Klamstaxi Asteroid Market

The **Klamstaxi Asteroid Market** was a marketplace situated below the surface of a particularly large asteroid in the Alpha Portland Sector, complete with a series of twisting tunnels and caverns. The Twenty-First Doctor remarked that they resembled rabbit burrows.

Due to the apparent history behind the asteroid, it was said that to step foot on its surface was a form of sacrilege, much to the carelessness of many passing travellers.

## History

### Pre-history

In the early 1700s, the Klamstaxi Asteroid became home to an ancient deity called Derralos who was supposedly on the run from a band of creatures which formed an alliance named the Sentinels of Alpha Portland. In an attempt to keep itself hidden from the approaching forces, it embedded itself into the essence of the rock and proceeded to design a series of burrow-like tunnels deep into the heart of the asteroid in order to confuse and humiliate the opponents. Upon their arrival, they became subsequently lost in the cavernous interior due to Derralos using mind-altering abilities to shift the exits further and further from their reach. They eventually starved, and it is rumoured that Derralos was unable to free himself from the prison in which he'd made himself.

Because of this myth, not many dared to step foot on the Asteroid for centuries in the fear of becoming enveloped in the wrath of Derralos and its self-inflicted torment. At least, that was the case up until the 41st century, when one group of aliens, orphans of the Cyber-War, sought refuge in the nearest seemingly hospitable location; the Klamstaxi Asteroid. It was here that they set up base, bringing with them an array of their salvaged technology which consisted of things with hovering capabilities. The Malvalosi used this technology back on their home-world, Malvalos Minor, in order to navigate across the uneven and sometimes lethal terrain.

### Origins

Over the next few months, as the remnants of the Malvalosi continued their hideout within the tunnels of the Klamstaxi Asteroid, they eventually gained a small community consisting of various other species who came from a similar ordeal as them. Some were refugees stowing away on freighters which entered and left the Alpha Portland Sector constantly, while others were simply looking to help out their efforts. Their efforts involved charitable donations from members of their own kind in an attempt to hopefully set up some form of bond between the plethora of species which littered the sector. This soon led to a small marketplace being constructed which was held together by everybody involved.

One such species, the Cancrili, who were known for their expertise in technological development, crafted more items for the Malvalosi such as designing more modernised hover technology, and pairs of rocket boots which would eventually become mandatory footwear when traversing the market so as to not disturb the omnipotent Derralos. It was said that the Cancrili, shortly after pillaging a battle cruiser of Rocket Men which threatened their planet, stole the idea of rocket boots off of them.

After years, the Market eventually became a thriving and bustling community which extended through almost every crevice of the seemingly unending series of tunnels. However, many inhabitants had felt threatened by the presence of pirates, causing some to flee the sector, leaving behind their stalls and items in the hope of reaching safety once more. Instead of salvaging and placing the goods up on other stalls however, looters would often scrounge the leftovers and leave the market discreetly. This encouraged the hand of the Malvalosi to hire a platoon of Judoon officers to patrol the streets, enforcing their cruel jurisdiction upon thieves.

### Post Cyber-War

Famed expedition leader and treasure hunter Zoni Gelub repeatedly visited this marketplace frequently, becoming acquainted with some of the older storekeepers. It was said that, occasionally, he would organise secretive deals between the Malvalosi in exchange for ancient parchments, which were said to lead to a far bigger prize once pieced together correctly. With one parchment left, he prematurely set off in order to hunt down his treasure with impatience and excitement brimming in his mind. Since his departure, he had never returned.

By the time the Doctor and Kane Solace arrived on the Klamstaxi Asteroid Market, Zoni still remained missing. After being briefly separated on the asteroid - during which, Kane bought a necklace from an Ood which was said to play a visual mental image of the buyer's choice. (TV: *Remnants of the Cybermen*) Gifting it to the Doctor, she later found out it was an image of Kane. (TV: *Shattered Lives*)

The Doctor soon managed to conduct a meeting with the Malvalosi, claiming she knew what had happened to Zoni. Much to their own suspicion, they listened to her story and uncovered the possibility that not every Cyberman had left their sector of space and some still remained. The time travellers were then granted the parchment Zoni owned that they were in search for and set off to the heart of the Alpha Portland sector. (TV: *Remnants of the Cybermen*)