Does ST Online require Xbox live?

Hi, I purchased an Xbox about 3 months ago an installed Star Trek Online from the Microsoft store at the same time. Since then, I have played it occasionally (only 4 or 5 times) without having to buy Xbox Live. I DO NOT have Xbox Live. Only yesterday did it prompt me to purchase Xbox Live Gold, I clicked 'No Thanks' and after a short loading period, it came up with the message: "You are not permitted to do this, check your User Profile " I'm not sure if these two things (the Xbox Live prompt and the error message) are related, by I have never experienced either.
Thanks in advance for your help, Cameron.