Gateway Station
Gateway Station is a Planetary Union space station orbiting Pearson's Planet. Pearson's planet has no atmosphere, it is a dead rock.
| Type | Legacy Fleet Orbital Base |
|---|---|
| Faction | Planetary Union Fleet |
| Speed | Stationary (stable planetary orbit) |
| Propulsion | N/A (requires massive tug systems to reposition) |
| Armor | Hardened crysteel bubble, reinforced compartmentalized structures |
| Armament | Minimal point-defense systems |
| Hangar Capacity | 5 pier-based docking facilities with embedded repair stations, includes classified hangar for PUV James Keeling |
| Notes | Supports full atmospheric pressure throughout, built to house and support five full battle groups |
Overview
Gateway Station is a fixed-position orbital Fleet base of the Planetary Union, built over a century ago. Once capable of hosting five full battle groups, the station has since been largely abandoned except for its use as an isolated staging and support facility for the PUV James Keeling.
Design
The station's structure consists of a central disc-shaped hub approximately 1.75 kilometers in diameter, from which extend five piers, each 1 kilometer long. The piers radiate outward like spokes from a wheel. Each pier is associated with a sector of the central disc (Pier One Sector through Pier Five Sector), with individual Pier Command Buildings positioned at the disc-end of each pier.
All sectors are self-contained, pressurized, and able to be locked down independently. This allows for quarantine, security containment, or mission-specific isolation. Movement between sectors is only possible through guarded checkpoints.
The central hub features shared infrastructure:
Central storage/warehousing
Shared personnel housing (non-pier-specific)
Administrative command facilities
Training facilities
Each pier includes:
Pier-specific barracks and administrative spaces
Docking infrastructure for warships and support craft
Maintenance and repair facilities
Enlisted lounges, clubs, and recreation areas
Tactical Role
Originally intended as a launch platform for regional fleet operations, Gateway Station has fallen into semi-obsolescence due to its fixed nature and operational costs. However, its strategic location near the Tower Republic, the Leekee Collective, and the Zone of Interference grants it long-term value.
In modern operations, it serves as:
A classified staging ground for special projects
A training center for limited strike teams
A long-range logistics node
Notable Features
Keeling Hangar (Pier Two): An oversized hangar built specifically to hide the classified PUV James Keeling from view. Most ships of Keeling's size do not receive hangar facilities.
Reception Center (Pier Two): A multi-use building used for large formations, briefings, and ceremonies. Capable of holding over 1,000 personnel.
Athletic/Training Spaces: Includes full-length track, regulation sports courts, and simulation centers.
Crysteel Dome Walkways: Provide limited "outside" access with views of Pearson's Star and deep space.
Known Limitations
While well-defended and compartmentalized, Gateway is aging. It is no longer cost-effective to maintain for widespread deployment. Its fixed orbit leaves it vulnerable if discovered by enemy factions, though its classified nature and remote orbit mitigate some of that risk.
