Kier

Kier is a vast subterranean chamber located beneath the Netherland, Meijin Hills, and Aboite neighborhoods in New Orange City. Positioned just south of Corea Cavern, east of the Dick Hallorann Mega Complex (DHMC), and southwest of Gonda Hall, Kier is a marvel of engineering designed as both a secure military installation and a large-scale disaster shelter. Its impressive construction and functionality make it a critical component of New Orange City’s infrastructure and defense systems.

A construction worker adds the finishing touches to one of the many Trident Force emblems found throughout Kier

Kier is subdivided into two primary components:

The Southern Military Base: Occupied by the Trident Force, the military branch of New Orange City. The Northern Shelter System: A massive refuge capable of housing the entirety of New Orange City's population in times of crisis.

The chamber’s design is utilitarian and heavily fortified, standing in stark contrast to the colorful and bright atmosphere of the neighboring Dick Hallorann Mega Complex.

The following features define Kier’s design and functionality:

Ceiling: The ceiling is jet black and dotted with small white lights, mimicking a starry night. This creates a visually striking but subdued atmosphere that enhances the sense of scale within the chamber. Construction Materials: The walls and floors are made of durable deepslate stone, dark gray in color, with an emphasis on strength and resilience. Etchings: Many of the chamber’s pillars and walls are adorned with the Trident Force emblem, a symbol of the city's military strength and unity.

Access to Kier is limited and highly secure. It is connected to Corea Cavern via a small passage and to other regions of the city by a series of heavily reinforced ventilation systems. Two massive steel doors, each 50 meters high, 50 meters wide, and 5 meters thick, can seal Kier off from the DHMC and Gonda Hall in the event of an emergency. These doors are typically suspended above the chamber but can be lowered rapidly during a crisis.

Trident Force Operations

The southern half of Kier is entirely dedicated to Trident Force, New Orange City’s elite military organization. This area houses advanced facilities, including:

Military Manufacturing: Factories for producing weapons, equipment, and supplies. Cruise Missile Launch Tubes: Strategic launch capabilities for long-range defense. Fighter Plane Launch Platforms: Capable of launching up to three fighter jets simultaneously, with storage for 30 fighters in total. Maintenance Areas: Dedicated to ensuring all military assets are operational. The Trident Force conducts regular drills and operational tests within Kier, including:

Door Sealing Drills: To ensure the massive steel doors can be deployed quickly and effectively. Emergency Response Drills: Testing the facility’s preparedness for natural disasters, nuclear attacks, or other emergencies. The presence of Trident Force makes Kier a critical node in the city's defense and a symbol of its resilience.

Shelter System

The northern half of Kier serves as a flexible, large-scale shelter designed to withstand virtually any disaster, including a direct nuclear attack. Key features include:

Population Capacity: The shelter is capable of housing the entire population of New Orange City, providing ample space for community members. Family Shelters: A wall of 104 individual family shelters provides private living spaces for extended stays. Medical Facilities: Ground-level medical centers are equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies, from minor injuries to mass-casualty events. Open Space: Most of the northern half is left as open space to accommodate various needs during a crisis, such as temporary housing, storage, or triage areas. The Molfline, a suspended cart path that winds through New Orange City, passes through Kier. Entering from Corea Cavern in the north, it provides a unique overhead view of the chamber and its operations during peacetime.

Historical Significance

Kier is named in honor of Kier Eagan (1911–1989), the founder of Trident Force and a pivotal figure in New Orange City’s history. Eagan’s vision for a secure and self-sufficient city was instrumental in the creation of Kier and its dual-purpose design. His legacy is deeply woven into the facility’s identity, with his name and contributions commemorated in plaques and emblems throughout the chamber.

Public Perception

While Kier is primarily a military and emergency facility, its role in ensuring the safety and survival of New Orange City’s population makes it a respected and essential part of the city’s infrastructure. The chamber’s design, with its starry ceiling and Trident Force emblems, conveys both strength and solemnity, serving as a reminder of the city’s preparedness and resilience in the face of potential disasters.