A Malsonic labour stockade was a place where Staanz spent nine cycles. The term stockade referred to a prison (usually, though not always military) which is consistent with Staanz' description. At the very least, a stockade would be an enclosed area where Staanz was held captive.
While imprisoned, Staanz was frequently subject to beatings in retaliation for the actions of other Zenetans on the outside while her fellow Zenetans made no attempt to rescue her. This caused her to choose to go her own way after gaining her freedom. ("The Flax")