terminus galaxy timeline factions tech + med neurogenics aliens
terminus
mod dropbox rules faq

station overview

Orbiting a gas giant and nearby refinery, Terminus serves as a refueling depot and repair yard for passing starships, as well as an interplanetary transportation hub. A floating city unto itself, it was designed to be largely self-sustaining. While most human settlements are united under the Interplanetary Alliance, the station is a privately owned, independently operated facility run by the Winlock family since its completion in 2582 AD. Protected by its own private security service (Terminus Security, aka T-Sec), including small fleet of armed vessels and well-paid experts, it is well defended from attempted takeover by outside factions, ensuring its status as neutral ground.

Though they keep their own hands clean by only conducting legitimate, above-board business, administration sometimes turns a blind-eye to some illicit activities conducted inside their walls—for the right price. However, they have a zero-tolerance policy on violent crimes and human trafficking. Anyone who violates these rules is subject to prosecution and punishment by Terminus authority, resulting in permanent expulsion from the station, imprisonment in an offsite facility, or worse. With the opening of the GATEWAY nearby, the spaceport has never been busier, seeing well over 100,000 commuters a day.

statistics

planetary orbit: MALM-349g
allegiance: Neutral/Independent
Population: ~180,000
Established: circa 2582 AD
governor: Naoko Winlock

Layout & facilities

The station was designed as a rotating wheel, constantly spinning along an axis to simulate the gravitational acceleration of Earth. Divided into three major decks, system Operations is located at the top of the station, core drives, life support, and other mechanical systems in the center, and maintenance access situated in the lower decks. A tram system loops around the rings, while elevators run between each level, allowing travelers to reach their terminals quickly and (usually) on time.

Landing pads exist around the entire circumference of the station, along with several repair yards and hotels for temporary guests. residential quarters are scattered throughout, though apartments on the upper levels are considered more deisirable and upscale, with a more vigilant security service. The middle deck is the largest and holds the business district, featuring corporate offices, a shopping concourse, entertainment, and dining options. There are hundreds of venues on Terminus, including but not limited to:
  • Bar/Nightclub
  • Food Court
  • interplanetary embassy
  • multifaith worship hall
  • observation atrium
  • Terminus Security hq
  • beauty salon & day spa
  • Hydroponics Garden
  • Medical Clinic
  • News Station
  • shipyards
  • vr gaming arcade

For more detailed information, please see our station directory

station life

artificial light is used to establish a day/night cycle on the station, following the (somewhat archaic) 24 hour clock of Universal Standard Time and the old Gregorian calendar, though the seasons never change... on purpose. Climate controls keep everything at a comfortable temperature around 20-22 °C (68-72 °F).

FOOD is mostly imported from other planets, such as Mahoroba, with supplementary nutrients coming from crops grown in the hydroponics gardens. Organic meat is considered a luxury item, though vat grown protein, while not ideal, makes a perfectly fine substitute in recipes. In case of emergency, the gardens and food stores can comfortably sustain the station's population for up to a year.

Water is partly recycled through an extensive waste treatment system, though much of it is brought in from nearby glaciers in the asteroid belt and processed. Exceeding alotted weekly water rations comes with a high penalty fee.

education is mandatory for children up to age 16, and provided for grades K-12, with daycare options available to working parents. Secondary and higher education can only be found on the colony worlds.

healthcare is universal, covering all basic, essential and emergency medical services and procedures, though private insurance provides better coverage. Several small clinics exist throughout the station, while the main hospital is located on the central deck.

Pets must be registered with the station, and are restricted to 2 small animals per household, given that they consume more resources than they supply. As a result, robotic animals and cat cafés are very popular.

currency comes in the unit form of credits, the legal tender throughout the system. Most pay systems are digital, though amounts can be stored in physical chips.

residential districts

Nova Heights houses the wealthiest elite of the station, with the cleanest public spaces, lowest crime rate, most spacious apartments, best views and decor, and highest rental costs. Located on Deck One, close to Operations, and the Governor's office.

Gasworks was originally built for the construction crew putting the station together, and continues to house the working class population who keep the port running. Rentals are small and relatively cheap with an industrial feel, and close proximity to the docks means a short commute, but it can also get loud, cramped and odorous from starship fumes.

Winlock Park is a family-friendly zone located on Deck Two, named for the recreational green space in its center, open to the public. Moderately priced units here typically fit up to a family of 5, and are located near the schools, and arts and entertainment attractions.

Lowtown is widely considered the "slums" of the station, located in the lower deck near maintenance. Poorly vented and rarely cleaned, rent is dirt cheap, and the fact that security rarely bothers to patrol here may actually be a plus for some.