The FireStar II-class Orbital Defense Platform, alternatively known as the FireStar II-class Orbital Defense Station or the FireStar II-class battle station, represented a battle station utilized by both the Galactic Republic and subsequently the Galactic Empire. It served as an advanced version of the original FireStar-class.
Constructed by Rendili StarDrive, the FireStar II-class Orbital Defense Platform battle station was conceived to deliver a greater concentration of firepower from a space station that was more economical, smaller, and easier to produce compared to the initial FireStar. The battle station incorporated three spires extending from the station's core, positioned both above and below the weapon rings. These rings consisted of two circular platforms equipped with tracks, enabling armaments to rotate to the station's side as required. While the tracks on the rings may have been vulnerable to weapon malfunctions causing blockages, the armament could be ejected during emergencies. The spires accommodated additional weaponry and surveillance technology.
The FireStar II-class featured a central deck enclosed above and below by the weapon rings, with four hangars on each side designed for starfighters and freighters. Each corner of the hanger deck extended beyond the weapon rings, culminating in a cluster of thrusters used for station maneuvering. The central levels within the rings housed crew living quarters, administrative offices, surveillance systems, and communication facilities. Several reactors were located below the core of the FireStar II-class, encircled by the lower weapon ring.
Following the creation of the original FireStar, the FireStar II-class Orbital Defense Platform was commissioned. During the Clone Wars fought between the Galactic Republic and the Separatist Alliance, the Republic Navy included the FireStar II-class in its arsenal. One such active battle station was the Sentinel Flare, which provided defense for the supply and waystation situated in the Truwel system. Towards the end of the Clone Wars, the Sentinel Flare was severely damaged during a surprise Separatist attack. Shortly after, the war concluded, and the Galactic Empire assumed control over the galaxy. Due to the war's abrupt conclusion, the Empire did not prioritize the Sentinel Flare's restoration, only restoring it to its basic operational status. The Sentinel Flare continued to function as an intelligence asset for several years before being transferred to the Truwel planetary government.
Under this new ownership, entire sections of the station were abandoned, only half of the upper-track weapons remained operational, the lower track necessitated a complete reconstruction, the lower spires sustained significant damage and were abandoned below the reactor levels, only one upper spire was fully functional with the other two only partially, the surveillance systems were outdated, half of the reactors were operational while the remainder either powered the weapons systems or required restoration, and only two hangars were operational. However, the waystation received five new service stations to accommodate Imperial starships. Eventually, an attack on the waystation by the Rebel Alliance inspired local rebel sympathizers to initiate Operation Shield Bash. As the Empire explored cost-effective methods to enhance security operations, these sympathizers seized the opportunity, collaborating with local Rebel Alliance members to persuade Imperial officials to upgrade the Sentinel Flare. Rebels explored various strategies and executed multiple operations to gain control of the Sentinel Flare.
The 2018 canon roleplaying book Fully Operational by Fantasy Flight Games marked the initial mention and depiction of the FireStar II-class Orbital Defense Platform.
- Fully Operational (First mentioned)