The home planet of the Vulcan race, it is an M-class planet in the Sirius system. There is some controversy as to whether the planet is the actual birthplace of the Vulcan race, or was colonized some six million years ago.

It once suffered under constant wars and conflicts, before Surak developed a philosophy and process for controlling the emotions of the Vulcans. Since that time, logic has been the preeminent virtue of that race, and correspondingly, the planet produces a great many scientists and physicians.

In many ways, the terrain of the planet mirrors the volatile emotions the Vulcans forsook so long ago. The climate is harsh and the continents are primarily desert. Massive sandfire storms of high winds and electrical strikes, make traveling the deserts a dangerous proposition. Frequent volcanic activity also contributes to the volatility of the environment.

Still, there is a certain stark beauty to the place. Ancient ruins tell a haunting story of the past, and are a strong draw for visitors to the planet.

Once, Deep Space 9 was a fairly obscure space station located near the planet Bajor, significant only in that it had belonged to the Cardassians before passing into Bajoran hands. Only those interested in the Cardassian and Bajoran conflict, and the few traders who travelled that way, knew much about it. After the Bajorans successfully rebelled against the Cardassians, the Federation stepped in to help Bajor preserve their hold on the station.

Everything changed, however, when the wormhole first appeared almost on top of Deep Space 9. Suddenly, ever power in the quadrant wanted a part of Deep Space 9, and a part of the wormhole. That, plus the then unknown threat of forces from the Gamma quadrant, put the Bajorans in even more need of their alliance with the Federation.

Since the appearance of the wormhole, Deep Space 9 has become one of the most frequented space stations in either quadrant. It was a key strategic point during the Dominion War, fought over by the Dominion, the Cardassians, the Klingons, the Bajorans, and the Federation.

These days, it is again a thriving station. Quark’s Bar, one of the longest running establishments on the Promenade, remains a gathering point for travelers.

However, thanks to its incredibly convenient location, Deep Space 9 will always be a target for any power interested in controlling access to the wormhole. As the Alpha quadrant plunges into conflict, multiple factions have their eyes on this prize.

It is the birthplace of the Klingon race and remains the capital of their empire. The planet itself is a standard M Class planet, although warmer than Earth, the Human homeworld. As a result of their evolution in this environment, Klingons appear to be less able to withstand cold.

However, while the temperature is moderate, the geography of the planet itself certainly provides a challenge. There are a multitude of extreme environments: harsh mountain ranges, dangerous underground caverns, intemperate seas and volcanic activity. The life on the planet is uniquely suited to this harshness; most life forms native to Qo’noS are fierce and aggressive.

The Klingons in particular enjoy hunting and domesticating Targ, large and violent herding animals reminiscent of wild boar.

The Great Houses of the Klingon Empire can, for the most part, be found on Qo’noS. Some have secondary presences on other planets within the Empire, but to be a true power requires acceptance among the Great Houses. The Klingon Chancellor nearly always comes from one of these Great Houses.

Should any enemy dare to attack the Klingon homeworld, every last Klingon - man, woman and child - will fight to the death to defend it.

“Only Qo’noS endures.” – Klingon death chant

Should you ever have the chance to visit Earth Space Dock, be sure to take a moment and look out a viewport. The Earth below you is a sight to behold. She is the birthplace of the Human race, the headquarters of Starfleet and the primary seat of the Federation government.

Earth Space Dock was put into orbit above Earth to provide that last stepping off point into space. Every ship that serves Starfleet has docked there before its maiden voyage. And every Starfleet ship returns there: for supplies, repairs, leisure or decommissioning.

Earth Space Dock is also the last point of defense for the Earth. Should any enemy penetrate that deeply into the system, Earth Space Dock will deploy all docked ships – regardless of provenance – and defend the Earth.