Sector E (The Labs)

Sector E is one of the primary research zones along Uphor’s outer boundary, known informally as “the Edge Labs” or within the Edge Sector communities simply as “the labs.” It houses RW’s main testing facilities, along with a scattering of specialized workspaces, monitoring centers, and high-containment research units. Though not closed off, the sector  technically operates on a clearance levels, mainly upheld by distance, dust, and the lack of anything civilians might find interesting.

Despite that, many people in Uphor know someone who’s worked at least in one of the sectors — a sibling, an old classmate, a friend of a friend. 

Sector E, in particular, has a reputation as both a haven for workaholics and a proving ground for people early in their careers. It’s a way to build reputation and show resilience. People don’t brag exactly, but lasting eight months here - or more - comes with a kind of credibility. At least in related fields. 

Most of the staff are on temporary rotation, a few months at a time, up to a couple of years at most. The apartments are compact, comfortably furnished, and quiet, with partial soundproofing to reduce ambient noise from neighboring work units or night-shift routines. SED lighting systems manage sleep cycles, environmental comfort, and productivity. There’s not much room for personal flair, but everything works smoothly. If it’s dirty, it cleans itself. If you’re hungry, the automated kitchen takes orders at any hour. The food won’t win awards, but it’s far from bad.
There’s an indoor pool, indoor and outdoor running tracks and several fields for various sports.

The atmosphere is quiet, focused, and slightly off-rhythm. Days tend to stretch when deadlines hit, it’s not uncommon for teams to override the lighting system that simulates daylight to squeeze in a few extra hours. Time can feel arbitrary. Some treat it like a retreat for deep work; others burn out quickly and never return.

There are outdoor areas, but the dust and dryness keep most people inside. There’s no public transit between edge sectors, but a NEX line connects Sector E to the city center a few times a day. It’s too far for a daily commute, but ideal for the occasional break in town.