Zha Mortas class

Zha Mortas-class Starbase
Facility type:	starbase
Affiliation:	Klingon Empire, Klingon Defense Force
Constructed:	2240s+
Status:	active (2240s+)
Dimensions
Width:	300 m
Height:	110 m
Mass:	1,800,000 metric tons (Z-4B type), 1,850,000 metric tones (Z-4C type)

The Zha Mortas or Deathgame Z4-class space station are battle stations used as border defense outposts in the Klingon Empire.

Five years prior to the Four Years War, the Klingons began to supplement the empire's forward listening posts with defense outposts, the Z-4 (Deathgame). They were deployed in areas where the empire desired to restrict or deny enemy movement. Major defense points (e.g. starbases) usually had more than one Z-4, and several points along the Federation-Klingon borders had up to eight of them.

The Z-4A type remained in service for 30 years, after which it was refitted. They were heavily armed battle stations, with the first models being equipped with 12 disruptors. It had a complement of 440 and could carry up to 260 passengers. The first of the replacement outposts, the Z-4C, were commissioned over two decades later. The number and power of the weapons carried by the stations were increased. It was armed with 27 disruptors and 6 twin photon torpedo launchers. Production rate of the Z-4C averaged 23 per year. The station's complement was slightly increased to 455 and its passenger capacity remained the same.

Within the Klingon Empire, command of these defensive outposts was not sought after. Serving in such an outpost was considered demeaning, since chances of earning glory in combat was slim to none. These bases were normally accompanied by not only repair facilities but also those that provided front line units with needed diversions. (FASA RPG module: Klingon Ship Recognition Manual)