Editing Setting:Cloudburst/Maxient (section)

==Factions==
===The Ecclesiarchy and Sisterhood===

This place is far from the Emperor’s light, both materially and spiritually.  If the Imperial Navy had not made an ally of the Ecclesiarchy in their endless attempts to one-up the Adeptus Mechanicus, the Ministorum would likely have made a point of it in the halls of the Sector Capitol.  However, as it stands, the massive, school-like temple structure in the heart of the station is adequate, for now, to meet the local needs of the people.
Of all the places in the Cloudburst Sector under the guidance of the Ministorum, Port Maxient is likely the one least adherent to the patterns of excess that define the rest of the Sector clergy.  Part of this is concession to the unique circumstances of the station, but part of it is the result of Bishop Cordovin.  The Bishop is a lean and mean fellow, much given to cold and bitter oratory.  He is so deeply opposed to the doctrines of Lamarr and Drake that there is a real possibility that he is the real reason that the Sector has only two Cardinals.  If the Spindle and Septiim systems were to gain their own Cardinals, the Synod would have to promote Cordovin to fill the gaps left by his superiors, and nobody else in the Sector can tolerate the man.

There are a few Sororitas aboard, but they are of the Dialogous, Famulous, and Hospitaller Ordos, not the combat-oriented divisions.  Their role is as advisors and consultants to the people aboard who must make first contact or follow-up communication with the human and alien populations that are found in the Oldlight Exo-zone.  They also serve as overseers of the Refuge, where the poor of the station live out their last days.

===Rogue Traders===

It is a quirk of the station’s bizarre history and nature that it is not a larger home to the Rogue Traders and Free Captains of the Cloudburst Sector.  Typically, a huge and well-defended station of the Imperium, so close to the border, would be a magnet for Rogue Traders.  However, four factors reduce the attractiveness of the station to Rogue Traders compared to others of equivalent size.  First, the Oldlight Exo-zone is murderously difficult to traverse quickly.  That limits profit-finding opportunities for all those Traders who are not employing the very best Navigators.  Second, the orbital mansions of Celeste are closer to the seats of power, and much more private.  Third, there are no Forge Worlds anywhere near Port Maxient, and thus secretive or mechanically-complex repairs and sales are much more expensive here than they would be at Cognomen or Fabique.  Finally, the constant and intense scrutiny of the Imperial Navy and Adeptus Mechanicus render the place a challenging one for Rogue Traders to throw their weight around, whereas Celeste offers endless opportunity for Rogue Traders to flaunt their wealth and impress the land-bound nobles of that peaceful Paradise World.

However, Rogue Traders do visit the station constantly, even if they do not take up residence here.  It is still a massive marketplace, with vast entertainment opportunities, and abundant chances to pick up contract work from the Navy and Mechanicus to explore the Exo-zone and Circuit.  Although there are no Rogue Traders presently in permanent residence on Port Maxient, it is not at all uncommon to find one here on missions of acquisition or sale.

The Rogue Traders who live on or visit Port Maxient are mostly aware of the extent of the rivalry between the Imperial Navy and Adeptus Mechanicus, but rarely get involved.  As the acrimony between the two factions ebbs and flows, some Rogue Traders have subtly egged on one faction or the other.


===Adeptus Arbites===

Given the total disgust the law enforcement and intelligence bodies of the greater Imperium hold for the rivalry between the Navy and Mechanicus here, it is not a surprise for most to learn that the Adeptus Arbites hate the postings they hold on Port Maxient.  While the eagerness of the Imperial Navy to integrate and ingratiate the other Adepta into the Port to offset the influence of the Mechanicus does make them amenable and generous hosts, the Adeptus Arbites have little to actually do here.  Navy Law rules the corridors that aren’t ruled by Machine Law.  While the Adeptus Arbites can technically enforce the Lex Imperialis over most of the station, they are rarely and begrudgingly allowed the access needed to actually do so, as both the Navy and Techpriesthood enact innumerable tiny precedents and protocols to obfuscate Arbites oversight.
Thus, the presence of the Arbitrators, Marshals, and Judges of the Port is largely a symbolic, trophy gesture from the Navy; it is an effort of public assistance and private rejection that leaves the Arbites all dolled up and nobody to dance with.  Thus, the Arbites of the station either march obviously and broodingly through those parts of the station in which they are welcome, looming over spacers and voidsmen with menace and silent intimidation (just to remind them that they are there), or sit on their hands in Lockdown, waiting for a call.

Marshal Oolan’s patience for that particular status quo is not infinite, but even he must admit the Glasians are a far larger threat in the short term, and so he has shelved his irritation, for now.