Highport Station
The Sprawl's Gateway to Space
Overview
Highport Station is the Sprawl's gateway to space—a massive ring structure that handles 70% of Earth's orbital traffic. It's where the Orbital Elevator terminates, where megacorp interests intersect with independent operators, and where those with enough power begin to leave Earth's problems behind.
For players reaching Age 6, Highport represents a threshold. Below is Earth, with all its struggles, factions, and history. Above is the solar system, with resources and possibilities that dwarf anything planetary.
Atmosphere
The first thing you notice is the horizon. From Highport's observation decks, Earth curves below you—beautiful, fragile, undeniably finite. The Sprawl that seemed infinite from inside reveals itself as a bright smear on a dark planet. Everyone who comes here has that moment: realizing how small their world actually was.
The station itself is practical rather than beautiful. Industrial sections smell of recycled air and machine lubricant. Corporate sectors have the same sterile perfection as Nexus Central. Independent habitats range from cramped to luxurious depending on their occupants' resources.
Gravity
Varies throughout the station. Ring sections spin for Earth-normal gravity. Hub sections are microgravity. Transit zones transition gradually. Your body learns new rules.
Station Structure
Highport is a ring station with a central hub, connected by eight spoke structures.
The Hub
Central cylinder, 2 km diameter. Zero-gravity operations, docking facilities, cargo processing. This is where ships arrive and depart, where goods transfer between Earth and space.
The Ring
Rotating torus, 8 km diameter, 400m wide. Divided into eight sectors, each with distinct character and jurisdiction. Gravity maintained at 0.9 Earth standard.
The Spokes
Eight connecting tunnels with gradient gravity. Transit between hub and ring, plus specialized facilities that benefit from variable gravity.
Key Locations
The Elevator Terminal
Hub, Sector AlphaWhere the Orbital Elevator meets the station. A constant flow of cargo and personnel rises from Earth, processes through customs, and disperses to destinations across the solar system. Ironclad controls the Elevator—this is their power base in orbit.
- Cargo processing on massive scale
- Transit authority (tickets to anywhere in-system)
- Corporate customs (what comes up, what goes down)
- The view down the Elevator cable—Earth visible as destination and origin
Nexus Orbital
Ring, Sector 3A self-contained corporate enclave on the Ring. Nexus maintains significant data infrastructure here—backup systems, off-Earth computation, and orbital components of their Sprawl surveillance network. Less pretense here than on Earth.
- Nexus orbital operations center
- Data backup and processing facilities
- Research facilities (some publicly acknowledged, some not)
The Freeport
Ring, Sectors 5-6Two sectors operating under minimal corporate jurisdiction—the closest thing to independent territory in orbital space. A haven for independent operators, entrepreneurs, and those who prefer distance from corporate oversight.
- Independent shipyards and repair facilities
- Black market commerce (relatively open)
- Information brokers with solar-system reach
- Small-scale manufacturing beyond corporate control
The Tombs
Hub, Outer ShellORACLE's three orbital data centers still exist in orbits near Highport. The station maintains a safe distance, but salvagers occasionally attempt recovery operations. The Collective monitors them obsessively. Nexus wants access but can't justify the political cost of claiming them openly.
- Pre-Cascade ORACLE infrastructure (damaged, dangerous)
- Rumored intact data storage
- ORACLE fragments more complete than anything on Earth
- Cascade defenses that still function
Gateway Station
Hub, Sector OmegaThe departure point for deep-space travel. Ships heading for the Belt, Mars, or beyond launch from here. It represents the edge of Earth's influence—beyond Gateway, corporate law becomes suggestion.
- Deep-space launch facilities
- Long-haul ship maintenance
- Colonist processing and orientation
- The frontier of human expansion
Faction Presence
Independent Operators
Freeport (dominant), scattered throughout
Opportunity seekingPlayer Relevance
Age 6: Orbital Architect
Highport is the transition point. Below is Earth, where your power was built. Above is space, where your power can grow without limit. The question is no longer "can you survive?" but "what will you build?"
Key Challenges
- Establishing orbital presence (claiming territory in a new domain)
- Managing Earth interests (do you maintain or abandon your origins?)
- The Tombs (unprecedented opportunity and danger)
- Choosing direction (Earth, orbit, or beyond?)
Age 7+: The Departure Point
For players continuing to stellar scale, Highport becomes the last familiar landmark. What lies beyond represents chapters where Earth matters less. The player's relationship with Highport reflects their relationship with humanity.