Exactly right TTK, I didn't think of that. I also agree there are few tactical advantages for this sort of structure (except the obvious advantage of a convenient staging platform to attack the host planet/moon) and many advantages of a sub-terrestrial facility.
(specifically in a Trek context unless vessels have atmo/planetfall capability then any venture in an atmosphere is inherently dangerous, plus unless a vessels torpedoes are stratospheric [only a few are specifically designed this way] the use of torpedoes for orbital bombardment is ineffectual and rock etc makes for an reasonably effective armour rating)
Last edited by WaveMan; 07-23-2015 at 01:52 AM.
AKA-Dean
"I will never make excuses for who I am. It is the way I was born. I am a HUNTER. a BONE COLLECTOR."
Wave Man, the term "wave man" is the English translation of 'Ronin' (Japanese word) and literately translates to "wandering person" and in a modern context a WaveMan is one who is socially adrift or a SalaryMan who is between employers.