Information
It was the middle-most of the Cardan-class space stations both in name, and in relative power. While all variants of the Cardan space station saw use, the Mark III model was among the most commonly used throughout the Empire.
To fulfill its role as a defense platform, the Cardan III possessed a number of turbolaser, laser cannon, and ion cannon batteries in addition to a quartet of proton torpedo launchers. In addition, it had capacity to carrry a complement of four twelve-unit TIE Fighter squadrons—the same number of TIE/LN fighters carried by an Imperial I-class Star Destroyer—for patrol and space superiority. It also usually operated in conjunction with rapid response fleet elements.
As with other Cardan-class space stations, the Mark III could repair vessels or even build them from scratch. With its integrated shipyard facilities, a Cardan III was capable of building and repairing vessels as large as a Victory-class Star Destroyer. While featuring considerably less firepower than a Golan space defense platform of comparable size, this ability to repair and construct vessels made it a valuable asset to Imperial fleets far from the Core.
History
The XQ5 Platform was acquired by Taldryan after the Seventh Great Jedi War. With the Iron Throne secure and an expanded Dark Council waiting for direction, the Grand Master started his renewed tenure by commissioning the reconstruction of the Dark Hall. He also commissioned Dark Council Embassies to be built in each clan system. The Grand Master announced to the Consuls that the Dark Council would place in each system a Platform to be used by visiting Dark Council representatives, but to be run and controlled by each Clan. Taldryan took advantage of the opportunity and positioned the platform orbiting their home world, Karufr. Designated as Citadel Alpha, the facility is used by the House for business transactions and as a short-range defense platform.