Orb Ten

Orb Ten is one of the Laterran orbs within the Orbstack of the starship Daban Urnud. It sits between Orb Nine and Orb Eleven in the Laterran stack and links to its neighbors by sealable portals.

First appearance and context

• Comes into focus when members of the Arbran delegation convalesce and take a meal at a Laterran hospital in Orb Ten, not far from the portal joining it to Orb Eleven.
• From this base they depart by cable‑chair through the portal, continuing via Orb Eleven and Twelve toward the Core en route to opening ceremonies held in Orb Four.

Description and characteristics

• The orb’s inner surface combines water and a cultivated “sky” sector. About half the interior is water; the remainder forms painted blue sky with a fiber‑optic “sun” that moves by routing light between fixed emitters.
• Houseboat structures are lashed into a circular mat with flexible gangways; rooftop terraces are intensively farmed. Tables of glass cover planters, and bowers support vines laden with fruit.
• Pseudogravity from rotation curves the “level” surface into a trough; looking across the houseboat mat gives the impression of water standing “above” the observer.
• Portals to adjacent orbs hang in the firmament and are served by cable‑chair systems that ferry travelers between the portal and the houseboat mat.
• Air tends to be still, with only gentle, sloshing breezes; sounds carry and reflect from the ceiling. Wind is never strong enough to raise waves.
• Local right‑of‑way paths cross roofs and terraces so pedestrians can move anywhere; residents typically observe a convention of polite non‑engagement. Heavy goods move on deep‑draught gondolas through narrow water leads hidden beneath bowers.

Key relationships and affiliations

• Part of the Laterran stack (Orbs Nine–Twelve) within the Orbstack.
• Linked by portal to Orb Eleven; adjacent to Orb Nine; used as a transit point toward the Core.
• Inhabited and administered by Laterrans.

Important actions and key beats

• Serves as the recovery and muster point for Arbran visitors before they travel via the portal network toward Orb Four for formal proceedings.

Current status

• Functioning Laterran habitat sphere with medical facilities and extensive rooftop agriculture; portals are kept open for routine movement when maneuvering is not underway.