Blackmane Starbase

Blackmane
Type	Star Base
Manufacturer
Primary user	Terran Confederation

The Blackmane Starbase was a space station operated by the Terran Confederation. It served as the Confederation HQ in the Blackmane System, a star system that served as humanity's main line of defense in the volatile Vega Sector.

The Blackmane Starbase was the nerve center for Confederation fleet actions throughout much of the Vega Sector. Since Blackmane hosted jump points to several major systems, the starbase was vital to their security. It serviced many Confederation warships and was a hub for both civilian and military shipping across Terran space. It also housed several fighters in its enormous hangar bays.

The Fall of Blackmane

After Locanda was destroyed in 2669 by the Kilrathi Empire, the Terran defensive lines across the Vega Sector collapsed. Blackmane could no longer be held, and the Confederation had no choice but to abandon the starbase. Pilots from the TCS Victory rushed to the station's defense, fighting off multiple assaults by the Kilrathi while the Confederation evacuated the base. They evacuated all personnel and equipment on Clarkson-Class Transports and relocated to their strongholds at Torgo and Vespus. Thanks to the Victory and her crew, most of the station personnel were able to evacuate safely, ensuring that the Confederation did not endure worsening losses in this engagement. Blackmane was thereafter abandoned.

Behind the Scenes

In Wing Commander III, the player, flying as Colonel Christopher Blair, has the opportunity to save Locanda. If Blair is able to do so, the Confederation continues to hold Blackmane but the station is in critical need of supplies. The Victory arrives in the system to defend the station while its pilots escort several convoys, bringing in additional troops, equipment and supplies. The Confederation pilots must also avoid attempts by the Kilrathi to use captured transports to lure them into the open. These transports exploded when the pilots flew in close proximity with them and obliterated anything in their immediate range, signalling Kilrathi patrols to pick off stragglers.

If the Confederation, through the efforts of the player, is successful in resupplying Blackmane, the base is able to defend itself against further Kilrathi attacks. The Victory can then depart to launch an offensive operation in the Ariel System.