• Location: NW Thoreau Road 2, New Kourou
• Surrounding: The Funeral Home is located within the Western Public Services Ring, between the Federal Hostel and Saloon of New Kourou and New Kourou's Federal Allotment Center 3

The Funeral Home of New Kourou is an essential institution within the Eastern Equatorial Section of the Habitual Belt, dedicated to preparing deceased citizens for their final transition in accordance with the community’s sustainable burial practices. The Funeral Home operates under the oversight of a GAIA-appointed Federal Mortician, ensuring that the composting process aligns with the cultural and ecological principles of the Federal Confederation.

The Funeral Home of New Kourou reflects the practical yet symbolic architectural ethos of the Habitual Belt:

• Construction Materials: Built using recycled materials salvaged from the Last Frontier spaceship, showcasing the Confederation's dedication to resourcefulness.
• Design Aesthetic: The building features a minimalist, functional design, with smooth surfaces and clean lines symbolizing simplicity and continuity.
• Lighting and Ventilation: The interior is illuminated with natural light during the day, complemented by bioluminescent fungi. Ventilation systems are designed to regulate airflow in the composting chambers.

The Funeral Home spans two floors, designed to facilitate the composting process and accommodate mourning families.

Ground Floor:

• Reception Area: A welcoming space where families consult with the Federal Mortician and finalize funeral arrangements.
• Preparation Room: A secure area for cleansing and preparing the deceased for composting. This includes wrapping the body in a biodegradable shroud with natural dyes.
• Composting Chambers: Specialized sealed units where the body is placed to undergo the composting process. Each unit contains a mix of organic materials such as plant waste, wood chips, and straw to aid decomposition.
• Storage Room: Holds shrouds, ceremonial items, and composting materials.

Second Floor:

• Reflection Room: A quiet space for family and friends to gather, share memories, and pay their last respects before the composting process begins.
• Mortician’s Office: The administrative hub for managing records, coordinating ceremonies, and liaising with the community.

The composting process at the Funeral Home is a carefully controlled operation designed to transform the deceased into nutrient-rich compost in a respectful and sustainable manner:

The body is wrapped in a biodegradable shroud painted with natural dyes and adorned with local herbs and flowers. These elements accelerate decomposition and provide a fragrant, symbolic tribute. Placement in Composting Chambers:

The body is placed into sealed composting units containing a balanced mix of green and brown materials, such as plant waste, straw, and wood chips.

The chambers maintain optimal conditions of temperature, humidity, and aeration, monitored by automated systems. Specialized microbes facilitate the breakdown of organic matter, transforming the body into compost within 6 to 12 months.

The compost is sanitized to eliminate pathogens, ensuring safety. Once ready, the compost is ceremonially distributed to families and the community, often used for planting memory trees or enriching agricultural projects. This process reinforces the community's commitment to the interconnectedness of life and death, turning loss into growth.

The Funeral Home is operated by a small team that ensures the composting process and associated rituals are conducted with respect and precision:

• Federal Mortician (1): Oversees all funerary practices, leads ceremonies, and manages composting operations.
• Assistant Morticians (4): Assist in body preparation, composting, and maintaining records.
• Ceremonial Guides (6): Facilitate the ceremony, guiding families through the rituals.
• Maintenance Staff (2): Ensure the composting chambers and facility are kept in optimal condition.

The Funeral Home operates on a structured three-shift system to provide round-the-clock services:

• First Shift (6:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Focuses on consultations, body preparation, and composting.
• Second Shift (2:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Handles ceremonies and maintains the facility.
• Third Shift (10:00 PM - 6:00 AM): Ensures security and monitors the ongoing composting process.

• Restricted Access: Only authorized personnel and families of the deceased can access sensitive areas such as the composting chambers.
• Analog Alert System: Equipped with an Analog Siren System to alert the Federal Sheriff's Headquarters in case of emergencies.
• Patrolling Deputies: Federal Sheriff Deputies conduct regular patrols to ensure the security of the facility.

The Funeral Home of New Kourou can serve as a key narrative location, offering rich storytelling opportunities:

• Ecological Sabotage: Players might investigate reports of tampering with the composting chambers, uncovering motives that threaten the community's sustainability.
• Ceremonial Intrusion: A funeral ceremony could be interrupted by an unexpected event, requiring players to resolve conflicts or protect the grieving families.
• Artifact Recovery: Players may be tasked with retrieving a ceremonial shroud or object mistakenly discarded into the composting process.
• Cultural Exploration: The Funeral Home provides a gateway for players to delve into the Habitual Belt’s beliefs and practices, enhancing world-building and character immersion.

• The exohuman Way of Life in the Gamma Age
• ExoHuman Funeral Rites in the Gamma Age
• Federal Confederation
• New Kourou

Other Funeral Homes within the Federal Confederation:

• Funeral Home of Firetown
• Funeral Home of Hope
• Funeral Home of Morningstar