The M-317 geological experimental station was a Federation outpost devoted to researching rare geology formations on the planet M-317.
The outpost initially consisted of quarters and a research laboratory. It was equipped with at least one aircar, three radio telescopes and various sensor equipment. A greenhouse was added later.
History[]
In 2266, the outpost was established by a Federation survey team led by Professor Patrick Moore. For the next two years, Moore and his technical assistant William Terrens studied landmarks such as Moore's Fire Falls and the Great Rainbow Expanse.
In 2267, Moore became intrigued by the planet's lifeforms and began cataloguing them as a hobby. Moore and Terrens built a greenhouse to cultivate some of the plant life, including a pleasantly fragrant species of Tojufu tree. Terrens saw financial profit in harvesting the trees and selling the fragrance. During their studies, however, Moore discovered that the trees were capable of communications.
In 2268, Terrens killed Moore to keep the trees' sentience a secret. James T. Kirk and Spock figured out the secret. They arrested Terrens and had the outpost closed, with the Tojufu's future development now protected by the Prime Directive. (TOS comic: "Murder on the Enterprise")
Staff[]
- Patrick Moore, director
- William Terrens, technical assistant