Volon III
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| [Source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Volon III is the third planet in the Volon star system on the Cardassian side of the Demilitarized Zone in Sector 21505, and is the location of a Federation colony. Being one of the more populated planets in the DMZ, the Federation keeps administrative personnel stationed there, such as a diplomatic attache and a Starfleet liaison. Colonist leaders from around the area meet there regularly to discuss important matters, such as the formation of the Maquis in 2370. That year, Gul Dukat took then Commander Benjamin Sisko to Volan III, to convince him that there were Federation colonists willing to commit acts of violence against the Cardassians, such as the destruction of the Bok'Nor. (DS9: "The Maquis, Part I")
The colony's populace was a mix of many Federation species, including Human, Vulcan, Bolian, as well as Klingons and Cardassians. Ladarium mining was one of the planet's major industries.
Like all the Federation worlds along and inside the DMZ, Volon III suffered heavily under occupation during the Dominion War. Prior to the Battle of Cardassia in 2375, the Dominion withdrew from the planet but not before nearly dismantling its infrastructure. It was one of the first places to receive Federation relief, allowing it to return to prosperity within three years.