Tokamak

From OPU Wiki

Main Entry: to·ka·mak

Variant(s): also to·ko·mak /'tO-k&-"mak, 'tä-/

Function: noun

Etymology: Russian, from toroidal'naya kamera s aksial'nym magnitnym polem (toroidal chamber with an axial magnetic field)

Definition: a toroidal device for producing controlled nuclear fusion that involves the confining and heating of a gaseous plasma by means of an electric current and magnetic field

(source: Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (http://www.m-w.com))

Common Metals Cost: medium (1100)

Rare Metals Cost: none

Build Time: medium

Tube Connection Required: no

Power Required: none

Size: med.-small (2x2)

Workers Required: none

Hit Points: high (1500)

Scientists Required: none

Armor: heavy

A tokamak is the first, and most basic source of power in Outpost 2. It is a Nuclear Fusion Reactor, and constantly damages itself, due to this process.

The cool-fusion process used to power vehicles, Arachnid robots, and some self-contained structures like Light Towers and Guard Posts is best used when small, simple, and lightweight power is required. However, the cool-fusion process does not scale up well to the sizes required to power a colony. For this, a Tokamak Fusion Reactor is used. This ancient, brute-force power generation method works very well at city-sized scales. A ring of superconducting magnets is used to compress a ring of hydrogen plasma to the incredible pressures and temperatures necessary to create the hot-fusion reaction. The design used is a model of automation and efficiency, and the plant normally operates totally unmanned, requiring only occasional visits for repair and service.

The system is not without its flaws, however. The Tokamak Reactor harnesses powerful and violent forces, not only nuclear, but magnetic. Failures can be spectacular and destructive. For that reason, Tokamak Fusion Reactors are usually located a safe distance from other colony structures. Operational Notes: The Tokamak produces 250 units of Power. NOTE: This structure is unstable and loses hit points continuously. This structure also explodes when destroyed and may explode spontaneously when damaged.

Tales from New Terra

Kelso didn't like dealing with the Masters, and he especially didn't like dealing with them here. The Tokamak building was dark, cavernous, and most of all, empty. His every footstep seemed to echo forever. Though the air was breathable, it was cold and stale. This was a place where people were reluctantly tolerated, not welcomed.

He found his contact on the lower levels, outside the fat ring of the reactor containment vessel. He knew the man only as "Scratch," probably a nickname derived from the long, thin scar that ran from the edge of his left eyebrow, around the eye socket, and down his left cheek. Scratch nodded in greeting.

"Got the stuff?" He asked.

Kelso nodded. "It's in the cargo lock downstairs, 500 pounds of assorted rations." He handed Scratch a hard copy of the inventory.

Scratch scanned the list. "I'm gonna want to check this."

Kelso rolled his eyes. "Can't you just trust me on this one? I want to get out of here. This place gives me the creepers." He shivered. "Why we gotta meet here, anyway?"

Scratch smiled. It was a very dangerous-looking expression on his face. "You remember, Kelso, I don't exist anymore. Eden thinks I'm dead, and I want to keep it that way. This is the one place in the colony we can meet and I know there's no chance of running into somebody who will recognize me."

Kelso shivered again. "Well, I don't like it." He shrugged dejectedly. "Come on, let's go have a look at the stuff."

Suddenly, lights began to flash, and a warning siren sounded. Scratch jumped at the noise, and his tough act vanished; he looked ready to bolt. "What's that? Something wrong with the reactor?"

"Containment breach," said Kelso. "Bad."

"Should we run?"

Kelso just stared at the man. "No time," he said.