What does one need in order to use the Gama Orionis Boom Tube? Do I need to locate a talking duck named Howard and convince him to give me the code key? Do I need to swear eternal fealty to Lord Darkseid? :p

You need to reach level 42 I think it is, something like that. You'll get a mission to speak to Admiral Quinn and then you'll have access.

I'm not quite level 40 yet. I saw people entering it but it just wouldn't take me. Thanks for this... now I don't feel so rejected :p

Is there any purpose to go to Gamma Orionis anymore? You can buy crafting materials at an all time low on the exchange, and the STF's are in the PvE queues, so why would one person need to into that sector? I haven't gone into that sector I think ever since season 4.

"Assimilation" mission for the Borg Universal Console.

Only real reason to go there is for the Missions and Doff Missions, other than that...

There is also the B'Tran daily.

B'Tran (Vice Admiral) gives 1440 dil. When you combine it with Strange New Worlds, it's an additional 1440. Be sure to add both the VA and RA versions.