A Helldiver-operated weapon of mass liberation. Paid for with the blood of soldiers and the credits of taxpayers, this technological marvel is Democracy made manifest.
„
~ Official Description
Considered a great leap forward for Managed Democracy, the Democracy Space Station (or DSS for short) is an interplanetary battle-station based on liberated First Galactic War-era battle plans. The DSS is a massive mobile orbital battle station, with the explicit purpose of bringing unrestrained and unstoppable Freedom on whatever world it orbits.
In-game, the DSS supports Helldiver operations by providing artillery, auxiliary, and air support. Having the station in orbit is almost a guarantee that Liberty's light will fully shine on whatever world humanity's enemies made the mistake of setting foot on.
The Illuminate appear to be the only faction to possess weapons that can destroy the DSS, as during their invasion of Super Earth, the station was put out of action before being repaired above Claorell, after a Major Order that liberated 200,000,000 Automatons for their scrap metal. These repairs brought the station back online, and it was promptly deployed to support the final phase of the Battle for Super Earth.
During the Tripartite Invasion of August 2185, the Automatons revealed their own capabilities of attacking the Democracy Space Station as they launched a cyberattack on the DSS, which knocked the station out of service for a total of 72 hours. It inevitably greatly aided their active Jet Brigade and Incineration Corps advances at the time.
A month from the brutal Tripartite Invasion, plans to upgrade the Democracy Space Station had finally been approved so that it could traverse into The Gloom and eventually station on the Hive World of Oshaune. These plans were enacted following the liberation of Karlia from the Illuminate, adding a polymer-shield coating to the DSS along with an atmospheric autoclave to lower Terminid resistance within Gloom worlds.
Following the liberation of Hive World Oshaune and the discovery of Element-711 and its ability to be transformed into Dark Fluid, a secret operation, later named Operation Free Space, would unveil the ultimate goal of upgrading the Democracy Space Station into its final form through a weapon known as the Star of Peace: a macro-scale laser capable of firing a beam of ionized Dark Fluid which could destroy entire planets.
Built around the orbit of the planet Gaellivare, the Democracy Space Station is an order of magnitude larger than the standard Super Destroyer and utterly dwarfs anything else which Super Earth has put into orbit so far -- save perhaps the shipyards that orbit Mars.
This large size, however, came at a cost, as it was well beyond the capacity of Super Earth's current Alcubierre Warp Drives to transport without astronomic E-710 consumption. Thus, the Ministry of Science established a new, state-of-the-art Xenoentomology Center on Turing in order to prototype and develop new High-Efficiency Alcubierre Drives, capable of effectively transporting gigastructures like the DSS. Even then, the DSS still requires a 20-story reusable fuel tanks, and key personnel have to input the long and highly confidential activation code at their designated terminals whenever the space station is activated.
In addition, the station's protective plating required a (relatively) lightweight but above all durable material capable of surviving immense warp speeds during FTL travel. In the end, Super Earth's engineers chose an alloy of chromium, cobalt and nickel, the toughest material ever tested. Fortunately, SEAF Command were able to identify atmospheric readings on Claorell indicating that the Automatons were already engaging in deep-mantle mining operations on the planet. Thus, the Helldivers liberated their mining tunnels and facilities, which not only greatly accelerated the construction of the Deep Mantle Forge, but would also deny the Automatons their own access to the high-cost mine network.
The stately behemoth also requires a similarly behemoth number of able bodied crewmen. Though applications from patriotic, detail-oriented team-players have been pouring in, the DSS requires over 1.5 million skilled workers. The Ministry of Humanity has therefore authorized the relocation of an unprecedented number of colonists from Terrek, Cirrus and Angel's Venture. When polled, those affected by recent Bug attacks proved the most eager to serve, with citizens of all ages being safely evacuated to the DSS. Since then, these evacuees have all been put on generous contracts and underwent accelerated bootcamps in orbital weapons handling -- experiencing the glory of the warfront, the freedom of space, and the camaraderie of dormitory living.
In addition to its 1.5 million crew, the DSS also requires its own armada of attached logistics vessels to be properly supplied. Foodstuffs for the crew, fuel and parts for its complement of Eagle fighters as well as shells for the Presidential-class cannons and Zero-G Missile batteries. When operating at full capacity, this armada of logistics vessels can not only meet the demands of the DSS, but exceed them, allowing for surplus 380mm shells to be supplied to Super Destroyers orbiting the planet. It is estimated that it only costs all but 1 billion Super Credits to maintain the DSS' upkeep, a rather conservative amount given the much larger defense budgets of individual developed nations.
Whilst the unfinished DSS construction site was highly vulnerable to attack from the enemies of Super Earth, as the station's armor plating has not been fully installed and its extensive defensive systems had not yet come online, this is no longer an issue since the station's completion and activation. Not only is the station protected by hardened (but lightweight) alloy plating, but also a suite of 77 PRESIDENTIAL-Class 380mm Cannons, a massive fleet of Eagle fighters housed in an equally massive three-tiered Convocation Bay, and of course its Zero G Anti-Ship Missile System. Truly, no other ship in the Super Earth Navy can compare to the firepower of this fully armed and operational battle-station!
The Democracy Space Station under construction, as seen from a Super Destroyer's bridge.
Whilst the details of the project remain highly classified, during the First Galactic War an advanced weapons lab on the planet of X-45 was working on the development of a powerful interplanetary battle station. However, the project was abandoned along with the laboratory (and the planet) due to high levels of radiation on X-45 - possibly following the responsible use of planet-wide nuclear weapons bombardment.
After a little over two months of intense research, on the 25th of September, 2184, construction of the Democracy Space Station was finally ready to begin. The DSS promised to be a powerful strategic tool for reshaping the Galactic Map — democratically directed by the Helldivers themselves. However to actually construct the DSS, an orbital construction site must first be secured.
Of the planets within Super Earth's reach, only two have large enough magnetospheres for safe construction: Gaellivare and Clasa. Ultimately, the Helldivers would liberate Gaellivare from the Automatons, with a DSS Logistics Hub being set up nearby to manage the massive inflow of resources and manpower to the new construction site.
However, to build a weapon of mass liberation of this size, the Helldivers will need to make significant advancements in three key areas: zero-g materials science, FTL propulsion, and gigastructure staffing. The Helldivers will be indispensable in achieving these breakthroughs. Helldivers are advised that failing any DSS-related order will cause delays in construction. A project of this scale couldn’t be concealed indefinitely; if construction dragged out too long, our enemies could’ve eventually discovered its location, and attempted to destroy it. However, our citizens need not fear. With the Helldivers protecting it, the Democracy Space Station would soon be ready to rain down the will of the people on any who would stand in its way.
Additionally, during construction, the DSS was extremely vulnerable to attack, so long-term defensibility was paramount. The DSS was predicted to change the course of the war. Its ultimate success or failure lied in the hands of our greatest heroes: the Helldivers.
Phase 1[]
“
Construction has begun on the Democracy Space Station. The local population is honoured to host thousands of construction crews for this historic event.
„
~ Official Description
Upon liberation, a DSS Logistics Hub on Tarsh was built to support the mass scale of the construction; Super Earth High Command determined that zero-g materials, FTL propulsion, and gigastructure staffing needed significant advancements to make the DSS a reality. High Command also reminded Helldivers that they would be crucial in the defense of the DSS should it come under attack, and any failures to do so would delay its construction.
Soon after establishing the DSS, High Command began tasking the Helldivers to liberate planets to establish facilities for the advancements needed for the DSS. Turing was selected to build the Ministry of Science's new Xenoentomology Center for high-efficiency Alcubierre drives. Helldivers quickly liberated the planet from the Terminid scourge while also defending Tarsh's Logistics Hub. High Command noted that the Center would still need to be defended from any potential attacks or research will be lost.
To create FTL-resistant alloy for the DSS, a deep-mantle forge would be required due to the extreme heat and pressure. Luckily, High Command found that the Automatons on Claorell already had a deep-mantle mining complex. Seeking to repurpose it into something more democratic, High Command ordered the Helldivers to liberate Claorell and seize the complex. They would be successful, filling the mines with Super Earth's own in the new Deep Mantle Forge Complex. However, High Command found intel that revealed that the Automatons were creating exceptionally light metal for armor plating. Not long after, the Automatons attempted to take back Claorell, accompanied by cyberattacks on DSS-related servers. The Helldivers would be successful in defending Claorell; the cyberattacks revealed the DSS project to the Automatons, but the DSS's exact location remains a mystery to them--for now.
Phase 2[]
“
Democracy Space Station construction is well underway. The local economy is flourishing as the planet's populace has centupled, and all the Galaxy can feel their democratic fevour.
„
~ Official Description
With the Xenoentomology Center and Deep Mantle Forge Complex built, the DSS moved into Phase 2. Due to the DSS's scale, it would require significant amounts of E-710, leading to the establishment of the Terminid Research Preserve on Acamar IV. It would provide research capabilities and another source of E-710. The Helldivers would need to liberate and hold the nearby planets of Crimsica, Turing, Darius II, Pandion-XXIV, and Gacrux to establish a planetary quarantine zone around Acamar IV. The Helldivers would successfully create the quarantine needed for the construction of the Terminid Research Preserve, furthering E-710 research.
The peace following Super Earth's victory would not last long, as the Automatons would launch an assault group, the Jet Brigade, onto numerous planets, in search of the DSS. In a war of attrition, the Helldivers bravely fought against the relentless Jet Brigade. Though the Jet Brigade managed to capture Matar Bay and Martale, they were eventually weak enough to be stopped on Marfark. Due to the Helldivers' efforts, the Automatons were unable to find the DSS and its related facilities.
To further protect the DSS, High Command determined that liberating Lesath would provide a defensive buffer for the DSS against a potential Jet Brigade assault. However, a sudden Terminid outbreak on Gacrux threatened the newly-built Terminid Research Preserve. The Helldivers were then left to decide which to prioritize, in which they chose to liberate Lesath. Another Terminid outbreak would occur on Pandion-XXIV, eventually leading to its fall alongside Gacrux. The DSS will continue to stay protected, but the Terminid Research Preserve is now dangerously close to heavy Terminid presence.
Phase 3[]
“
Construction of the Democracy Space Station is nearing completion. This project, which has employed millions, will soon take its place among the greatest achievements of Democracy.
„
~ Official Description
The continued protection of the DSS has allowed it to advance to its final construction phase before its long-awaited completion.
Completion[]
The DSS construction was declared complete on November 11, 2184. All that remains is the necessary E-710 to bring it online. Around 10000 Helldivers have deployed to Trandor in order to get the necessary fuel to power the ship. At the DSS itself, the Automatons have re-launched the Jet Brigade, and are still trying to find out the DSS’s location. They have attacked the logistic hub of Tarsh, and while we may lose the planet, as long as Gaellivare itself is under our control, there should be no issues. Only time will tell if the planet is attacked, and Helldivers are to be on high alert in the coming days for any other attacks.
Activation[]
Finally, on November 13th, 2184, at 21:37 SEST - EST, the required amount of E-710 for the DSS Activation was completed, allowing the Helldivers to vote on the Democracy Space Station's first deployment and donate samples towards its functions.
Among its first actions was supporting a counterattack on Mastia, from which the Jet Brigade launched its attack on Gaellivare, having discovered the DSS' location a few days prior. Despite a ferocious day of continuous orbital barrage, Mastia remained under Automaton control. DSS administrators noticed a troubling increase in Helldiver and civilian deaths despite orders to take shelter indoors. Helldiver deployments were increased to bring the death toll back to an acceptable level. Use of the FX-12 Shield Generator Relay was also authorized.
The next day, the DSS returned to Gaellivare to support the planet's defense. Here too, operations were difficult as an Eagle Storm deployed to the surface initially targeted inactive areas. High Command ordered Eagle wings to more directly support Helldivers, resulting in a successful Major Order, yet still posing a risk of losing Gaellivare only shortly afterward, and another spurious surge in Helldiver casualties.
The Helldiver Corps then voted to send the DSS to Acamar IV to impose a blockade, despite no active attacks by Terminid forces, successfully taking it out of the reach of the Automatons as Gaellivare was left to its fate.
Sabotage, De-activation and Repairs[]
Over the coming weeks, the Democracy would prove itself an invaluable -- if temperamental -- weapon of mass liberation. Yet despite bringing freedom and managed democracy to over a dozen worlds, the dissident enemies of managed democracy will stop at nothing to stop Super Earth's noble mission. Following multiple catastrophic system failures in the middle of Operation Bughammer, the Democracy Space Station would be forcibly (and hopefully temporarily) taken offline. Naturally sabotage is suspected, with all 1.3 million personnel aboard the DSS to undergo security screenings whilst the station is locked down for repairs.
However whether by design or pure coincidence, shortly after the Democracy Space Station was shuttered for refit, the Federation would face its greatest challenge yet as the Illuminate returned to the Galaxy and invaded Calypso on December 12th, starting a new and deadly "Southern Front" to the Second Galactic War.
Back in Action and Upgrades[]
After being shut down during the initial Illuminate invasion, the Democracy Space Station was returned to operational status on the 16th of January, 2185. Following a thorough review, the failure has been attributed to multiple failures to follow safety protocols undoubtedly a result of Illuminate interference.
While the station was offline, Ministry of Defense engineers implemented a number of operational adjustments and retrofitted modifications. Firstly, staff surveillance systems have been revamped to prevent future sabotage. Second, the Planetary Bombardment Tactical Action has been taken offline, until adjustments to optimize certain undesirable externalities can be completed. In its place is a new 4th tactical action, named the Heavy Ordnance Distribution Tactical Action, which will augment Helldiver loadouts on the orbited planet.
Finally, to better contend with the Illuminate threat, the engines of the DSS have been overhauled to allow movement 6 times more frequently than before (moving every 4 hours instead of every 24 hours). However it should be noted that this is an experimental change, that will be actively monitored to assess whether it achieves sufficient operational benefit to justify the strain on the Station's systems.
Unfortunately even the resurgent DSS, deployed with unassailable precision by the Helldivers, was not enough to repel the tide of xeno-autocracy. Even so reports from DSS technicians indicate no significant negative impacts to the system following the implementation of increased movement frequency. With this in mind, the faster movement is now standard operating procedure for the station, with performance reviews and additional improvements ongoing.
After the DSS proved its worth during the now famed defense of Pöpli IX, enhancing the battlestation's capabilities would become top priority. The engineers at the Deep Mantle Forge Complex on Claorell would finalize plans for two potential developments for the battlestation on the 7th of April, 2185, each of which would enhance the station's passive boost to operation impact whilst orbiting a planet.
The first potential upgrade would be an Exosuit Support Bay, which would reduce the cooldown of all Exosuit Stratagems by 35%, but would require the liberation of Automaton Factories on Wezen. The second meanwhile would be an Expanded Convocation Bay, which would reduce the cooldown of Eagle Re-Arm by 15%, but would require the liberation of Trandor from the Terminids as part of a mutually beneficial agreement with Admiral Defense. Though there was only a limited window to liberate one of these planets, High Command had the complete and unreserved confidence that the Helldivers would make the best choice for galactic security, with their faith being proven not misplaced.
After brief consideration, the Helldivers would ultimately choose the Exosuit Supoort Bay and begin the long march to Wezen, which would be liberated several days later, securing the resources nessissary to augment the DSS with an Exosuit Support Bay. The Bay would be installed immediately, allowing the DSS to provide rapid Exosuit replenishment to all Super Destroyers it shares an orbit with moving forward. The Arsenal of Freedom continues to grow more powerful. In the arms race against the triumvirate of enemy belligerents, there can be no relent. And with this victory, we take one stride closer to permanent, lasting security.
During the invasion of Super Earth by the IlluminateGreat Host, the DSS was deployed immediately to Widow's Harbor to assist with the ongoing defence. However, at 14:05 SEST, the Illuminate attacked the DSS with what experts are calling "Anti-DSS countermeasures". High Command advised the Helldivers that if the DSS stayed at Widow's Harbor, it may suffer additional damage. However, the Helldivers decided to keep the station at Widow's Harbor, and as of writing, the Illuminate have not attempted another attack. Though soon after the announcement, the Helldivers moved to Nublaria I in an effort to prevent further damage or possible destruction of the Federation's greatest weapon.
Unfortunately, the Illuminate managed to capture Widow's Habor despite the Helldivers' best efforts, from where they then pivoted towards Pilen V the next day. The Helldivers then attempted to utilize the Democracy Space Station against the Illuminate once more; however, it was engaged upon arrival and sustained direct and severe damage. Fortunately, the crew managed to perform an emergency FTL Warp to Claorell, where it would undergo repairs as the Illuminate invasion of Super Earth commenced.
Although bereft of their ultimate weapon of mass liberation (again), the Helldivers, along with the rest of the Super Earth Armed Forces, would dig in to defend humanity's homeworld, its Mega Cities and its high-class citizens. Waves of Illuminate invaders would be righteously slain, in a valiant, well-coordinated defense. In this dark hour, innumerable tales of heroic patriotism would arise, with citizens across the galaxy listening in to updates of the fighting and being inspired to do their part, working late to sustain the warfighting effort.
This undoubtedly had a notable effect on the repair crews on Claorell, as repairs to the heavily-damaged DSS would near completion by the 26th of May, a little over a week since the battle station had been crippled on the 15th! However, materials needed to bring it online were scarce, no doubt due to all war-material being thrown into the defense of Super Earth. As such, bringing the station to operational status in time to affect the Battle for Super Earth would require resources to be liberated from the Automatons, with High Command estimating that the dismantling of at least 200,000,000 Automatons would be sufficient to effect the immediate full repair of the DSS.
Repairing of the DSS[]
On May 28 2185, at around 12:00 EST, enough Automatons had been dismantled in order to fully repair the DSS. Once completed, crew onboard immediately FTL warped to Super Earth in order to help in the struggle against the Illuminate and their Great Host. The crew onboard then revealed a temporary upgrade they put together with leftover bot scraps: the Eagle Blockade. Eagle fighters scrambled from the hangars aboard the DSS, and immediately engaged Illuminate ground forces and ships, even shooting down some Leviathan in low orbit.
Alongside this, the Hellpod Space Optimization booster also became active and the supply fleet of the DSS was able to solve major supply shortages faced by the S.E.A.F. and Helldiver defenders, returning ammunition combat loads and stim capacity to normal. Additionally, in order to protect against the countermeasures the Great Host previously used to disable the DSS, new fleet positioning protocols were enacted to defend it from Illuminate attack.
The DSS would greatly help the ongoing defense efforts of Equality-on-Sea, as well as the Battle for Super Earth as a whole. No longer was the Federation of the defensive, now was the time to launch a counter attack!
Followup Operations and Tripartite Offensive[]
Following the Battle of Super Earth, the DSS would continue to prove its worth to the Federation in numerous campaigns. Unfortunately, this progress would be short lived as on the 19th of August, 2185, multiple large-scale Terminid incursions would be reported on planets surrounding the Gloom. Three days later, a massive Automaton assault would be detected, targeting multiple sectors left lightly defended while the Federation's forces were engaged with the Terminid invasion. As if that wasn't enough, the Illuminate would launch a massive offensive of their own the following day - the third concurrent onslaught upon the besieged Federation - with ground being lost on all fronts.
The DSS would play a key part in defending multiple worlds during this time, so much so that on the 23rd of August the Automatons would launch a cyberattack on the station. This would cause catastrophic failures of multiple systems, particularly targeting the Eagle Convocation Bay. As a result, multiple fighter crew personnel would unfortunately fall victim to sudden depressurization. Even worse, the Eagle Storm Tactical Action would be taken offline - with it being estimated that 72 hours would be required for emergency repairs to be undertaken.
These repairs would be completed on the 26th of August (roughly 21 minutes ahead of schedule), thanks to the valiant non-stop work by S.E.A.F. Combat Engineers who successfully brought the DSS Eagle Convocation Bay back to operational status, bringing the Eagle Storm Tactical Action back online. However, the DSS would be sidelined for the next several operations, as Helldiver operations moved into the Gloom. Lacking the means to safely enter the solar-spanning spore cloud, the DSS would be used to claw-back some territory lost to the Automatons, Terminids and Illuminate on several secondary fronts.
Karlia Refit and Oshaune Liberation[]
After the Great Expedition into the Gloom was met with undue resistance, Super Earth High Command would approve a number of improvements and augmentations to the Democracy Space Station on the 23rd of September. These include (but are not limited to):
Application of a quintuple coating of spore-resistant polymers
Installation of a prototype Atmospheric Autoclave
Implementation of a crew-wide spore quarantine protocol
However, the spore-resistant polymer coating that allows Super Destroyers to enter the Gloom would prove time-consuming to apply using traditional methods. Fortunately, engineers would identify that Karlia possessed the ideal gravitational and atmospheric conditions for aerosolizing these polymers, allowing for spray application that is efficient, accurate, and airway-safe. However, this planet lies within contested Illuminate territory.
The Helldivers would seize Karlia from the Illuminate on the 29th of September after establishing a secure perimeter around the planet, after which the atmosphere would be successfully permeated with polymer aerosols, coating the Democracy Space Station precisely and evenly. Not only that but the crew-wide Gloom spore quarantine protocol would be met with resounding applause by DSS employees and contractors, with laminated disinfection reminders being heeded and peer enforced.
Additionally, a prototype Atmospheric Autoclave would be installed aboard the DSS. This device is capable of sterilizing 50km3 of atmospheric Gloom spores per minute.[1] While this will not result in a significant decrease in Gloom cover on a planet, it will significantly lessen the Terminids' advantage on the planet.
These upgrades would prove their worth during the Liberation of Oshaune (28th October - 4th November, 2185) where the onboard Atmospheric Autoclave would begun sterilizing Gloom spores on the planet, weakening Terminid resistance. However, the tectonic disturbances caused by an increase in 380mm HE Barrages, supported by the DSS Heavy Ordnance Distribution, would lead to a sharp increase in Hive Lord activity on the 31st of October.
The following day, the spore-resistance polymer shielding the DSS from the Gloom was beginning to show early signs of degradation. DSS operation would remain unaffected for a time, but the anti-spore polymer shielding would continue degrading following prolonged Gloom exposure, with the Gloom spores eventually threatening to eat through the remaining polymer and damage the station. Should that happen, the Democracy Space Station would suffer a severe breakdown, requiring weeks to repair. With this in mind, the Helldiver Corps ordered the DSS to conduct an emergency warp to Karlia to avert catastrophic system failure. Working around the clock, damage control crews cleansed the station of Gloom spores and re-applied the polymer coating, with the station being ready for re-deployment twelve hours later, when re-deployed to Oshaune and partook in the final liberation of the planet.
Operation Free Space[]
“
With the E-711 from the Hive Worlds, and the platinum liberated from the Automatons, the construction of the DSS can begin. A Dark Fluid deployment device, capable of destroying planets completely. For only then, can space truly be freed. For all our talk of galactic liberation, still we remain yoked to the plough of celestial presence. The unyielding permanence of planetary matter has been our most inescapable taskmaster. But now, with the construction of the Star of Peace, true deliverance is at last within our grasp. Such a weapon of Democracy must itself be utilized Democratically. The Helldivers will choose the first target for the Star of Peace; as is natural and right. Soon, where once was a planet of oppression, a gravitational trap, a breeding ground of tyranny - there will be nothing. Nothing to restrict any man, woman, or asteroid in any way. True Freedom. Some may question whether it is truly necessary to exercise such monumental power against our enemies. The answer is yes.
After attempts to liberate the Automaton-held Magma Planets of K and Mox were met with limited success, Super Earth High Command would initiate a trailblazing strategy spearheaded by the Ministry of Expansion, to ensure the Federation never lacks room for growth: Operation Free Space. To launch this project, High Command ordered the construction of Pandora Base. A top-secret foundry dedicated to the ultimate evolution of the Democracy Space Station, Pandora Base would develop the next-generation Galactic defense technologies central to Operation Free Space. Construction would utilize a workforce of millions of legally-mandated volunteers from the Center for the Containment of Dissidence, offering its populace the means with which to regain their citizenship and their voting rights.
Strohmann News announces the Star of Peace.
With the new facility underway, Operation Free Space would now enter its implementation phase. As part of this, High Command would declassify the initiative's ultimate objective: the Star of Peace. Once implemented, this glorious upgrade would augment the Democracy Space Station into a beacon capable of projecting Liberty's light across entire planetary systems. Further details of this new weapon and Operation Free Space as a whole would remain highly classified until the 2nd of January, 2186.
Created to augment the Democracy Space Station, the Star of Peace's primary weapon is a cutting-edge beam of ionized Dark Fluid. An exotic substance that was once exclusively wielded by the Illuminate, Dark Fluid had been synthesized by human hands for the first time using Element-711 harvested from the Terminid Hive Worlds following the liberation of Oshaune. However, synthesizing sufficient Dark Fluid to fire the Star of Peace even once would require vast amounts of E-711, and by early January of 2186, the reserves of the liberated Hive World of Oshaune had nearly been fully extracted.
Fortunately, a second Hive World had been discovered: Omicron. This gave the Helldivers the opportunity to complete a high volume of operations on the mostly-untouched Hive World to enable essential high-risk E-711 extraction, and to quell Terminid resistance. Unfortunately, resistance proved to be higher (and the number of available Helldivers lower) than expected, frustrating efforts to extract E-711. Consequently, while some E-711 was secured - around 60% of the target - the still highly inefficient process of synthesizing it into Dark Fluid meant that projected yields were insufficient to enable the Star of Peace to fire.
Nevertheless, construction of the necessary components continued at Pandora Base with the help of probationary citizens undergoing re-education at the Center for the Containment of Dissidence, and was progressing smoothly. Construction of the primary optical array - a vital component of the macro-scale laser - was well underway by the 8th of January, 2186. However, the engineers working on the project soon ran into a problem, as the Democracy Space Station had never been designed to withstand the thermal output of the macro-scale laser, which would compromise standard orbital alloys.
Fortunately, recent vivisectional audits of captured Automatons (ranging from inert to vocally resisting) would reveal a solution: to endure Magma Planets, the Socialist constructs deployed to these vital strategic territories had been specially retrofitted with iridium-infused superalloy heatsinks. At the same time, the Jet Brigade and Incineration Corps began an offensive to retake the Magma Planets, presenting a golden opportunity to dismantle the trespassing Automatons and enable the harvesting of their internal components. Because of this tactical blunder, S.E.A.F. scavenger crews were able to confiscate several gigatons of illicitly-mined platinum and, in expropriating internal components from sufficiently-intact Automatons, have vastly exceeded targets.
If the chosen planet is not a strategically viable location at the time of firing—the second-highest voted planet will be targeted instead.[2]
After reforging the iridium-infused heatsinks, not only would the Star of Peace be equipped with maximum-density thermal dissipation housing, but it would also single-handedly achieve Federal recycling goals for the quarter. Nevertheless, with its thermal integrity realized, the Star of Peace can deploy its firing solution. By pumping gigajoules of energy into the gain medium, synthesized Dark Fluid, the station will induce "Hyper-Excited Population Inversion." This releases a cascade of coherent photons, generating a triumphant high-yield beam, optimized for mass Freedom dispensation.
In other words, collapsing an entire planet into a black hole, literally freeing the space occupied by enemy-controlled planets, thereby securing the continued prosperity of the Federation's citizens.
By the 15th of January, 2186, three potential targets were chosen by High Command: Penta, Valmox, and the newly discovered Hive World Zagon Prime. Despite the previous failure to collect the target amount of E-711, barely-sufficient quantities of Dark Fluid had been synthesized to fire the Star of Peace one time, at one target. In an exercise of Managed Democracy, the Helldivers would vote to determine which of these planets to pre-emptively destroy.
Tactical Actions[]
The Democracy Space Station possesses 3 Tactical Actions. Players can donate resources to help activate any of the 3 functions for the next 24 hours, but only 1 tactical action can be active at a time. The amount of resources, as well as the type they can donate, can be found below.
The DSS fires nonstop orbital bombardments from its suite of 77 PRESIDENTIAL-Class Cannons, providing planetwide artillery support and accelerating liberation efforts. Temporarily, also increases Reinforcement Budget by +1 per squad member and augments all loadouts with FX-12 Shield Generator Relay Stratagem.
Fires periodic Orbital Barrages during missions. Accelerates progress in Liberation Campaigns.
DSS crews maintain deployment of a 24-hour rotating fleet of Eagle fighters from the massive three-tiered Convocation Bay, supporting all Helldiver operations on the planet with close air support and slowing enemy offensives.
Deploy periodic Eagle Airstrikes during missions. Slows enemy progress in Defense Campaigns.
The DSS activates its Zero G Anti-Ship Missile System, targeting all large enemy spacecraft attempting to exit the planet's atmosphere. In addition, diverts excess manpower to Super Destroyer logistical support.
Defense Campaigns cannot originate from this planet. The HELLPOD SPACE OPTIMIZATION Booster is automatically active for all missions.
The DSS Logistics Armada provides all Super Destroyers orbiting the planet with surplus 380mm shells. Ordnance support is also provided to SEAF Operations, accelerating liberation efforts.
Gives access to the Orbital 380mm HE Barrage stratagem during missions. Accelerates progress in Liberation Campaigns
DONATION LIMIT: 50
AVAILABLE EVERY 6 DAYS
Star of Peace[]
The Star of Peace is an augmentation developed for the Democracy Space Station at Pandora Base. The exact workings of this ultimate weapon of peace are highly classified, but what is known is that it is a high power beam of Ionized Dark Fluid. Naturally, its operation requires vast quantities of Element-711, the highly concentrated form of E-710 that is only available on Terminid Hive Worlds which is essential for Dark Fluid synthesizing.
Voting[]
Every 4 hours (previously 24 hours), the Helldivers can vote to move the DSS to a different planet or keep it at its current location. After the 4 hours have passed, the planet with the most votes becomes the new DSS location and new votes can be cast. Helldivers may not change their vote after submitting, so it is recommended to think twice before voting.
The list of possible DSS locations does NOT currently update alongside the Galactic War Map, instead appearing to function on a "snapshot" mechanic, where the list will be created using only the planets that were accessible in the moments after the DSS moved. This can lead to discrepancies, such as the Helldivers being able to vote for the DSS to be sent to a planet that may be inaccessible, such as when the DSS was sent to Choohe during Operation Jetclipper despite Choohe being cut off the FTL Network. As such, caution is advised when voting.
Judging by how the Democracy Space Station came online on November 13th, 2024, at 21:37 EST (18:37 PST / 3:37 CET in Stockholm, Sweden / 2:37 GMT in London, United Kingdom)[3], it may be prudent to check in at this time daily in order to donate resources again. This recommendation will be rescinded once there is more information regarding how the 24-hour limit works for the DSS functions.
Trivia[]
The Democracy Space Station was able to be sent to Fori Prime during Operation Balance of Liberty, despite being located within the Gloom and thus being inaccessible. However, since the Helldivers did not vote for this destination, it did not happen. This bug has since been fixed.
The blueprints of the Democracy Space Station include extra details about its construction, including known issues (which are sure to be ironed out in time... probably). The current blueprints for the station are Version 1.004.2:
"Beams in SECTOR 77C lacking structural integrity. Risk of collapse (See attached A30)"
"E-710-combustion at use over 33mph"
"Insufficient space for lavatories. Removed to make space for sentry repair units."
"Projections show bedding for living spaces not within budget reach. Donations from Super Citizen Anne's Hospital for Very Sick Children to compensate. Reward children with: [1] time field trip to DSS for heroic sacrifice for Democracy?"
Additionally, the station has sponsors, likely to help with the above mentioned budgetary issues and pay for the construction. These include "Taste of Freedom" and "Eagle Sweat."
Note: the plans for the station - including the above information - are confidential, meant for construction crew and Ministry of Defense eyes only. Any similarity to other battle stations, real or imagined, is coincidental. The Democracy Space Station is the property of Super Earth and her people, and unlawful possession of this document is equal to stealing from all of humanity. If found, return to Ministry of Defense representative and report to your Loyalty Officer for questioning.
The Eagle Storm tactical action may be a reference to Operation Desert Storm, the combat phase of the Gulf War, which began with an extensive aerial bombing campaign by the air forces of the coalition against targets in Iraq and Iraqi-occupied Kuwai.
When the Eagle Storm (or eagle blockade) is active, Eagle fighters can be seen dive bombing out of the station towards the planet's surface.
"DSS Whistleblower continues excellent work blowing whistles."
"Black Hole-worshipping "Cult of the Orb" arrested, tried, convicted, re-educated."
The Cult of the Orb is likely a reference to the Helldivers discord where there's a group of people in the lore channel who worship the Meridia black hole.
"New baby robo-panda draws huge crowds to New Haven Zoo."
Gallery[]
Concept Art[]
Concept art by Lucas Örström
Concept art by Daniel Kyle
Loading deck/Rotation concept
References[]
↑Equivalent to the amount of air in the Grand Canyon every 1,5 hours.
↑The listed timezones have been included in order to help with the time difference for players in those areas, alongside with Stockholm time since that is the location of Arrowhead Studios' headquarters.
For timezones not included in this article, please consult https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/usa/los-angeles and find your area's time zone compared to CET, as this is the timezone in which the dev team is located and may help resolve discrepancies.
Democracy Space Station (or DSS for short) is an interplanetary battle-station based on liberated First Galactic War-era battle plans. The DSS is a massive mobile orbital battle station, with the explicit purpose of bringing unrestrained and unstoppable Freedom on whatever world it orbits.
Helldiver operations by providing artillery, auxiliary, and air support. Having the station in orbit is almost a guarantee that Liberty's light will fully shine on whatever world humanity's enemies made the mistake of setting foot on.
Illuminate appear to be the only faction to possess weapons that can destroy the 
Automatons for their scrap metal. These repairs brought the station back online, and it was promptly deployed to support the final phase of the Battle for Super Earth.
Jet Brigade and 
Incineration Corps advances at the time.
Terminid resistance within Gloom worlds.
Ministry of Science established a new, state-of-the-art Xenoentomology Center on Turing in order to prototype and develop new High-Efficiency Alcubierre Drives, capable of effectively transporting gigastructures like the DSS. Even then, the DSS still requires a 20-story reusable fuel tanks, and key personnel have to input the long and highly confidential activation code at their designated terminals whenever the space station is activated.
Ministry of Humanity has therefore authorized the relocation of an unprecedented number of colonists from Terrek, Cirrus and Angel's Venture. When polled, those affected by recent Bug attacks proved the most eager to serve, with citizens of all ages being safely evacuated to the DSS. Since then, these evacuees have all been put on generous contracts and underwent accelerated bootcamps in orbital weapons handling -- experiencing the glory of the warfront, the freedom of space, and the camaraderie of dormitory living.
Ministry of Defense engineers implemented a number of operational adjustments and retrofitted modifications. Firstly, staff surveillance systems have been revamped to prevent future sabotage. Second, the Planetary Bombardment Tactical Action has been taken offline, until adjustments to optimize certain undesirable externalities can be completed. In its place is a new 4th tactical action, named the Heavy Ordnance Distribution Tactical Action, which will augment 
Super Earth Armed Forces, would dig in to defend humanity's homeworld, its Mega Cities and its high-class citizens. Waves of 
Ministry of Expansion, to ensure the Federation never lacks room for growth: Operation Free Space. To launch this project, High Command ordered the construction of 
Pandora Base. A top-secret foundry dedicated to the ultimate evolution of the 
