In Blake's time space had been divided into a number of Star Sectors. The principles of the division are unknown, along with the actual size of the sectors themselves. Sectors were numbered. When leaving Sector 12, Blake ordered a course for 'Earth Sector' but it is unclear if this was the recognised sector name. The sector system extended well beyond the territory of the Federation with Sector 12 (the highest numerical designation recorded) being 'half-way across the galaxy'.