SBB

Union Border Buoy

mass produced standardized buoys designed to mark and extend Union space in order to create a coherent Union Space territory. Union Border Buoys were deployed by direct Union Assembly decision and are part of the Union Space Act .SBBs are under the Authority of the Union Border Guard.

An SBB (Standard border buoy) is 350 meters x 320 meters and usually fully automated. Each buoy does have fully equipped accommodations for a potential crew of up to 50. SBBs can be shielded and there are also ABB versions (Armed Border Buoys) All SBBs and all other versions are equipped with GalNet relay repeaters, GalNet terminals and an All Known Communications Array (AKCA =  comm equipment able to broadcast and receive on all known channels and all known communication technology)[1]. They are also equipped with the best multi sensor and detection equipment. (Mass, Energy, Life, movement, Tachyon and Graviton)[2]

Each Buoy is equipped with a long range Shuttle and 2 mobile Multi Service robots (EVA capable). All SBBs are connected to the Border Guard Network, the Union Rangers,  Army Signal Corps and NAVINT.

Each SBB can self destruct and will do so if any unauthorized entity gains access. SBB destruction raises an automatic sector alert.

There are billions of SBBs and they are constantly serviced, maintained and upgraded by the Union Border Guard. SBBs are available as Housing or living quarters to Union Citizens. Seventeen percent of all SBBS are so occupied (OSBBs). Serving 24 month as a BB Guard is an accepted Union Citizen service. BB Guard is also an accepted permanent occupation (No promotions, no rank , basic salary but free housing and a supply and food allowance of an additional 3000 credits)

SBBs are moved whenever Union space grows or so called non union space gaps are closed and coherency is achieved.

The SBB net is a little known but highly admired Union feature. [3]



[1] All SBBs are upgraded or in the process of being upgraded to also send and receive Psionic communication as of 4000

[2] All SBBs are part of the Providence Program and are able to detect and track Quasi space  traffic activity and Hyper Jump activity. Upgraded tor in the process of being upgraded do so as of 3000

[3] Other civilizations are in deep awe when they learn that the Union is able to monitor over 90 percent of all its borders and track and notice movement and traffic.