Scavenger Base: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 20:40, 15 January 2026

Scavenger Base is a large orbital installation carved into a hollowed asteroid and operated by Scavenger Salvage and Transit Services (SSTS). It serves as the primary home port for the SS Scavenger DX-1017 and a major logistical, cultural, and diplomatic hub within the Prose system.

Originally a mined-out industrial asteroid, the structure was purchased and repurposed by SSTS, evolving over time into a fully realized space station featuring a glass-domed central cavity and a concentric exterior docking ring.

Location

Scavenger Base maintains a stable orbital position within the Prose system, with its primary open face oriented toward the planet Prose. This orientation provides natural illumination, navigational visibility, and a constant planetary vista for interior habitation decks.

History

Pre-SSTS Era (Mining Period)

Prior to Annuli 3423, the asteroid functioned as a commercial mining outpost.

Characteristics of this period included:

extensive raw material extraction
large internal voids created by mining operations
fusion pits and industrial tunnels
minimal life-support and habitation systems

Once commercially exhausted, the asteroid was sold off as surplus infrastructure.

Acquisition by SSTS

Scavenger Salvage and Transit Services acquired the asteroid as a low-cost but strategically valuable asset.

Early SSTS modifications focused on:

structural stabilization
conversion of mining tunnels into pressurized corridors
retrofitting fusion pits into a deep-buried power core
creation of basic docking and maintenance facilities

At this stage, the installation functioned primarily as a salvage and repair outpost.

Expansion into Scavenger Base

Between Annuli 3423 and 3430, Scavenger Base underwent continuous expansion:

civilian habitation decks were added
medical, cultural, and training facilities were introduced
the central asteroid cavity was sealed with a **reinforced transparent dome**
internal decks were organized into a vertical, ground-oriented layout

This transformation marked the station’s transition from industrial site to permanent living facility.

Exterior Docking Ring Upgrade

As traffic increased, a **concentric exterior docking ring** was installed around the asteroid’s widest circumference.

The ring features:

multiple docking berths
pressurized access spokes
observation portholes
independent traffic routing that does not interfere with interior operations

This upgrade represents the **final canonical form** of Scavenger Base.

Structural Design

Scavenger Base functions more like a vertical subterranean skyscraper than a traditional ring station.

Artificial gravity runs perpendicular to the asteroid’s axis
Levels are numbered **from bottom to top**
The Prose-facing wall remains open behind transparent shielding
Passenger lifts and freight elevators connect all pressurized levels
Level 0 remains unpressurized and restricted to engineering access

Levels and Functions

Level	Function	Established	Notes
8	Reactor & Thruster Systems	Pre-3423	Deep-buried fusion plant retrofitted for modern control; provides primary power and orbital correction thrust.
7	Storage & Logistics	3423	Bulk cargo holds, salvage vaults, and long-term storage.
6	Merchant Corps Training Center	3429–3430	Facilities of the Prosian Merchant Corps including holo-sim rooms, firing ranges, classrooms, and a small Alliance liaison office.
5	Commercial & Social Deck	3428 → expanded 3429–3430	Promenade with restaurants, cafés, lounges, dorms, and a public Transit Window to Prosiana City.
4	Residential & Medical	~3425	Crew quarters, family housing, childcare facilities, and Med Bay 4-C.
3	Operations & Command	3423	Traffic control, communications, administrative offices, and primary Operations Viewport. Restricted access.
2	Logistics Support	3423	Cargo routing and salvage sorting; buffer between Docking and Operations.
1	Docking & Maintenance	3423	Hangars, refueling lines, repair bays, and customs gates.
0	Substructure / Maintenance	Original	Unpressurized zone with cable trunks, coolant lines, and structural anchors.

Architectural Characteristics

Fully asteroid-integrated structure
Transparent Prose-facing dome allows natural light and visual openness
Concentric exterior docking ring with spoke access
Internal orientation mirrors planetary architecture
Designed to support long-term habitation and cultural life

Cultural and Strategic Role

Scavenger Base is both a commercial hub and a neutral meeting ground between Prosian, Alliance, and independent interests.

It appears prominently in stories such as:

Citizen Sariel
The Healing Stars

The base symbolizes the reclamation of discarded infrastructure into a thriving, shared community.

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 | image = Scavenger_Base_Asteroid_View.png
 | caption = Asteroid-integrated orbital hub facing the planet [[Prose]]
-| location = Low orbit of Prose (Procyon System)
+| location = Prose system (near Prose / Procyon A)
 | type = Orbital Station / Asteroid Installation
-| constructed = Pre-3423 (Initial Mining Colony)
+| constructed = Pre-3423 Annuli (Mining Era)
-| expanded = Annuli 3423 – 3430 CE
+| expanded = Annuli 3423 – 3430
-| operated_by = Prosian Merchant Corps / Private Consortium / Alliance Oversight
+| operated_by = Scavenger Salvage and Transit Services (SSTS) / Alliance Oversight
 | levels = 0 – 8 (pressurized)
 | primary_function = Docking, Trade, and Operations Center
-| secondary_function = Training & Residential Facility
+| secondary_function = Residential, Training, and Cultural Hub
 }}
-'''Scavenger Base''' is a hybrid Prosian–Alliance installation carved inside a mined asteroid that orbits the homeworld [[Prose]].
+'''Scavenger Base''' is a large orbital installation carved into a hollowed asteroid and operated by '''Scavenger Salvage and Transit Services (SSTS)'''.
-It serves as the principal port and administrative center for the {{Ship|SS Scavenger DX-1017}} and allied vessels.
+It serves as the primary home port for the ''[[SS Scavenger DX-1017]]'' and a major logistical, cultural, and diplomatic hub within the Prose system.
-Unlike ring or tower stations, the base rises vertically through the asteroid’s body, its open face shielded with transparent plating that overlooks Prose.
-The levels are numbered **from bottom to top** (Level 1 = Docking Ring).  Passenger lifts and freight elevators connect all pressurized sections, while an unpressurized sub-floor (Level 0) houses cables and structural anchors.
----
+Originally a mined-out industrial asteroid, the structure was purchased and repurposed by SSTS, evolving over time into a fully realized space station featuring a glass-domed central cavity and a concentric exterior docking ring.
+----
+== Location ==
+Scavenger Base maintains a stable orbital position within the Prose system, with its primary open face oriented toward the planet [[Prose]].
+This orientation provides natural illumination, navigational visibility, and a constant planetary vista for interior habitation decks.
+----
 == History ==
-Originally constructed as a mining outpost prior to Annuli 3423, the asteroid complex was gradually refitted into a civilian and training hub.
-During the early expansions, Prosian engineers stabilized the inner caverns and converted the old fusion pits into a deep-buried power core.
-By 3428 – 3430 Annuli, the station had evolved into a thriving commercial and educational center under the joint administration of the [[Prosian Merchant Corps]] and Alliance representatives.
----
+=== Pre-SSTS Era (Mining Period) ===
+Prior to Annuli 3423, the asteroid functioned as a commercial mining outpost.
+Characteristics of this period included:
+* extensive raw material extraction
+* large internal voids created by mining operations
+* fusion pits and industrial tunnels
+* minimal life-support and habitation systems
-== Structure ==
+Once commercially exhausted, the asteroid was sold off as surplus infrastructure.
-Scavenger Base functions more like a subterranean skyscraper than a ringed habitat.
-Artificial gravity runs perpendicular to the asteroid’s axis, giving every floor a “grounded” orientation.
-The open Prose-facing wall provides natural light and a constant orbital view—particularly visible from the promenade on Level 5.
-Each level serves a distinct purpose, shown below.
----
+----
-== Summary of Structural Evolution ==
+=== Acquisition by SSTS ===
+Scavenger Salvage and Transit Services acquired the asteroid as a low-cost but strategically valuable asset.
+Early SSTS modifications focused on:
+* structural stabilization
+* conversion of mining tunnels into pressurized corridors
+* retrofitting fusion pits into a deep-buried power core
+* creation of basic docking and maintenance facilities
+At this stage, the installation functioned primarily as a salvage and repair outpost.
+----
+=== Expansion into Scavenger Base ===
+Between Annuli 3423 and 3430, Scavenger Base underwent continuous expansion:
+* civilian habitation decks were added
+* medical, cultural, and training facilities were introduced
+* the central asteroid cavity was sealed with a **reinforced transparent dome**
+* internal decks were organized into a vertical, ground-oriented layout
+This transformation marked the station’s transition from industrial site to permanent living facility.
+----
+=== Exterior Docking Ring Upgrade ===
+As traffic increased, a **concentric exterior docking ring** was installed around the asteroid’s widest circumference.
+The ring features:
+* multiple docking berths
+* pressurized access spokes
+* observation portholes
+* independent traffic routing that does not interfere with interior operations
+This upgrade represents the **final canonical form** of Scavenger Base.
+----
+== Structural Design ==
+Scavenger Base functions more like a vertical subterranean skyscraper than a traditional ring station.
+* Artificial gravity runs perpendicular to the asteroid’s axis
+* Levels are numbered **from bottom to top**
+* The Prose-facing wall remains open behind transparent shielding
+* Passenger lifts and freight elevators connect all pressurized levels
+* Level 0 remains unpressurized and restricted to engineering access
+----
+== Levels and Functions ==
 {| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:left;"
 ! Level !! Function !! Established !! Notes
 |-
-| '''8''' || Reactor & Thruster Systems || Pre-3423 (Mining Era) || Deep-buried fusion plant retrofitted for modern control; provides primary power and orbital correction thrust.
+| '''8''' || Reactor & Thruster Systems || Pre-3423 || Deep-buried fusion plant retrofitted for modern control; provides primary power and orbital correction thrust.
 |-
-| '''7''' || Storage & Logistics || 3423 (original) || Bulk cargo holds, salvage vaults, and long-term storage linked to freight elevators and maintenance shafts.
+| '''7''' || Storage & Logistics || 3423 || Bulk cargo holds, salvage vaults, and long-term storage.
 |-
-| '''6''' || Merchant Corps Training Center || 3429 – 3430 || Secured division of the [[Prosian Merchant Corps]] with holo-sim rooms, firing ranges, classrooms, and a small [[Alliance Council|Alliance]] liaison office.
+| '''6''' || Merchant Corps Training Center || 3429–3430 || Facilities of the [[Prosian Merchant Corps]] including holo-sim rooms, firing ranges, classrooms, and a small Alliance liaison office.
 |-
-| '''5''' || Commercial & Social Deck || 3428 → expanded 3429–30 || Promenade containing restaurants, cafés, lounges, and short-term dorms. Hosts cultural events and contains the public [[Transit Window]] to [[Prosiana City]].  Offers panoramic night-side view of Prose.
+| '''5''' || Commercial & Social Deck || 3428 → expanded 3429–3430 || Promenade with restaurants, cafés, lounges, dorms, and a public [[Transit Window]] to [[Prosiana City]].
 |-
-| '''4''' || Residential & Medical || ≈3425 || Crew quarters, family housing, childcare facilities, and '''Med Bay 4-C'''.  First level fully civilianized after Alliance disengagement.
+| '''4''' || Residential & Medical || ~3425 || Crew quarters, family housing, childcare facilities, and Med Bay 4-C.
 |-
-| '''3''' || Operations & Command || 3423 (original) || Central traffic control, communications, and administrative offices.  **Lift access restricted** to authorized personnel.  Houses the main Operations Viewport overlooking Prose.
+| '''3''' || Operations & Command || 3423 || Traffic control, communications, administrative offices, and primary Operations Viewport. Restricted access.
 |-
-| '''2''' || Storage & Logistics Support || 3423 (original) || Cargo routing and salvage-sorting area; buffer between Docking and Operations.
+| '''2''' || Logistics Support || 3423 || Cargo routing and salvage sorting; buffer between Docking and Operations.
 |-
-| '''1''' || Docking & Maintenance || 3423 (original) || Hangars, refueling lines, repair bays, and customs gates for visiting ships including ''Scavenger DX-1017''.  Connected by freight elevators to upper storage decks.
+| '''1''' || Docking & Maintenance || 3423 || Hangars, refueling lines, repair bays, and customs gates.
 |-
-| '''0''' || Substructure / Maintenance Crawl || Original foundation || Unpressurized lower zone containing cable trunks, coolant lines, and anchor points.  Limited access for engineering crews only.
+| '''0''' || Substructure / Maintenance || Original || Unpressurized zone with cable trunks, coolant lines, and structural anchors.
 |}
----
+----
 == Architectural Characteristics ==
-* Carved entirely within an asteroid; outer wall reinforced and open toward Prose for orbital view.
+* Fully asteroid-integrated structure
-* Artificial gravity perpendicular to the asteroid’s axis; internal orientation mirrors a planetary building.
+* Transparent Prose-facing dome allows natural light and visual openness
-* Dual lift systems: **passenger lifts** (Levels 1 – 8) and **freight elevators** (Levels 0 – 7).
+* Concentric exterior docking ring with spoke access
-* Atmospheric shielding along exposed wall enables clear visibility of Prose’s clouds and rivers even during local “night.”
+* Internal orientation mirrors planetary architecture
-* The base remains a symbol of Prosian ingenuity—turning a former mining scar into a living city between worlds.
+* Designed to support long-term habitation and cultural life
----
+----
 == Cultural and Strategic Role ==
-Scavenger Base functions as both a hub of commerce and a diplomatic meeting point between Prosian and human interests.
+Scavenger Base is both a commercial hub and a neutral meeting ground between Prosian, Alliance, and independent interests.
-The Merchant Corps’ training wing ensures continuity of interstellar trade ethics, while the Alliance annex maintains limited oversight of transit safety and technology exchange.
-Stories such as ''[[Citizen Sariel]]'' and ''[[The Healing Stars]]'' feature scenes set within its promenade and Operations viewport, emphasizing its role as a crossroads of culture and command.
+It appears prominently in stories such as:
+* ''[[Citizen Sariel]]''
+* ''[[The Healing Stars]]''
+The base symbolizes the reclamation of discarded infrastructure into a thriving, shared community.
----
+----
 == See Also ==
 * [[SS Scavenger DX-1017]]
-* [[Prosian Merchant Corps]]
+* [[Scavenger Salvage and Transit Services]]
-* [[Transit Window Network]]
+* [[Prosian Merchant Corps]]
-* [[Prosiana City]]
+* [[Transit Window Network]]
-* [[Alliance Council]]
+* [[Prosiana City]]
+* [[Altair Station]]
+* [[Z-Scale]]
 [[Category:Scavenger Universe Locations]]