The Bourou or (Watchtower) was created as part of the Scientific Studies Service (SSS) Project Kyasshu it came online in YE 31.

At the start of YE 35 the project was closed with the NMX threat neutralized. Stations were redeployed.

The Bourou is a modified Kisaki - Command Module. The mission of the Bourou is to stand watch and alert the Scientific Studies Service (SSS) about approaching NMX forces. All personnel assigned to the Bourou and the Watchforce are volunteers.

Originally this module was to be part of the fourth Kisaki-class Starbase constructed at Yamatai (Planet). However, due to the outbreak of the Second Mishhuvurthyar War, Saiki Kouan ordered the construction of that station halted. During the planning stages of the Kyasshu Saiki Kouan contacted the Ketsurui Fleet Yards regarding using the components of that station to support the project.

The Bourou serves as the home base for the Watchforce. It is where their shuttles are maintained and the shuttle crews cared for.

The Watchforce consists of twenty Ke-T8-1b Kuma Shuttles deployed around the Kyasshu. Their mission is to watch for signs of hostile vessels, entering the region so the Kyasshu can be moved. The shuttle crews normally are on station for forty-eight hours then rotate out. All members of the Watchforce receive a 10% bonus to their salary for hazardous conditions.

Shuttles are deployed in a Dodecahedron with each shuttle at a distance of nineteen light-years from three other shuttles. This configuration allows the Watchforce to monitor a perimeter with a surface area of 7,453 square light-years, containing a region of space some 52,561 cubic light-years.

Click to view a rotating dodecahedron

Organization Using item: Scientific Studies Service (SSS) Class: Kisaki-Module Nomenclature: Ke-H4-M3100x Type: Defense Designers: Ketsurui Fleet Yards, (SSS) Manufacturer: Ketsurui Fleet Yards

Crew: 40 Watchforce: 80 The Bourou has accommodations for 120 personnel. It has enough provisions for the compliment for six months.

• Length: 1,717 meters ( 5,631.75 feet)
• Width: 2,125 meters ( 6,970 feet)
• Height: 613 meters (2,010.64 feet)

Name: YSS Bourou Registration: YK-C2-0001

The Bourou has the following performance.

• Combined Field System/Continuum Distortion Drive:
  • Minimum: Resting motionless
  • Cruising Speed: 14,792c (1.68 ly/h)
  • Maximum Speed: 19,723.5c (2.25 ly/h)

The Bourou has most of the standard features of a Kisaki - Command Module with a few changes.

The following are the unique aspects of the Bourou:

The Bourou has quarters for 120 personnel. There are the forty Standard Cabins for the Command Module for single occupancy. And forty Standard Cabins modified with bunk beds for dual occupancy.

The Combined Field System of the Bourou has been configured so that in addition to providing protection it can operate as a Continuum Distortion Drive.

The compliment of vehicles was changed to suit the mission. No drones were included and the number of T7's was reduced, and new T8's were added in a greater number.

• 4 Ke-T7-1B Raccoon T7 Transport shuttles

• 30 Ke-T8-1b Kuma Shuttles

The Transit station was removed.

This facility is located on deck four, in place of the Transit station.

The dining hall is designed to provide meals for staff.

The galley is large enough to provide meals for staff.

On deck five a small medical bay was installed featuring:

• 2 Ke-J1-E3102 - Autonomous Basic Medicine Unit (ABMU)

Next to the medical bay on deck five is a small fitness area consisting of a few treadmills and weight machines and two Ke-J1-E3105 - Autonomous Massage Unit (AMU)

The Bourou has two docking units that allow it to connect to Tansaku-class Science Vessel for personnel and cargo transfers.