enduring period of frequent raids by forces allied with the Klingon Empire soon began a closer relationship with the fledgling Federation, culminating in its admittance as a member world of the UFP in late 2207. By this time, due to excessive raiding of the generally unsecured Obsidian Tradelanes, commerce in the sector had begun to decline. However, its strategic location on the Klingon-Federation border made it a vital component in the Federation's Frontier policy.
To shore up its presence in the area (and to assure potential traders of the continued safety of the area), Starfleet decided in 2254 to replace the almost 100 year old Galenan trading outpost with a more modern facility. By the time all the necessary papers and appropriations we’re made and the actual go ahead was given, another 15 years had passed. Part of the delay was due to the insistence of the Galenan Government that any station located within their space would also have to be owned by Galena. Skeptical of the planets ability to fund such an undertaking, but willing to respect the will of the Galenan people, the UFP granted the Galenan Government a 5 year moratorium in which to raise the funds necessary for construction. This goal was eventually completed in 2265 in the fourth year of the moratorium. Welcoming the lack of construction funds necessary, while at the same time being given assurances that the Federation would be given a lengthy and exclusive lease on the new facility, this development was viewed as a good proposition for all involved and further progress occurred on a more rapid pace.
In 2268 it was decided that the system should receive one of the "new" Centurion Class Stations ("new" if one overlooked the fact that some of the station's components were over 70 years old). Give the name Nexus to reflect the area's heritage as a focal point of interstellar commerce, the station was completed in late 2275 and went into operation in 2277. Initially, things flourished, with the station being the new focal point of an economy that was once more picking up steam if at a somewhat lackluster pace. The station and its complement of Fighters were able to provide a visible source of security to potential traders, who now opted to return to the old trading lanes more and more. Nexus itself became the center of commerce in the sector with its large promenades quickly filling with vendors, speculators, traders and various other people who had goods or services to sell (some shady, some not).
3. GALENA
Populated by open and outgoing people, Galena has established extensive contacts throughout the known galaxy and continues to grow and prosper. As a planet it has much natural resource and wealth, notably Duranium and Iranium deposits as well as some tritanium deposits, which has allowed it to build a relatively prosperous society over the last 400 years.
The head of Government is the Galenan Regent, a hereditary position which has been held by a male member of the Ja'Fadey family for the last 800 years. Generally considered a figurehead ruler, the true planetary power lies with the Council of Ministers (Cabinet) and the Speaker (Prime Minister) who in turn are elected by members of the Grand Assembly (Parliament), who are chosen by popular votes on an annual basis by citizens who have earned their civic majority (which occurs at the age of 16 Galenan years).
The governing rules of Galena are the First and Second Codex, which serve as a Constitution and Set of Laws, respectively. In many ways similar to a constitutional monarchy, Galena differs in one way from that traditional Earth form of Governance by having no defined class of nobility. In effect, Galena is more akin to a Democracy with a hereditary figurehead Presidency.
Galenans are humanoid bipeds who are generally similar to humans in most every way. Differences do exist in terms of physiology and biology, but like most humanoid races, Galenans are very compatible with other humanoid species. Physically, Galenans are somewhat short and stockier then is the norm. A very tall Galenan will top 185 cm but not much more. The average Galenan stands roughly 165 cm and is generally distinguishable by their somewhat wide-set eyes, which also tend to be larger then terran humans. Skin complexions run from pale-white to dark brown, with the majority being a fair bit swarthier then the Caucasoid human.
Religion never has been much of a issue in Galenan society and practice of a great deal of diverse faiths, both native and imported, is freely permitted with no one denomination holding much influence in everyday Galenan affairs.
Galenans are considered very hospitable and kindly people who, if asked, will go to great lengths to help a person in need. The planet itself is well known for its lush natural beauty and is sometimes compared to the more picturesque vistas of Ireland on Earth. Vast expanses of rolling hills of grass are the most common sight associated with the Galenan countryside. This tranquil settings, coupled with the moderate climate that seems to prevail across most of the 6 continental landmasses, has given rise to a blossoming tourism industry. Some areas have become somewhat of a sleeper resort destination for vacationing humans. Taggart's Folly is renowned for it's splendid Golf courses and for being the source of that particular games introduction to the planet -- by the expatriate Scotsman Gwillam Taggert, who relocated to Galena in 2282, and whose peculiar game resulted in the locals professing his folly -- before soon taking to the links in droves themselves.
Rural Galena retains a certain Old World charm to most humans, even though modernization is vast and complete. Even though some of the buildings in the countryside may look quaint and may even be in fact some 500-1000 years old, modern amenities usually are always within a short distance. Each and every town over 50 citizens maintains a community center, which should be used by travelers needing to use transporter facilities or make offworld communications. By law, most every other Tavern or Eatery is equipped with similar facilities.
Galenan cities, such as the capital city Ja'Haag and other large urban areas like the continental capital of Danegos, are very modern urban developments, with an emphasis put on compact development and efficient usage of real estate. Buildings tend to his high into the sky and transportation takes place using a multitude of people movers or public transports. Older cities, such as Nerson City are much older in design and have been deliberately kept simple and "old-fashioned" in their layout. Transportation more often then not is undertaken by the ever-present green scooters, which are freely available by anyone who needs to go somewhere and who then can leave them where they are for the next person to use. Most motorized traffic is strictly regulated in Nerson, due to its proximity to Nerson Palace, the Galenan Regents Summer residence.
Galena has maintained a sizable civil defense force and a fleet of sublight and warp capable warships that is comparable to most any other prosperous trader world, however much of this is rooted in a fundamental belief that the inhabitants of its eastern neighbor, the Arktura System, will someday make good on their promise to re-conquer their ancient homeworld. By all accounts, the Arkturans are genetic descendants of Galenans exiled from the planet nearly 1000 years ago in one of its more tumultuous periods of upheaval.
Little is known about the Arkturans today. Over time, several attempts by the UFP to establish diplomatic contacts with Arktura Prime failed due to lack of interest by the Arkturans. Current intelligence suggests that the inhabitants of Arktura are extremely Xenophobic and want nothing to with the outside universe and have been known to be willing to use military force to get that point across. The Federation has adopted a policy of respecting the will of the Arkturans and has declared the Arkturan system offlimits for all civilian traffic. Galenan history suggests that the original Arkturans were part of a Technocratic Cabal who were actively engaged in the systematic destruction of the Galenan ecostructure. Based on this information it is believed that the Arkturan posses a great deal of advanced technology and the thus the travel restrictions into that system should be adhered to at all time.
4. CHAOS
Sometime in late 2335, a major uprising in a realm only known as the Kartahken Empire (and well beyond the know boundaries of explored space in the area), occurred that quickly plunged the entire ‘empire’ into a massive and cataclysmic civil war. From what is known at this time, it is believed that three fractions are warring with each other for control of the realm, and to that effect are continuously attacking the holdings of the others.
Suddenly a whole new trade enterprise sprung up on Nexus: the ferrying of goods (any goods) to the war zone and returning with a cargo hold full of fleeing civilians. Though the risks in such enterprises were enormous, but so were the profit margins. Soon this attracted more ruthless class of traders and arms dealers to the station no one could have possibly imagined.
Starfleet noting the rapid deterioration of the situation in the sector (and the emergence of new trouble on their borders), they ultimately decided to dispatch a new station commander, whose mission it would be to restore order to the station, keep peace within the Obsidian System and build up the Special Forces Branch, specifically the Fighter Squadrons.
And that’s where we pick it up from – when we
converge and meet at Nexus Station!
Return to the Nexus Fiction Page
Last Update: 07 June 2003