Prospect Station - Engineering Level

Engineering Level

  The engineering level is the lifeblood of the station, controlling the pumps for the external tanks, the power core, the thrusters, life support, hydroponics and a vast array of other functions. This level is restricted to crew only for the most part, though it is lightly enforced, and guests sometimes use the gym facilities on this level rather than the more crowded ones upstation in the atrium. Some high profile researchers or sponsors also make use of the conference room, which is one of the only reasons it has not been repurposed to another use.  

Main Engineering

The machinery in here monitors and controls the power core and station-keeping thrusters. There are also redundant controls for the life support system, the heavy mass cannons, and the Drivesat Array, though the command center can override these if it is still intact.   Note that a pair of mass cannons are turreted on the exterior hull of this level, with ammo feeding in from belts beneath the floor. The backside of these state-of-the-art weapons is accessible from the main engineering room, allowing for easy maintenance and repair. The guns themselves are usually controlled remotely from the command center.   There are also removable panels in the ceiling that allow access to the repair drones stationed on the roof outside. When powered down, each rests in its own small niche that can open both above and below (though never both at once as that would depressurize the engineering level).

Conference Room

The expensive black table and matching chairs in this room see little use except on Poker night. The commander generally meets with people one on one, or holds briefings in the command center rather than having everyone travel to the bottom of the station to meet here.   The table has a built-in holography system. There is also a wall mounted video unit adjacent to the panoramic windows.

Gym

A weight system, treadmill, punching bag, and exercise mat take up most of the floor space in this small gym. While the quarters are cramped, the wide windows offer an impressive view of the planet below. The fitness-conscious station personnel log a lot of hours working out.

Power Core

Below the Engineering level, there is one other level. A narrow vertical shaft runs through the center of the power core, allowing access to the docking hatch on the very bottom tip of the station. Otherwise, there is no human-accessible space on this level – every cubic foot is filled with the reactor that provides the station with power.   The core emits a steady pulse of blue-white light (and hard radiation) when in operation. In addition to venting waste heat, this serves as a beacon easily detected by ship’s scanners.   The floors of the engineering level are heavily shielded against radiation but the access shaft is not a place one should spend much time.