Ok I've put a revised version of the Spica map on my site for discussion. Here's some extra notes:
http://www.crookedlimb.net/nisseau/spechre.html
1. This alliance would be a case of 'my enemy's enemy is my friend', and I'd guess they'd support the independence of the colony worlds nearby
2. This looked a likely place for lots of new colonies as there's alot of worlds with E, D and C starports.
3. I like the idea of a world where everyone wants to get to so they can make their fortune. The location is ideal, as to reach it by normal J2 transport takes you a long way round. This would give a significant advantage to J3 vessels. It also means the world cannot be easily annexed. I'd expect there to be all kinds of groups, from capitalists, gun-slingers, prospectors, colonists, bandits etc. Maybe even aliens?
4. I'd envisaged this space station starport to be a major trade point, kind of an independent and somewhat shady B5. Fences, smugglers and mercenaries need at least one friendly port.
5. I've talked up my FTZ idea on other threads. I want to see if it tallies with anyone elses ideas.
6. This area might be a bit like the Romulan Neutral zone in ST. It seems there needs to be a reason why this space has not been annexed by either side.
7. Its nice to have a fortress zone. Maybe a good place for blockade running.
We need to settle on the border issue soon as it's holding up development elsewhere.