Naia VII
Naia VII was the seventh planet in the Naia system and the homeworld of the Dai-ai.
Geography
The planet was a predominantly oceanic world, with only mountain peaks standing above sea-level. However, it was also rich in valuable trace elements and minerals, such as dilithium, bilitrium, kelbonite and others.
History
In a parallel universe, the native Dai-ai made an agreement with the United Federation of Planets to allow the Starfleet Corps of Engineers (SCE) to conduct mining operations on Naia VII, which were underway by 2368 under the command of Captain Ochoa. These operations were partially classified, but Starfleet gained raw materials vital to its defence while, in exchange, the Dai-ai were amply compensated with food and supplies.
However, the Dai-ai had firm environmental regulations that disallowed particle beam– and transporter-based mining technologies—essentially, not wishing anyone to fire on the planet. This necessitated traditional and dangerous excavation methods, tunnelling directly into the sunken mountains. The mining operations were an engineering achievement, but also quite difficult and dangerous, as the SCE miners had specific quotas to meet despite the dangers, which led to reduced safety standards. To guard against leaks and high pressure, they used force fields, sealants, interlocking pressure compartments, and anti-gravity technology.
Due to the dangers, Ochoa requested that another Starfleet vessel visit the world to provide technical assistance. The USS Enterprise-D was sent, and shortly before stardate 45635, Ochoa and Lieutenant Amato met with Commander William Riker, Lieutenant Commander Data and Lieutenant Worf of the Enterprise. Ochoa introduced them to Seelos, a Dai-ai native to Naia VII, then showed the visitors around the mine works. When a burst pressure compartment flooded a mine, Worf rescued Ochoa and Amato, but eight people were killed and twenty-two more were injured.
Following the disaster, the Enterprise was able to request extra support for the Naia VII mining operation. The USS Lexington was sent with additional personnel and equipment.
When the Eleventh Doctor allied with the Enterprise crew, he accompanied Captain Jean-Luc Picard to Naia VII to acquire sufficient supplies of gold with which to defeat the Cybermen, convincing Seelos that turning over the gold was morally correct and would earn the planet a strong bargaining position. (COMIC: Assimilation²)
Behind the scenes
Assimilation² marks the first appearance of Naia VII, making it as new to the Star Trek universe as it is to the DWU.
Naia VII was later featured in the first issue, with an additional reference in the second, of the 2018 comic miniseries Star Trek: The Next Generation - Through the Mirror, a crossover with the mirror universe which has the Enterprise return to the planet. Though their previous visit in Assimilation² is acknowledged, this story features no DWU elements and so is not covered on this wiki.
