Starbase 18 was an orbital Federation starbase in the Hamal system. It maintained a distance of 200 million kilometers from Hamal IV.
Design
It was constructed by the Hamalki, the natives of Hamal IV. Starbase 18 was an oblong, cigar-shaped space station, built with elaborate golden spires and architecture. James T. Kirk found the design very alien, as it was styled with crystalline objects and mirror-finished metal surfaces. Starbase 18 was home to the Hamal Shipyards.
History
In the 2270s, the station was commanded by Commodore Katha'sat. (TOS novel: The Wounded Sky)
In 2275, the USS Enterprise visited the station to be refitted with an experimental inversion drive. (TOS novel: The Wounded Sky)
During a period of heightened tensions in 2276, the starbase was equipped with formidable weaponry and a large compliment of starships in anticipation of a possible Romulan invasion of its sector. (TOS novel: Swordhunt)
In 2278, the Enterprise again stopped at the station to receive supplies for the Vestra V colony. (TOS novel: Deep Domain)
In 2359, the USS Starbound limped to Starbase 18 on impulse engines, after being attacked and crippled by Orion pirates. The starbase received their radio distress signal and sent a starship to tow them the rest of the way. However, once they arrived, station security arrested acting commanding officer Darryl Adin to face a court martial on charges of treason, murder, and conspiring with the Orions. (TNG novel: Survivors)
William Riker was aboard the starbase in 2360 when he received orders assigning him to the USS Yorktown. The Yorktown arrived at the station a short time later. (TNG novel: Ghost Ship)
In 2381, the USS Enterprise-E transported a number of refugees from the Borg invasion earlier that year to Starbase 18. From there, the refugees were expected to go on to settle on other worlds, including Tellar. (TNG novel: Losing the Peace)
