The Flying Saucer

The Flying Saucer is an elegantly furnished space station shaped like a teacup and saucer in low orbit around Cabina, constructed in the early 32nd century. Originally intended to be an exhibition piece for Cabina Cups’ popular new flavour Synthetic Perfection, the station quickly became so popular that the company decided to renovate and reopen it as a permanent orbital teahouse. The Saucer offers a soothing peaceful environment where visitors may relax, drink tea, and converse to the backdrop of the slowly moving panorama of the planet Cabina.

Despite the ongoing booking lottery to get admittance, Cabina Cups has declined to facilitate a higher customer throughput as they believe a busy, loud experience would corrupt the building’s soul and neglect its intent. Most of the space is styled as a minimalist zen garden with accents of Cabinan culture though smaller function rooms are available. Once seated, visitors are encouraged to use their silent bell to summon a staff member rather than walk to the counter when they need something. This is both to let guests relax more fully and also because staff have been trained to walk lightly upon the floor with noise reducing footwear.

Careful course corrections and angular adjustments are often made to vary the view every few orbital periods and regional teas are offered at discounted prices when the Saucer’s main view passes over the region. Some non-tea refreshments along with light meals are available.

Rumours have persistently surrounded the Saucer’s questionable profit margin given operating costs, low traffic and low entry prices. While Cabina Cups has refused to comment officially, they have implied that the station's operations have been subsidized by anonymous benefactors. Other rumours claim that the Saucer has a secret deck home to Cabina Cups' vaunted Tea Vault, the company has refused to confirm or deny such rumours.