Pharos is an XQ2 space station that serves as the primary fleet base for the Odanite Expeditionary Force. It serves as the secondary access point to the Kiast system, allowing the more conspicuous warships to navigate into and out of the Palioxis Cloud nebula without attracting as much attention as they would by going through Palioxis Station.
History
In the months after Odan-Urr settled in the Kiast system, it became overwhelmingly apparent that the same astrographical features that made the system an appealing haven would hinder the OEF’s own operations. Moving warships through the nebula and asteroid fields was a time-consuming process that left the vessels vulnerable and made quick responses outside the system nearly impossible. Because of this, the Pharos was claimed by the Clan in order to better support patrolling vessels and monitoring the primary incoming and outgoing paths within the Palioxis Cloud. Like several similar platforms dotted throughout the system, it serves as a primary means of monitoring the overall area and guiding ships through the navigational hazards which guards them against larger fleets.
The station itself also serves as a place to make minor repairs and to refuel warships. This was originally dedicated largely to members of House Hoth but following the dissolution of that House this was broadened to the entire Odanite Expeditionary Force. Since that time this has allowed it to continually guard and monitor the surrounding area, and to serve as a major regrouping point in times of crisis, such as the conflict between the Vatali Empire and the Dominion.
Description
Like all XQ2-model platforms, Pharos has three platforms surrounding a central hub, each featuring a primary hanger for smaller vessels. This allows the Pharos to both accommodate a steady influx of shuttles ferrying cargo to and from awaiting vessels, and to host a large compliment of other smaller craft. Thanks to this, the station could more easily resupply surrounding ships with anything from essential supplies to basic cargo. Refuelling can be performed in a similar manner when required, but a more typical connection often needs to be established with larger warships.
The interior of the station is broken up by a series of sectors, each locked off by separate security clearances. This allows visiting crews access only to a few key areas of the station, such as recreational facilities and meeting areas, while leaving the C&C locked out to higher-level command staff. Civilians were permitted to arrive and visit outlying areas of the station, but their presence was highly restricted and landings were typically only permitted to allow for security checks.
The Pharos frequently benefitted from a large defensive fleet thanks to its value within the O.E.F. and its ability to resupply arriving vessels. As such, while it is lightly armed against larger cruisers, it is rarely left to combat such threats alone. Furthermore, the Pharos station also fielded a full flight of defensive fighters, meaning that it is rarely purely reliant upon static defensive emplacements.
Garrison
The role of Pharos as a defensive position sees the station host to a sizable force of patrol ships. Selected for their speed and versatility above all else, these consist of modified RZ-1 A-wing Interceptors and T-70 series X-Wings. Besides patrolling the local area, these serve as a rapid response force to investigate and intercept potentially hostile targets.
The current listing of squadrons is as follows: