The Dorms: Cubile & Nidus Stations
Perhaps the densest of the Underground’s stations is Cubile, and rightly so, for this region is home to the vast majority of the community; acting as dormitory, recreational area, and living space, all as one. Once, in a time long since forgotten, this station was a minor mall of sorts, and the echoes of this still remain in its structure—its halls are lined with cubby, nook and cranny as far as the eye can see, each now acting as an enclosed sleeping chamber for any family, pairing, or individual that requires such a space.
Needless to say, the rather cosy nature of ‘the dorms’, as so nicknamed, is the spark of many minor disputes, and tensions never fail to run high amongst its inhabitants. It is this that often drives small gatherings of occupants from Cubile to Nidus, the Underground's nearest and secondary dormitory station. Though less populated than its parent station, Nidus is considerably smaller, and it too is plagued by complaints of claustrophobic dorms and highly-strung residents. While respect and trust are imperative foundations of such a community, the increasingly uncertain nature of the population and its resources have led recently to a spate of petty crime and theft, the focus of which appears to fall upon this station. The Director's solution was to institute a curfew of sorts—each evening, dead on 21:00, all lights are extinguished and the station is plunged into a deep gloom. While adamantly encouraged by Medicus' staff, as a means of maintaining healthy circadian rhythm, this periodic darkness has done little to reduce minor crime, and is a cause of much frustration to residents.
This is far from the only source of unease, of course, and the future of the dorms is quite the discussion point amongst adaptationists and expansionists alike. Attempts at colonising further from Terminus were common in the early history of the Underground, but have since died out. The deeper stations were found in greater disrepair than expected, ranging from mildly dangerous to near inhospitable. Without the infrastructure set up immediately following the disaster, delivery of clean food, water, waste, and power proved impossible, and burdened the main settlements significantly. Now, many years later, Cubile & Nidus are bursting at the seams, and while some talk of expansion once more, others find the tales of their elders a stark warning of the dangers of spreading too thin and venturing too deep.
Of course, the community must surely reach a point at which they have no choice but to expand, and the situation is close to dire already—particularly for those who have settled toward the north end of the station. You see, the children of the Underground require an education, and where better to place their school than the very station in which they sleep, rest and recreate! Or so the Director promised. The implementation left something to be desired, though, and each day sees a select group of unlucky residents pack up their belongings and take down their tents, in order to make room for the ever-increasing gaggle of school-aged children and their teacher. While those in authority maintain their decision was one both well-informed and logical, word on the street is that trouble is brewing…
[A Historic Transcription; one town meeting, many years ago]
“The Director understands that full and complete education is the backbone of a thriving community. We must preserve formal and academic knowledge where possible, and all children will receive schooling in Maths, English, and Sciences. The unique circumstances have forced our teaching to adapt to our needs, however, and vocational training shall create the basis of our new curriculum. Children shall receive appropriate formative education in agriculture, architecture, and manual skills, to complement parents’ encouraged passing of familial skills. The generation of the future must be ready to take up the duty of being a citizen of the Underground. Enrol your children in Cubile Station Education Facility today!”
Relevant NPCs
Doctor Hazel | She/her | One of the Underground's leading doctors. Her enthusiasm for the job is unparalleled; she's really keen to help. |
Head Teacher Esra | She/her | The Head Teacher, in charge of the educational programs. Along with her wife, one of the oldest people in the Underground. |
Molly | She/her | Wife to Esra and one of the oldest people in the Underground. Inseperable from her darling canary, Wharf. |