Deep Space 17

Deep Space 17 is a Canopus-class Federation station located past the edge of Federation space coreward from the Romulan Free State in the Lioh system in the Typhon Expanse. Its primary mission is to support long-range exploratory missions deep into the Beta Quadrant, which are spearheaded by the Fourth Fleet’s Task Force 17. A week away at maximum warp from the nearest major starbase, this is the last way-station for vessels headed towards areas of space never before explored.

History

The Lioh system was first surveyed in the 2330s, and was noted for having a strangely low amount of both carbon and metal–meaning very, very little in the way of rocky bodies like terrestrial planets–but four enormous gas giants orbiting far from a blue giant. As there were no M-class worlds to explore, the system’s file was left untouched for the next sixty-five years. In 2395, Starfleet assessed that the large amounts of deuterium and solar energy would make it the perfect place for a deep-space fueling depot. With the Romulans’ status still in question, it was considered critical to Federation security that an outpost be established from which to launch long-distance scouting missions beyond and around their space.

Starfleet authorized the construction of a Canopus-class station later that year. It was constructed in sections and towed into place, like many deep-space stations, slowly over the next two years, coming online in 2397. Meanwhile, a massive solar power array was constructed to power an anti-deuterium refinery, which would be fed by automated deuterium collection facilities on each of the four gas giants in the system. The energy reserves in this system would be able to sustain deep-space operations in the region indefinitely.

Starting in 2399, Starfleet’s turn towards pure exploration was taken up by the Fourth Fleet, and by 2400, Deep Space 17 became the new headquarters for Task Force 17, the fleet’s deep-space exploratory group.

Current Status

As one of Starfleet's newest installations, an aura of intrigue still surrounds Deep Space 17. On the very edge of explored space, the station marks one of the coreward-most points of Federation space. Like a lighthouse looking out towards the mysterious seas of old, the starbase's familiar shape is a welcome sight for starships returning from the depths of the unknown.

A subspace beacon shines out from DS17's communications array to guide these ships back home. Explorers are, however, not all that wash up on the Federation's shores. Species never before seen by Alpha Quadrant eyes have been known to emerge from the black; some seeking, some running and some with no purpose at all. Space-dwelling organisms, non-corporeal life, machines and gods from beyond the frontier might occasionally be swept up in the galactic tides.

The Typhon Expanse, a murky realm of subspace interference and temporal distortions, looms large. Still not fully explored even at the dawn of the 25th Century, apparitions pulse and fade, sensor ghosts distract, and temporal mirages lure unsuspecting travellers to grisly fates in this pocket of space where there is always more than meets the eye.

Deep Space 17 personnel are often reminded of the base's mandate to look inward, too. The Romulan Free State and Romulan Republic both stand between it and wider Federation space. These two volatile fragments of a galactic hyperpower are to be watched closely, and not to be trifled with.

Leisure Facilities

The Esplanade

The Esplanade is a long, open area near the station’s docking area, populated by numerous civilian facilities. This is where many of the station’s recreational areas can be reached. Several restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs and replimats can be found here too. Shops owned by civilian trades are also popular here, as many of them are interested in legitimate trade with those ships coming in from the Typhon Expanse. Large bay windows allow visitors to watch the incoming ships. In some areas, visitors can find running water, potted plants and even a sandy beach with a holographic skyline.

Smoke & Sizzle

Smoke & Sizzle is one of the popular restaurants located on The Esplanade. Thesoth, a renowned chef from Tellar Prime, owns it and enjoys entertaining his customers by serving a variety of cuisines and dishes from a range of worlds on a BBQ. Customers can sit at the many round tables and watch as cooks trained by Thesoth prepare their meals in front of them.

The Loft

Deep Space 17’s premier nightclub, The Loft, is owned by Betazoid proprietor Mossiye Azin. It is almost three levels high and is busy every night. Each floor of the nightclub features different themed evenings, accompanied by the type of music played. The Loft has its own bar, which many locals also enjoy visiting. Azin is famous for her own signature cocktail, the Holy Rings, which is meant to be shared with at least five people and has a quite sweet, tasty kick to it.

The Night Owl

A small coffee shop in San Francisco, which gained fame after Voyager’s return from the Delta Quadrant and became a favourite place of a certain admiral. The Night Owl is a franchise with many small coffee shops on several Starfleet bases. This is an excellent spot for Starfleet officers to grab a quick snack and a drink between shifts. ‘Coffee, Black’ is their most famous and popular order by most Human officers. Still, most recently, they have started to serve ‘Even better than coffee substitute’ thanks to recent trading relations with the Talaxians from the Delta Quadrant.

The Velocity Courts

The game of velocity is very popular on Deep Space 17, and as such, many holographic courts have been built for local teams to play against each other. Weekly matches are organised against some of the top players on the stations. Visitors can watch the latest games in person or through holographic channels around the stations. They also allow guest challengers to join when they visit the station for a short period.

Deep Space 17 In Play

• With its position on the edge of the Typhon Expanse, DS17 is a home for many families who cannot join their loved ones on any deep space exploration assignments. As such the civilian population is very close, and very close with its Starfleet crew.
• DS17 is a busy station with many explorers, cruisers and science vessels docking here as they prepare for their next assignments as they move out into the wild frontiers of the Beta Quadrant.
• Starships stop here to resupply on their operations around or beyond the Typhon Expanse, and can be supported by the station's maintenance team. Serious repairs or support for much larger ships may necessitate a return to Federation space. Thanks to the nearby automated refineries, this is also a great place for ships to stop and refuel.
• There are some exchanges of scientific missions and/or knowledge via the different Romulan states. As such, some Romulans do live here and work alongside their Federation colleagues.