Built in Galileo by Bristol Constructions & Manufacturing as a refueling and refining station for Platinum operations in the nearby Raiden Cloud, Arcetri Station upholds the general Bristol stance on open docking. As such, it plays host to a number of irregular visitors unable to acquire the commodity through usual channels. Despite the limited space aboard the station, Arcetri still has an informal market from this transient population.
Due to rising tensions in Galileo due to the breakdown of diplomacy between Liberty and Kusari, an increase in aggressive activity by DSE and Samura Heavy Industries, as well as the irregular nature of the guests, the security presence aboard Arcetri Station is higher than most other Bristol C&M stations. The Oder-class gunboat Alaska and Judicator-class cruiser Endeavor are both based from the station, providing system security for Bristol operations.
Following initial surveyings by independent contractors in 833 and into early 834, Arcetri Station was initially constructed as a forward operating base for further system development by a small group of Bristol contractors. As tensions in the system grew due to arguments between Samura and DSE over rights to the system wealth, however, this group of contractors sold the rights to Bristol C&M proper and proceeded to help restructure the installation for Platinum refining and the servicing of large-scale mining vessels.
Since then, Arcetri has seen multiple expansions and improvements to aid in its role as the premier Platinum supplier for independent operations. Several modifications have been made to the station’s sensor grid by, allegedly, friendly organizations from the Lane Hackers, helping to keep a better eye on the ongoing state of Galileo.
Asteroid Mining
Playing host to a number of mining vessels, to include Arcetri Group’s Platinum King, Arcetri maintains a significant presence in the Raiden Cloud for Platinum. The majority of ore is refined on-site, stored until purchased by the station’s varied clientele.
Salvaging & Repairs
Due to the hazardous nature of Galileo, as well as the increasing tensions between Liberty and Kusari, ship damage is far more common than most other locations Bristol C&M operations. As a result, Arcetri Station provides repair services to all vessels able to dock, though environmental damage is normally limited to highly sensitive equipment and hull plating.
The outsized sensor umbrella given by the installation allows for a number of salvage operations to occur, often facilitated by the mining contingent who provide heavy lift capacity for the heavier hulls found within Galileo. These vessels, at times ranging to the size of Hegemons and Archons, can be seen at Arcetri Station’s docks receiving repairs before being transferred to more capable facilities for more complete restructuring and final inspections, often being pressed back into Bristol service or sold to other organizations.
Surveying
Despite large amounts of Platinum being found in the Raiden Cloud, Bristol C&M continues to operate a surveying team aboard Arcetri Station in order to consistently monitor deposits in that area and in the other dark matter clouds of Galileo. Rumors abound that this is due to fears that the field may dry up due to overmining by one of the two competitors, or that initial surveys may prove to have been misleading, though the Bristol Board maintains that this is merely to continue providing accurate future estimates for profits in the region. The surveying operations also extend to neighboring systems, though the station does not answer requests for information on what information these surveys have provided.
Issues
Due to the competition between Bristol C&M, DSE, and Samura, a number of incidents have arose between the organizations. Whether this is as minor as temporary disruption of trade lanes or aggressive maneuvers between the groups or as serious as rumored engagements between miners within the Raiden Cloud, for the most part all of the organizations have denied any wrongdoing on their part while claiming ill-intent by their competitors. The issue is further complicated by Liberty and Kusari Courts being biased towards their respective corporations. For now, Bristol C&M has continued operations in Galileo despite these allegations via a number of holding companies which these mining vessels belong to, as well as a cadre of lawyers dedicated to proving that any vessel in Galileo performing these actions is categorically not of Bristol origin.
. User ID:Arcetri Station Recipient:Public Update Subject:New Product .
Esteemed customers,
The Arcetri Group is proud to announce the offering of a new product to all parties. The production of Advanced Directing Mounts has commenced, as of approximately 30 minutes ago. These units will be sold at the price of 8.000 cr per.
System security ships are currently underway in Galileo to ensure the security of all customers.
This message has been approved by the Arcetri Group Board.