The Triangle and vicinity, circa 2371
Star systems of the Triangle, circa 2280s
The Triangle, also known as Triangle Sector, was a region of space in the Beta Quadrant, a "delta" where the borders of the United Federation of Planets, the Klingon Empire and the Romulan Star Empire came closest. It was so named for its appearance on most two-dimensional map projections. The Orion Syndicate maintained a significant presence in the area as well. (FASA: The Triangle Sourcebook)
The region was colloquially divided into the "Upper Triangle" and "Lower Triangle." It stretched some 48 parsecs from the Federation border to the tip, and 30 parsecs at its widest point in the upper section. As of 2380, four hundred and eighty-seven star systems were catalogued in the Triangle, over one hundred and twenty of which were habitable. In addition to the many independent worlds, and protectorates of the major powers, there were four notable interplanetary alliances: the Mantiev Coalition, the Federation Protectorate Planets, and the Orion Mercantile Association in the Upper Triangle, and the Klingon Free States (formerly the Imperial Klingon States) in the Lower Triangle. (Continuing Mission: The Triangle Sector)
The Triangle sectors held a number of inhabited worlds, mostly independent colonies and trading outposts, though there were a few indigenous species in the region. It had long been an area of conflict between the Romulan and Klingon Empires, going back as far as their days of earliest contact. The first human settlements in the area were made in the mid-23rd century, after the Earth-Romulan War, when a wave of independent-spirited individuals left Earth to strike out on their own, eschewing the nascent Federation. Klingon and Romulan colonies in the area began around the same time, for similar reasons. These early colonies were all supplied by the Orions, which gave the Syndicate a strong foothold in the Triangle should the region prove profitable. This inevitably brought pirates and smugglers to the area, who used the many skirmishes between the Klingons and Romulans as cover for their illicit activities. (FASA: The Triangle Sourcebook)
The Federation was eventually forced to deal with the colonies in the Triangle as independent worlds, even though they maintained their own ties with the Klingon Empire. On the other hand, Klingon attempts to annex the region were resisted through Federation support for the colonists. The Romulans, for their part, dealt with the colonies mostly through the Orions or in the shadows.
A second wave of colonization began after the Four Years War, and the Federation-Klingon War of the 2350s. These post-war boom colonies developed quickly with the support of the established worlds. While no treaty was signed, the three major powers tacitly agreed that the area should remain neutral. Instead of making territorial claims, all three factions invested heavily in the Triangle's markets and economy. While Vulcan and human interests saw a great degree of success in this fashion, it was harder for the Klingons and Romulans to adapt to this strategy. Eventually, some Klingon houses and splinter factions would offer their military services for hire in the region. (FASA: The Triangle Sourcebook)
Upper Triangle[]
Systems of the Upper Triangle, circa 2380
The Upper Triangle, the sectors closest to the Federation border, were where the political landscape of the region was the most complex. The UFP influence was at its strongest there, not only because of proximity but also due to the Federation Protectorate Planets Zone, and Starfleet's presence was felt nearly everywhere, even among the non-aligned worlds. While the Klingon and Romulan governments were less involved in the region, the Orion Mercantile Association held its greatest power there as well, radiating from their four major trade and industrial planets. However, the largest and most influential power in the Triangle was the Mantiev Coalition, which dominated the economy through trade agreements with all the major factions and independent worlds. The only individual planet with notable influence in the Triangle was Comstock, where the Kirkbride Corporation was based. (Continuing Mission: The Triangle Sector)
Lower Triangle[]
Systems of the Lower Triangle, circa 2380
The Lower Triangle was often considered to be more wild and lawless than the upper regions. Due to the proximity of the Klingon and Romulan borders, the Lower Triangle had a far more violent history and outlook. The presence of the Klingon Free States only added to the tension, stoking the tensions between the Klingon and Romulan Star Empires. The KFS nonetheless managed to not only survive, but thrive within the Triangle due to their proximity to the Romulans. Marauders, pirates and rogues often found refuge among the constantly-shifting politics in the Lower Triangle. The Federation's presence in the region was small, exerting little influence. (Continuing Mission: The Triangle Sector)
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Locations[]
Akers IV • Altharra • Azure Nebula • Baker's World • Colil V • Geisling • Gibraltar • Ghioghe system (Ghioghe) • Manticore • Marram IX • Matarra III • Morning Garden • Nimbus III • Penchan II • Rockhaven • Selanar • Takanarra II
External links[]
- Triangle (region) article at Memory Beta, the non-canon Star Trek wiki.
- Triangle (region) article at Star Trek Expanded Universe, the fanon and fanworks Star Trek wiki.
- The Triangle Sector sourcebook by Kevin M. Houghton, a post-Nemesis update to FASA's original.