Briar Patch

For the mirror universe counterpart, see Klach D'Kel Bracht (mirror). The Briar Patch (or Klach D'Kel Brakt) is a region of dangerous space matter created by the remains of supernovae and metaphasic radiation located in Sector 441 of the Beta Quadrant. All vessels that enter the region must travel at reduced impulse power so that their impulse manifolds do not become overheated, and the use of warp drive is not an option.

In the 18th century, a group of Ba'ku arrived in the Briar Patch and established a colony on one of several planets located in the Patch. The planet contained metaphasic rings that meant that their lifespans were greatly increased. 

By the 22nd century, the Patch was located inside Klingon space, although they maintained no military presence inside. In 2154, Dr. Arik Soong viewed the area as a perfect hiding place for him and his Augments when they were being pursued by the Enterprise (NX-01). Upon seeing the Patch on the viewscreen he termed the name Briar Patch in relation to an old story from Earth. 

In 2271, the Patch was the location of the Battle of Klach D'Kel Brakt which saw Kor lead the Klingons to a great military victory over the Romulan Star Empire. 

By 2375, the Briar Patch was located inside Federation space, and was the setting for a joint Starfleet-Son'a mission in the Patch which was the forced relocation of the Ba'ku and attempt to harness the life-prolonging powers of the planet's rings. Thankfully, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-E) managed to prevent this. 

Following these events, Starfleet established Outpost 40 in the Patch and maintained a small task force to protect the Ba'ku planet and the immediate area. 

In 2376, the Patch was the site of a further battle between Starfleet and Son'a forces as they attempted to take control of the planet.