Union One Prison



Union One, "super-maximum security" is the name used for the Union Prison that represents the most secure level of custody in the Union’s Justice Department. Union one is a heavily protected Gigamon III station in the Alpha Centauri System.

The objective is to provide long term, segregated housing for inmates classified as the highest security risks in the prison system—the "worst of the worst" criminals, and those who pose a threat to Union security. Other criminals who are considered dangerous to their fellow inmates, staff, escape risks, or committed certain violent crimes are likely sent here, rather than Federal Penitentiary Flamingo Bay.

 Inmates in Union One have minimal contact with staff and other inmates. There are four general features that tend to characterize Union One:

 Long-term – Once transferred to Union One prison, people tend to stay there for years or indefinitely.

 Powerful administration – Union One administrators and guards have ample authority to punish and manage inmates, without outside review or prisoner grievance systems.

 Solitary confinement – Union One prison relies heavily on intensive (and long-term) solitary confinement, which is used to isolate and punish prisoners as well as to protect them from themselves and each other. Communication with outsiders is minimal.

 No activities – Few opportunities are provided for recreation, education, substance abuse programs, or other activities generally considered healthy and rehabilitative at other prisons.

 In Union One, prisoners are generally allowed out of their cells for one hour each standard day; often they are kept in solitary confinement. They receive their meals through ports, also known as "bean slots," in the doors of their cells. When Union One  inmates are allowed to exercise, this takes place in a small, enclosed area where the prisoner exercises alone. Prisoners are under constant surveillance, usually by Union One’s AI. Cell doors are opaque, while the cells are windowless. Conditions are plain, with poured Duro-Crete or Ultronit furniture. Cell walls, floors, ceilings and plumbing, are soundproofed to prevent communication between the inmates.

While Flamingo Bay is a Medium Security Federal Prison with a prison population of about 50,000 inmates and 5,000 Guards and support personnel (10:1), Union One has about 15,000 inmates and 5,000 Guards and support personnel (3:1). The average sentence is 12 standard years to life without parole. Even after leaving, former inmates of Union One cannot receive citizenship back.