Eyrie Station was a unique space station in low Earth orbit, which was destroyed by Chromatics in 2120.
Overview[]
Eyrie was designed by JaDe Associates using a mix of hardtech and early biotech in the 2080s. Its unusual design never caught on for mass production: its solar sail provided generous power supplies and enabled it to adjust its orbit dynamically.[1] The station's rigid hulls are covered with "bubbles" or "bladders" that can be customized for different purposes.[2]
Eyrie generates revenue from planetary observation, including cover intelligence operations. Due to its polar orbit, it passes over every point on Earth's surface eventually.[1] Imaging is also used for map-making, archaeology, and census data.[3] While many countries complain about the espionage applications of this orbital observation, no one can credibly object to its legitimate uses, and the station's inhabitants operate on a "don't ask, don't tell" policy regarding "special clients."[4]
The station is also known for its manufacturing facilities, where variables like temperature, pressure and gravitational pull can be finely tuned to optimizing conditions for the manufacture or processing of exotic materials. Metallic helium, elemental iron and carbon nanotubes cannot be produced in Earth-like conditions except in minute quantities, but Eyrie's facilities churn it out in relative bulk - measured in grams and kilgrams.[5]
Finally, Eyrie is famous for its eclectic population of interdisciplinary researchers, which has produced a great deal of award-winning art and literature but fewer profitable scientific advances.[6] About 1,000 people live on the Eyrie at any given time, mostly planetologists; they refer to themselves as "Eagles."[7]
Chromatic Raid[]
On May 6, 2120, a Chromatic ship teleported into Earth orbit and began firing on Eyrie Station, as well as decoy targets on Earth's surface and the Moon. Eyrie was completely unprepared for such an assault: since the exodus of the Aberrants, there was never any expectation of attack that orbital security forces couldn't deal with[8] and the Chromatics were not known to possess the teleportation aptitude.[9] The Chromatics actually boarded the station, killing Argente Essem and stealing a Doyen transmitter from him.[10]
As the station was passing directly over the Blight Zone at the time of the attack, Orgotek forces were the first to engage the enemy. Proxy Alex Cassell personally assisted with the evacuation of the station.[11] When their boarding party was unable to secure the transmitter, the Chromatics attempted to retreat. However, the captive human teleporter they were using to move their ship deliberately botched the jump, destroying it.[9]
Casualties[]
After raid, agents of the Aeon Trinity discovered that Essem had been passing information to the Doyen for years. Cassel took personal custody of the Doyen transmitter, however.[12]
The remaining conspirators behind the Huang-Marr Biorg Project — Ella Huang, Horace K. Meeks III, and Gustaf Beitz — had retreated to Eyrie Station after being exposed in Basel. They were all captured or killed in the attack, and a wealth of incriminating data was recovered before the station was destroyed.[13]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 TU: Darkness Revealed 2: Passage Through Shadow, p. 68
- ↑ TU: Darkness Revealed 2: Passage Through Shadow, p. 78
- ↑ TU: Darkness Revealed 2: Passage Through Shadow, p. 76
- ↑ TU: Darkness Revealed 2: Passage Through Shadow, p. 77
- ↑ TU: Darkness Revealed 2: Passage Through Shadow, p. 71
- ↑ TU: Darkness Revealed 2: Passage Through Shadow, p. 69
- ↑ TU: Darkness Revealed 2: Passage Through Shadow, p. 70
- ↑ TU: Darkness Revealed 2: Passage Through Shadow, p. 101
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 TU: Darkness Revealed 3: Ascent into Light, p. 18
- ↑ TU: Darkness Revealed 2: Passage Through Shadow, p. 82
- ↑ TU: Darkness Revealed 2: Passage Through Shadow, p. 92
- ↑ TU: Darkness Revealed 2: Passage Through Shadow, p. 105
- ↑ TU: Darkness Revealed 2: Passage Through Shadow, p. 107