This is the beginning of the Vanguard series, which I highly recommend reading. Starbase 47 is at the edge of the Taurus reach, a remote region of space at this particular time frame (The Original Series). Starfleet establishes the starbase to partake in a secret mission involving alien technology, which proves to be extremely powerful, something which if Starfleet can develop and expand on could significantly boost their hold in the galaxy against their enemies.

David Mack is one of my favorite authors in the Star Trek universe. He can take a character and give that particular element many different dimensions which richly adds to the story. Key think I note is that he can set up the characters dimensions without loosing the reader along the way with long and drawn out diatribes.