In the distant frontier known as the Outer Rim Territories lies Bespin, an inconspicuous
gas giant in an otherwise desolate sector of the galaxy.
Yet the swirling clouds that constitute Bespin’s thin strip of breathable atmosphere hid an
opulent metropolis that for years operated beneath the notice of the Empire, a thriving
center of culture and trade known as Cloud City.
Constructed to serve as a Tibanna (tib-ana) gas mining colony, Cloud City was situated
roughly 59,000 kilometers above Bespin’s core, supported by a complex arrangement of
repulsorlift engines and tractor beam generators.
The station itself consisted of a central inverted spire which formed the base of a
main saucer-shaped city structure.
It contained 392 levels, accommodating everything from it’s mining operations to residential
and visitor services.
At its apex lay a more traditional arrangement of towers and complexes separated by a vast
concourse.
The station’s unique location inside Bespin’s Life Zone eliminated the need for airlocks
or life support systems, and residents and visitors could move freely across open air
plazas and gardens, taking in some of the most spectacular views in the Outer Rim.
A natural tourist destination, Cloud City was able to grow beyond its origins as a mining
colony and there existed a stark dichotomy between its twin purposes.
The uppermost levels of the colony resembled a luxury resort with gambling, sightseeing
entertainment and shopping.
Bespin’s remote location in the Outer Rim made it a particularly appealing destination
for smugglers, freelancers, bounty hunters and others who sought to avoid the attentions
of the Galactic Empire.
By contrast, the station’s lowest levels were designed to funnel tibanna gas through
several reactor shafts before it was filtered and mixed with carbonite for flash-freeze
preservation.
Working in these lower levels was a cramped, monotonous and sometimes dangerous experience,
and primarily left to Ugnaughts who showed a natural aptitude for this type of labor.
So complete was this species monopoly on Cloud City’s Tibanna industry that there existed
many tunnels and corridors navigable only to them.
This was not an accident, for it was the Ugnaughts who first assisted in the construction of
Cloud City at the behest of the eccentric Corellian explorer Ecclessis Figg.
Figg’s eclectic personality helped elevated Cloud City’s status above that of a simple
mining colony, and this would be continued by his successor Lando Calrissian, who won
control of the colony during the reign of the Empire.
As Baron Administrator, Calrissian tried to maintain Cloud City’s status as a completely
independent operation but was forced to accept an Imperial Garrison after rebel agents attempted
to seek shelter there.
When the Empire altered their deal and demanded more control over Cloud City’s administration,
Calrissian broadcast a warning of the Empire’s intentions sparking a mass exodus amidst sporadic
fighting between Imperial forces and Bespin’s local security.
After the Battle of Endor, the Imperial Garrison on Cloud City was recalled and spontaneous
celebrations erupted in the streets.
Since its minor role in galactic history, Cloud City has reverted to its traditional
role as an escape for those looking to relax, play sabacc and maybe make a deal without
a lot of fuss and unnecessary oversight.
In Atlas, the Templin Institute investigates the most stories places from across alternate
worlds.
Atlas is the first of four new shows we’re pitching day by day this week before letting
our patrons decide which show they want added to our regular schedule.
If you’d like to see the Templin Institute investigate Rapture, Pandora, Cybertron or
others, a pledge of just one dollar a month to our Patreon will get you a vote when the
polls open this Friday.