On Ataraxia

[A/)- The Inner Phalanx]

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Planet Wichita has seen countless attempts at taming its wild and unpredictable self. From small bands of colonists to the Natio Octavium, very few have seen success or longevity in such an endeavor, especially within the mysterious and desolate system of Kansas.

Ataraxia is a medium-sized sub-terrainian complex, previously serving as a hub for the Auxesian populace. Its primary intention is to serve as a research facility to study the planet's primitive lifeforms, unusual weather pattern, and the system of Kansas its self. The facility was heavily modified from its original design to house an increasing population of civilian and military personnel, and operate low-level production facilities to manufacture fighter craft. The process however is significantly slower than most, due to a scarcity of resources. The surface complex of the facility is dotted with guard outposts, anti-ship batteries, and a shield generator to protect from weather elements and incoming fire.

All entrances of the facility are sealed with bulkheads and airlocks due to the frequent floods that occur on the planet, as well as maintaining an artificial pressure and gravity level inside the facility in comparison to the lower gravity on the surface. This is to compensate for the frequent shift from the facility to space, and prevent adaptation difficulties to new environments with differing pressure, which may cause potential health problems if left unchecked. There are over two dozen levels beneath the surface, each with a varying security level. The more 'civilian' sections of the base mainly consist of residential, botany and recreational (training simulators/video entertainment/lounge) rooms. The research sections tend to vary in security weight. From standard R&D to the more mysterious and illusive Zeta Section of the facility, with varying sections in between.



The base its self is powered on three separate reactors. A standard, a backup and a prototype Azurite Generator hidden within Zeta Section. The Azurite Generator mostly sees use as a test bed for powering smaller sections of the facility every now and then to determine the effectiveness of the prototype generator. The Zeta Section of the facility spans the depths of the underground base, reaching the lowest levels with the highest security. Very few see what lies beyond the armored blast doors and security checkpoints, and even fewer are able to disclose what lies behind them.

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The exterior of the base is a mixture of deep forest and swamp due to the frequent flooding the planet suffers from, which makes the establishment of outposts difficult. However, the surrounding area of the central island sees frequent patrols, mostly consistent of Initiates and Wardens to test their resolve in the untamed wilderness of a foreign world. It's very rare for a patrol to disappear, but it mostly occurs during a flood or severe storm, where contact is limited, and if a patrol does not return to Ataraxia in time, they may succumb to the elements of the foreign world. There are very rare occurrences of encountering primitive animal life. Mostly small, amphibious creatures that occupy the wilderness and have yet to be identified.

The wilderness its self within the central point of the island is at its thickest, and sees the least amount of flooding. It isn't immune, however. Streams of water flow through and out in to the oceans constantly, and the terrain is rough, muddy and rocky. A small, abandoned settlement is present which is planned to be investigated in the future to the East of Ataraxia. It is unknown who occupied it or why it was abandoned.

Other islands of Wichita remain inaccessible to Ataraxia without a short flight to investigate. All contain similar lifeforms and treacherous terrain. Some may even be submerged during flood season. Ataraxia is designed to be capable of surviving for several months while submerged in case of a significant flood occurring and endangering the base population. Botany experiments are planned for internal farming for sustainable food supplies, whilst water is desalinated and made drinkable via a purifier connecting to the ocean. Various vents and pipes dot the wilderness surrounding the surface complex, and can be sealed on a whim by the central mainframe.

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