Lusus

Lusus, an architectural marvel nestled beneath the vibrant neighborhoods of Summit and Homestead in New Orange City, is not merely a residential complex but an ambitious venture into the future of communal living. Constructed through a collaborative effort that harnessed the expertise of over 1,000 scientists and engineers from across the Shire, Lusus stands as the world's foremost arcology superstructure, an emblem of innovation and sustainable living.

Purpose and Design

The genesis of Lusus lies in a dual purpose – to provide its inhabitants with an exceptionally efficient and organized living space while championing environmental responsibility. Often referred to as "hives," these arcologies function as self-sufficient ecosystems. Residents benefit from internalized systems for power, climate control, food production, water conservation, and sewage treatment. The TechnoCore's contributions include a primitive food replicator technology, offering a basic yet nutritional slush. However, the diverse and cosmopolitan population of Lusus often opts for food imported from the city's surface.

Lusus, with its architectural prowess and ecological mindfulness, is a comprehensive experiment in utopian living. The cavernous expanse beneath Summit and Homestead serves as a subterranean haven, interconnected with Neo-Lusus to the south and the Grand Narthex to the west. Positioned above the Dick Hallorann Mega Complex, Lusus exemplifies a harmonious blend of human habitation and environmental stewardship.

History

Discovered in 1871 by the intrepid Edward Darco, the cavern originally served as a rich repository of quartz and metals. Its mining boom lasted from 1880 to 1962, resulting in polished walls that reflected years of meticulous extraction. In 1973, with resources depleted, the mining operation ceased.

In 1980, the city acquired the cavern for an undisclosed sum. The transformation of the cavern began earnestly. The collaboration with the TechnoCore brought unprecedented technological advancements and architectural finesse to the project.

Architectural Milestones

The realization of Lusus unfolded in multiple stages. The inaugural project, the Hyperion Hive, broke ground in 1990, marking the commencement of a bold new era. Completed in 2001, it set the stage for subsequent endeavors. The Saturn Arcology Complex unfolded between 2004 and 2015. The final jewel, the Radamanth Arcology, reached completion in 2017. Numerous smaller complexes dot the walls of Lusus, contributing to its diverse and vibrant community.

Operational Framework

Since its inception, Lusus has been operating under the capable guidance of the TechnoCore. This conglomerate of Artificial Intelligences, born from the visionary Niander Wallace's experiments in the 1970s, maintains a symbiotic relationship with its human inhabitants. While TechnoCore AI technologies enrich the daily lives of residents, there exists an ongoing debate about the nature of the interaction – whether it is a symbiotic relationship or a form of subtle enslavement.

Transportation Hub

Lusus is seamlessly connected to the surface through three vital rail links. The Hyperloop and the Omegaloop provide swift transit, complemented by a high-speed station on the intercity Juris Line. This network not only facilitates efficient transportation but also exemplifies Lusus's integration with the broader cityscape.

In 2018, Lusus continues to stand as the epitome of dense residential housing and a pioneering social experiment. Its architectural brilliance and commitment to sustainable living make it a beacon of hope for future urban planning and communal existence.

Behind the Scenes

Lusus, Hyperion, and the TechnoCore are all references to the book series Hyperion. Lusus is a high gravity planet where people live in large underground ‘hives’ with extremely high density.

The TechnoCore in the Hyperion novels is an independent force of AI computers that provides technology to mankind, often with mysterious or nefarious intentions.

The area now called Lusus was originally just a hollowed out cylinder of stone, with the intent that it would eventually house the various machines that keep the city above running; water sanitation, sewage, desalinization, pollution control, etc. The Dick Hallorann Mega Complex would eventually serve that role instead.