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Environmental ModuleFrom WikiThe Environmental Module is an arboretum aboard Starbase 47 that contains recreational opportunities and housing in an M-class planetary setting. It contains approximately 12,000 earth acres devoted to different biomes and includes modular habitats for starbase crewmembers and civilians.
Physical LayoutI'm making a new map that has the frozen areas on it. Stay tuned. BiomesThe meadow is a small grassland, a field composed of grasses and non-woody plants. It's a favorite place for the station's Choblik species to graze and herd, as well as for traditional Efrosian huts to be erected for housing or ceremonial functions. The temperate deciduous forest is the main area of the module, covering sixty percent of the habitat. Trees that shed leaves, low-growing bushes and shrubs, flowering plants, and vines inhabit this area, which is allowed to follow the seasons through weather modification--through fall with leaves changing and winter with bare trees and a light dusting of snow from the mountains on the opposite side of the dome. The large lake that separates the grassland and temperate forested areas is mesotrophic, with adequate oxygen and nutrients to support a variety of fish from different planets. There is a dense riparian zone between both areas and the lake. The main river from the alpine side of the dome feeds into the lake and outflows into two other rivers and creeks that flow to opposite ends of the module. There are several coves with equipment for children to splash and play during the warm season as well as fishing permits to be obtained from the Environmental Module General Store on the Agora level. The alpine biomes rise into the starboard side of the biome over one thousand feet in height, with a bit of taiga forest and coniferous trees giving way to barren snow-covered hills, low mountains, and one high peak. The ground is permanently frozen and not much grows in the absolute higher areas. The atmosphere is kept intact by invisible planar forcefields. The lake contained in the mountain area is often frozen, providing wonderful opportunities for winter sport from various world. This area is popular with Andorians/Aenar and other cold species. The outflowing river warms up and gathers nutrients from the riparian buffer as it descends from the higher altitude and is a perfect salmon and trout fishing area. A hot spring is located here which bubbles 45C water with various dissolved minerals including calcium and traces of lithium--all created by sophisticated environmental control systems.
WeatherThe Environmental Module uses a sophisticated weather modification grid embedded in the duranium ceiling that is a smaller scale module of such grids that would orbit planets. Combined with holographic emitters embedded in the walls of the dome which project a horizon, all weather is created and dissipated by the grid according to pre-programmed or randomized settings, depending on the biome. The weather report is distributed through the network daily so that residents and visitors will be aware of the climate for each area each day. Habitat StructuresApproximately twenty percent of the module's floor space is usable for housing. Modular housing units often used on colony worlds are scattered around the lower elevations of forest, along the lakes, and in the coniferous forest in the higher elevations for crewmembers who have obtained the requisite rights to live in the habitat. Some units are located along the rim and feature only a "front yard" with rear windows offering a true view of space. All housing is tied to the internal coordinate grid and locator system using traditional planetary street names. On Tesla, all streets are named after moons in the Terran system.
The alpha style of modular home in the EM is composed of a dual level structure with transparent aluminum window panels wrapped around all four sides. It is made of composite materials which simulate wood, aluminum, and stainless steel. The lower levels contain food preparation, eating, and working spaces. The upper levels contain living, sleeping, and grooming spaces. The home has a walled garden or patio area in front and awnings that provide shade during the heat of the day. If placed along the module's rim, the rear of the structure will contain windows open to space. Each space's purpose can be reconfigured at any time to suit the occupant's needs. The beta style of home in the EM is reserved for placement along the interior due to its unusual shape. The home is composed of three modules, plus a shaded open air pergola-type seating area with reflective pond in front. The living and sleeping modules form a right angle to the food preparation and dining module, each having its own awning and transparent aluminum windows opening onto the grounds or in the case of the meal area, the pergola. This structure is typically reserved for families, as it has many areas that can be rearranged to provide private areas for multiple children. The gamma style of living accomodations are reserved for single or dual occupancy and contain two units fused together, one with a slanted roof-line. One area contains a combined food preparation, living, and dining area, while the other contains a sleeping and grooming area. This unit is typically found rim-ward and features rear windows with a view of space. This structure lacks an outdoor seating area, instead there are two awnings to provide shade to whatever landscaping the occupants choose to employ. Residents
Out of CharacterThe environmental module (12,000 acres) is fourteen times the size of Central Park (775 acres). |
