Series help requested
Ok, at long last, I need some help on my series details!
Before I start, here's a couple of decisions I made, specifically for plot and background purposes! I'm using much of the old FASA background for setting, especially for the Orions, the Triangle and the Klingons. In particular I am exploring the presence of the Klingon Fusion races, and the reason for their disappearance.
My series will be set in the late 2280's on the Klingon Neutral Zone between Rigel and the Triangle. Thus, it's basically late movie period, and plumb in the middle of the Klingon-Federation Cold War. The players will be members and allies of the Interstellar Commerce Regulatory Agency, a division of Starfleet devoted to border patrols and anti-smuggling operations. They're basically special agents of the customs service, but will frequently get dragged into the FIS's anti-Orion investigations, Starfleet Intelligence operations and all kinds of other nonsense They will have no ship of their own, but will have access to warp shuttles (23rd century runabouts) and can commandeer passing escorts or frigates if the situation warrants it (and the skipper agrees!).
At the moment, I'm working on their base of operations - and this is where I need help right now!
Starbase 12 is the largest Starfleet facility in the immediate area, and is responsible for fleet operations from Orion Space to the rimwards portion of the Triangle, where Starbase 27 takes over responsibility. The old Orions book mentions a backup repair facility at Rhinate (about 7 parsecs from SB 12), but says nothing about SB12 itself. I envision the place as a big ground facility, with training centres for enlisted personnel, recreation areas and orbital docks and repair yards. It's basically the Starfleet Command branch for two entire sectors (Orion and Ukrainia Novya), so it's extensive. Services are provided by several entrenched Orion Families.
So first question is: should the Crew be based here? It allows for plenty of command-level interference, but also a lot of passing the buck (which can be a problem with some players). An alternative is to put them on a small local base closer to the frontier, but I might lose out on a lot of episode possibilities then. Any thoughts?
Also, what kind of fleet do you think would be operating from SB12? I'm looking for a rough idea of numbers and ship types (heavy cruisers, frigates etc), mostly for background flavour. (I can figure out actual ship classes and names, but if anyone has any suggestions... ) At the moment, I'm envisioning a Constitution, a couple of Mirandas, and a lot of smaller ships, but visions of a Pearl Harbor size installation keep leaping out at me (and will keep the players anticipating a massive surprise attack which will generate the kind of paranoia I want ).
One final question: At the moment it's Star Trek: Orion Space - anyone have any better suggestions? Series Feel is "A cross between James Bond, Mission: Impossible and Miami Vice, in space" if that's any help
Jon
"There are worlds out there where the sky is burning, where the sea is asleep and the rivers dream; people made of smoke and cities made of song.
Somewhere there's danger, somewhere there's injustice, and somewhere else the tea is getting cold. Come on, Ace, we've got work to do."
THE DOCTOR, "Survival" (Doctor Who)