The Admiral’s Log: My Journey Through ‘Star Trek Online’ – Part LVIII

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

Earth Spacedock – The Gateway to the Galaxy

If there’s one important thing I’ve learned in my years as a writer, it is that sometimes a location or an object is as important to the story as the characters themselves. In fact, sometimes the location in question is a character in its own right, since it symbolizes so much and means so much to the characters that visit it or travel through it, and I would venture to say that utilizing that storytelling element is something that Star Trek has outright mastered. Because some of the worlds we’ve visited with various captains really have taken on a life of their own, and the many ships that populate the galaxy in the 23rd Century and beyond, have their own personality thanks to their overall design and unique interior look. But of the many locations we’ve seen in the fifty-plus year run of this franchise, one critical ‘character’, that the saga doesn’t spend enough time exploring is Earth Spacedock.
 
For this grandiose orbital station that circles the Earth night and day, is truly the greatest and most iconic hub that Starfleet has ever used, and she’s truly become a staple of the saga after her first appearance in The Search for Spock since we’ve seen this grandiose station in other Trek films and shows as the years have rolled on and thankfully, she even makes an appearance in Star Trek Online. Which is a wonderful thing since this game gives everything that is featured in the franchise new life and depth and this massive space station is no exception to that rule. Because there is a lot to see within the walls of this massive structure, one that is in essence the gateway to all of the Milky Way Galaxy, and well, it’s so massive and breathtaking in the game that it is honestly a tad difficult to find a good starting point to discuss.
 
So, perhaps the best place to start, is to reflect upon a spot where this wild journey began. For when one first arrives at Earth Spacedock at the beginning of your career in STO, one is expected to report to Admiral Quinn’s office and that’s actually quite a fascinating place to explore in its own right. For not only does the Admiral have a bustling office filled with diplomats and senior officers, there are some exquisite mockups of ships from the fleet on display and a detailed map of what ships are currently in drydock, and some of the names on that list definitely allow for one’s inner geek to take hold and the lovely Easter Eggs present here are extended to the rotunda nearby. For this part of the station also features a massive holographic map that highlights some important vessels that float around the perimeter of ESD and this area also features one hell of a breathtaking view, one that you can easily get lost within if you just stand there and stare at the beautiful blue ball beyond that panel of transparent aluminum.  

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(Sometimes you have to join in on an impromptu dance party.)

But while the Starfleet side of things is awesome and nerdy in its own right, there is so much more to see in this place. For there is a medical center you can visit if you’re in need of a little fix me up and your CMO is vacationing on Risa for the week, plus you can change up your ship’s weapon, shield and panel loadout at the fleet operations center on the lower level, and you can get your hands on some new weapons and gear at the exchange, or change up your uniform at the tailor’s station or take a shuttle to Starfleet Academy. Which, now that I think about it, is a ridiculous number of things that you are able to do at this station. In fact, that’s more than you what can do on some planets for that matter, and believe it or not, we’re not even done with grandiose tour just yet. Because there are a couple more spots that are worth visiting, that just so happen to be quite contrasting in nature.
 
For there is the always popular Club 47 off to the side, where you can legit dance the night away, which is just hilarious to find in a Star Trek game because I had no idea that slamming back some synthehol and busting out The Running Man or the Sprinkler was a popular thing in 2410, but apparently it is. And if dancing isn’t your thing you can head off to the lounge section of the club and once again enjoy fine views of Earth while calmer music soothes your soul. But I made mention of spots that serve as a foil, which brings us to Deck 83 where… there’s nothing but empty hallways that serve a purpose I honestly haven’t explored just yet. But the true centerpiece of this station, is the memorial that resides on the Deck 47 Mezzanine, for it pays tribute to everyone that has ever been associated with this proud franchise and has just so happened to pass away, and it is definitely a humbling and somber place to visit, one that definitely gives you pause.
 
If anything, that powerful memorial serves as the exclamation point on the detail present in this part of the game and well, it’s easy to lose one’s self in the majesty of Earth Spacedock. Because the true icing on the Gagh in this place is the sheer fact that it is also a thriving hub, filled to the brim with Starfleet officers heading for duty, and plenty of your fellow players. Which means you never know what you’ll find or see at ESD, because once I saw a dance party break out at Ship Operations, complete with disco ball because… why not? Either way, this really is just a wonderful place to visit in the game and I’m so glad the folks behind the scenes took their time in enhancing this place because it really does feel like a massive hub for the Federation, one that millions of species make use of on a regular basis. But while it is quite lovely, it pales in comparison to the planet below and the wonder of Earth and Starfleet Academy is where we will end our second journey through the stars in my next log entry. Until then. 

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