Chelyevsk (CHELL-ya-visk)

Space station settlement in the Vesta Belt with a notorious reputation. On the surface, it presents itself as a rest stop and precarious safe haven in a more dangerous portion of the belt, as well as a base of operation for a few local mining groups. Below the surface however, it's largely understood that illicit and illegal goods are exchanged in the station's lower levels. Arms, drugs, and even people are known to have passed through the station regularly. The Federation has deemed the station too much of a risk to assault or even police seriously however. Heavy weapons on the station's outer shell, a sizable defense flotilla, and known relations with Turtle Skull Fleet factions make it too high of a danger, and it's far enough out of the way of the main throughway of the system for officials to turn a blind eye. It is not public knowledge who owns or directly runs Chelyevsk, but it is known that the harbor masters that control the goods coming and going report directly to whoever is in charge. The conditions within the station are poor for travelers, and even poorer for permanent residents. Constant repairs are needed to keep the station's lower levels livable, and even the upper levels are worse for wear. The station's two thousand strong permanent population are descended from miners brought in to work the surrounding field, though a small local community has formed, including a budding economy and culture.