The Meeting Place
The southernmost extent of Ecotopian influence, The Meeting Place is where the industrial Highlanders meet for trade with the burgeoning Ecotopian economy. Many Ecotopians who work in the region commute to the Highlander's factories, located up the mountain via railway. Although the cities are Ecotopian designed and constructed, a sizable portion of the population are young Highlanders looking for adventure and a chance to explore the world via Ecotopian high speed rail, which begins from the main urban centre across the channel, Centre City.
(Keep in mind I'm still working on the backstory and my cities are evolving to fit. This is also my first time with a city journal. Requests, comments, and suggestions are welcome!)
Keeping to the Ecotopian glass themed architecture, the new central rail station of the Centre City mimics the arched glass of the terminal station of Ecotopian high speed rail system (E-Rail). They are also connected via light rail, but are only a few minutes walk between. This is the southern terminus of the entire network, and as a result a thriving centre of business and mixed-use skyscrapers. The view from the train down from the highlands entering the city is a thrill for many a young Highlander leaving the sagebrush and drab brick cities of the open country.
The Centre City has kept intact an old growth redwood forest, although sadly only a fraction of the former forest remains. From 'The Centre' it's possible to catch a water taxi to the University (free tuition) and country club, open to the public (reservations recommended). The old caldera of Mt. Erebus is a popular destination for weekend outings in the harbor and a distinct landmark for the few arriving flights that still ply the airways. The last eruption of Mt. Erebus buried a small fishing village in the 19th century. Many older buildings remain from the previous city upon which 'The Centre' grew from. During the war, the city was protected by the channel and steep cliffs, the old suspension bridge blown with an entire enemy armoured column.
Along the coast to the north is a commuter town connected by rail and populated mostly by Highlanders pining for coastal living. At the end of a cul-de-sac is the local park headquarters, full of information about hunting trails and tramping along the coast. Numerous national park information kiosks dot the landscape around the cities, a convenient dropping off point for the outdoorsy citizenry.
A thriving commercial avenue in Port Moresby is a major job centre for inter-region partnerships and is connected via ferry, bullet train, and commuter train. Surrounded by luxurious turquoise shoals, it's a happening beach during the week. It also has the first vertical farm in Ecotopia, still in operation, providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the local denizens. The old radio station was integral in maintaining civilization and organising reconstruction during the confusion times following the calamities of the mid-21rst century.
A busy network of rail lines facilitates the transfer of industrial technologies and finished products throughout the region. Here industrial facilities manufacture the integral components of Ecotopian bullet train and Highlander diesel-hybrid locomotive technologies. Vertical farms have sprouted among the railways, sending fresh produce without delay to hungry Ecotopians and Highlanders alike.
A mutual past of ecological destruction unites these two regions in tragedy. This has led to the reforestations of large areas and an agreement to maintain wildlife habitat for aquatic species, fragile coastal ecosystems, and slow growing high-country shrublands. All inhabitants are free to enjoy the wild outdoors with the privilege of hearing nothing by the winds and the waves. Flights are few and far between and all aquatic transport is powered by electric motors and backed up by sails. The Meeting Place is a unique and fast evolving group of cities, a true utopia for those lucky enough to call it home.
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