The Chicxulub Deep Sea Habitat (CDSH) is located 5km North of the Yucatán Peninsula and 5km below sea level. It remains one of the few Ancestor structures found in the Antilles Archipelago unscathed by Seablight.
CDSH’s construction began in the mid-22nd Century by the Consejo Coralino Deep Sea Administration. Following the Seablight Deluge and Century of Deconstruction, the administration re-emerged above the surface to form the Yucatán Flotilla.
This unique subsurface facility remains the political and strategic heart of the Consejo Coralino. It is also an active research hub and secret staging point for campaigns along the Gof Yucatán.
Chicxulub Deep Sea Habitat (CDSH)
History and Formation
The Chicxulub Deep Sea Habitat (CDSH) is made possible by a unique combination of technology and geography. Sonography of the waters around the Campeche Bank originally noted that the coral shelf that lay beneath the surface seemed to have a cavernous space underneath. Exploratory missions in the early 22nd Century revealed a vast network of expansive caves and underwater tunnels that lay unexplored deep beneath the large headland bank.
A joint venture was formed between the Permax Natural Resources Company and the Yucatán Facility for Scientific Examination. Noting high Iridium levels within the caves and cavern network, an initial effort was made to map, sample and explore the subterranean space. This proved somewhat unsuccessful; many rock samples were obtained, but the craft needed at the depths of the cave network could only perform shallow, superficial surveys before needing to return to the surface.
Undeterred, the Rejon-Ruen dynasty poured significant funding into the project. Initial rock sample analysis indicated high concentrations of nickel, copper, palladium, platinum and rhenium. In addition, a unique sphere of concentrated matter was discovered. This novel deposits were thought to have a direct effect on the pristine health of the reef above. Fearing invasive mining from outside parties, the co-owners formed the Consejo Coralino Deep Sea Administration to protect the immediate reed habitat; a protective ring with a 10km diameter spanning the Southern parts of the Campeche bank.
Construction of the deep-sea habitat began in 2154 CE. Anchoring vertically into the sides of gigantic Tektite crystals fused with underwater tectonic plates, the cylindrical and conical structures of the facility are accessed by pressurised maglev shuttles sitting perpendicular to the ocean floor. The best part of four decades was needed to complete the underwater network of laboratories and buildings, with many scientific breakthroughs in technology occurring along the construction process.
Central Chamber 1a (The Heart)
CDSH’s largest structure is the central conical sub-stack block that comprise Central Chamber 1a. The multi-level space is the logistical heart of the underwater operation. The top of the chamber has a maglev shuttle entrance, de-pressurisation foyer, and viewing deck. Docking stations for underwater vessels, including the Tortuga, are located at the top of the structure, nestled into one of the pressure-resistant bands that line the length of the facility. The middle levels include several research laboratories and accommodation precincts, as well as entry and exit points to proximal chambers. The lower levels consist of a large glass terrarium of terrestrial plants, a seed-bank, the chamber’s assembly auditorium, and engineering facilities. The lowest level reaches below the seabed and contains the mysterious Esfera Del Tiempo Vault, a space only accessible to members of the Consejo Coralino.
Chamber 1B and Chamber 1C (The Lungs)
The Lungs flank Central Chamber 1A. They are chiefly responsible for oxygen generation and air filtration of all chambers in the sub-structure. A complex system of bio-reactors coupled with advanced algae farms allow this process to take place at such depths, with smaller systems lining most of the other chambers for a clean and continuous supply of breathable air in all localities.
Sub Stacks 2A – 2Q (The Fins)
A series of narrow vertical tubes with hundreds of oval appendages are affectionately known as The Fins, a highly sophisticated tidal energy source that harnesses the power of moving water throughout the cave and cavern system. This sustainable and reliable source of energy powers all aspects of life in the deep, while also providing the fuel needed to light the extensive network of space that the engineered bioluminescent coral cannot illuminate.
Chambers 2A - 2J (The Veins)
With a vast cavern-like structure and an outer membrane only thick enough for technical officers to make repairs, Chamber Two is the water desalination and filtration depot for the entire deep-sea habitat. Using both reverse osmosis and electrolysis, the Veins allows saline water to enter the top of the structure before pumping fresh water from the base to all other central chambers.
Chambers 3A – 3D (The Guts)
The four chambers of The Guts allow for the most important aspect of the CDSH to occur: the propagation of both marine and terrestrial flora for current and future bio-repopulation efforts. Bioluminescent lighting from engineered lichen aid the growing production of corals, sea grass and other underwater plant life. 100 per cent of the food sources consumed within the laboratory also comes from the grow, which also houses a sustainable fish farm and an area for breeding threatened marine mammals.
Chamber 4 (The Eyes)
The focal point of technological advancements within CDSH is Chamber Four, The Eyes. The quantum computing hub hosts the Chicxulub Data Diver LCAD and drives most of the Ancestor tech on the ocean floor; an intricate network of wires, chips and processors that manages and monitors all activities. It also serves as the central communication relay point for information processing between the laboratory and the surface. The Eyes are also responsible for the control of the GoDark EMP protection protocol that was retrofitted into the underwater structure in an effort to repel any future blight based attacks.
Outer Chambers 5A – 5E (The Fingers)
The Fingers were the last structures erected around the perimeter of CDSH. Arranged in a diamond pattern, they provide a linked electromagnetic defensive grid capable of repelling hostile underwater Entities. Invisible to the naked eye due to coral and seafloor cloaking technologies, the Fingers can generate wave propulsion forces to destabilise and disorientate unwelcome guests. Several dozen Delfin can also be deployed from among the Finger Points.
