The Tarthian Tour Company asks, "Where do you want to wake up tomorrow?"
Location: Corax Divide, Outer Rim of the Tarthian Empire
Moons: Three, each with distinct ecosystems
Suitability for Humans: Highly suitable, lush environments
Primary Occupants: Once pirates, now traders and settlers
Historical Significance: Former base for infamous pirate fleet, legendary battles
Notable Features: Vibrant coral banks, treacherous sea cliffs
Dellyn
Nestled precariously on the fringes of the Tarthian Empire, Dellyn is a world steeped in a turbulent history of piracy and fear, now on the cusp of transformation. Once a haven for cutthroats and scoundrels operating under the chaotic umbrella of the Colonies of Man, Dellyn is a planet that bears the scars of its violent past while clinging to the hope of a prosperous future.
Dellyn's landscape is dominated by vast expanses of frozen terrain, making it a striking yet inhospitable environment for most life forms. For about three-quarters of the year, its water bodies are encased in ice, glittering under the harsh glare of distant suns, while the remaining quarter offers a brief, albeit tepid glimpse of liquid water as the planet warms. Fluctuating between inhospitable tundra and fleeting thaw, Dellyn is marked by its sprawling ice plains, rugged mountain ranges, and the occasional geothermal vent that provides pockets of warmth amidst the frozen expanse. This unique geography poses significant challenges for settlers, as they navigate the harsh winters and plan around the yearly melt, capitalizing on the fleeting water to support agricultural ventures.
History and Current State
Discovered in 4667 Tradestandard by the Droid Discovery Force of Her Majesty Rheyn Destoiya, Dellyn was initially perceived as an unwelcoming ice planet. However, its position as a border world - teetering between the Tarthian Empire and territories rife with separatist factions - has only fueled its strategic importance. The once-unregulated activities of infamous pirate groups, particularly the ruthless slavers of the Sargassan Detaat, have left indelible fears among its inhabitants. The populace remains haunted by memories of sudden raids and the chilling swoop of Skinraider ships gliding through the skies.
In recent years, the Tarthian Empire has stepped in with its Imperial Armada, enforcing a punitive stance against piracy and vowing to protect Dellyn's settlers. Convicted pirates face dire consequences, with no possibility for appeal, a stark warning echoing through the galaxy. This military oversight has ushered in a new era for Dellyn, transforming it from a lawless haven for surreptitious trade into a burgeoning colony under the rule of reassigned Tarthian citizens eager to exploit the planet's untapped natural resources.
As former pirate strongholds have faded into the annals of history, the societal fabric of Dellyn is beginning to weave a disparate group of settlers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers drawn by opportunity and the prospect of wealth. These new inhabitants, many of whom carry the scars of warfare and unrest from the colonies or Tarthian heartlands, are slowly forging a resilient community, building settlements poised amidst the frozen expanses.
Yet the shadow of its past looms large. While the Tarthian Empire enforces its rule, the specter of piracy remains a palpable threat, creating a cautious coexistence with wild cosmic elements. The legacy of the Sargassan Detaat is felt in the apprehensions of parents warning their children of the dangers under the frozen sky and the tales of the slavers still whispered among the settlers like ghost stories around a campfire.
Dellyn stands as a palpable testament to the struggle between lawlessness and order, between past transgressions and hopes for redemption. Its evolution from a fierce pirate haven to a key colony of the Tarthian Empire encapsulates the complex realities of life on the fringes of civilization. As this frozen world slowly unravels from its icy shell, it promises a tale rich in exploration, resilience, and the relentless quest for prosperity amidst the stars.
Any of my characters mentioned on this page may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.
~ Copyright Β©2024 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!
To experience art, sci-fi, romance, and space opera with unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters so real you'll swear you've met them, join my newsletter.
Tarthian Tour Company art by Jamin Allen and/or Kayelle Allen
Some artwork includes compilation imagery courtesy of Depositphotos, and/or Pixabay