The Tarthian Tour Company asks, "Where do you want to wake up tomorrow?"
Location: Vortigion Fields, Farthest corner of the Tarthian Empire.
Moons: Two small, rocky moons orbiting intermittently.
Suitability for Humans: Limited; harsh environment and military-only specifications.
Primary Occupants: 2.2 million Armada soldiers; no civilians.
Historical Significance: First terraformed planet successfully inhabited by the Terraformer's Circle.
Notable Features: Red terrain, black seas, and an arid climate.
Ohy
Situated in one of the remote fringes of the Tarthian Empire, this out-of-the-way location contributes to a sense of isolation, making it an unusual destination for military personnel. The planet's geographical remoteness makes it strategically significant for the Empire's military operations, as it serves as a training ground and resupply station for the Armada.
The planet is accompanied by two small, rugged moons, named Seryn and Qal. These moons are characterized by harsh landscapes, devoid of flora or significant atmospheres, resembling the planet's rugged nature. The moons play a role in local tide patterns and have been noted for their unusual gravitational effects, which occasionally influence ship navigation in nearby space.
Ohy's environment poses significant challenges for human habitation. The atmosphere is thin and lacks certain essential elements that would typically support everyday life. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically, with intense heat during the day and freezing conditions at night. Consequently, it is largely unsuitable for civilian life, making it a solitary retreat for military personnel who can adapt to its rigors. Furthermore, the designated structures and facilities are primarily designed for the Armada's operational activities, adding to its inhospitable nature for general population settling.
The surface of Ohy is camouflaged by military activity, hosting approximately 2.2 million Armada soldiers who rotate through in tours of duty lasting no more than three Tradestandard months (equivalent to nine solar months). Ohy exists as a self-contained military establishment, where soldiers are trained, resupplied, and occasionally sent to engage in tactical operations throughout the Empire. Uninhabited by civilians under normal circumstances, the planet represents a microcosm of military life and culture, fueled by its isolation.
Ohy holds a unique place in the annals of imperial history, being the first planet successfully inhabited by settlers of the Terraformer's Circle of Fellowship, a group devoted to the creation and terraforming of new worlds. While it was not the initial project completed, its success marked a pivotal moment in the empire's expansion, demonstrating the potential for human adaptability and the long-term viability of human life in extreme conditions. The planet's historic engineering and biotechnological achievements have made it a reference point in scholarly discussions about planetary development.
Aesthetically striking, Ohy is defined by its unique coloration. The pervasive red is attributed to its sandy rock formations, while the black areas indicate vast, dark seas that contain unusually high concentrations of minerals and elements. The remaining landmasses are depicted in various shades of greenish-yellow and rust, interspersed with craggy terrain, rocky outcrops, and towering cliffs that offer both stunning vistas and deadly hazards. Notably, these landscapes often serve as training grounds for soldiers, adding an element of danger and challenge to their exercises.
The colloquial slang term "Shipped to Oh, Hell" reflects the perceived harshness of duty on the planet, intertwining with an official narrative that attempts to dispel the notion of Ohy as a punishment destination. This phrase has permeated the language of personnel serving there, encapsulating both the challenges and the solidarity inherent in life on Ohy. Despite its austere environment, the planet fosters a unique culture among soldiers, with occasional civilians adding a layer of intrigue to its narrative.
Occasionally, civilians do manage to find their way into areas not generally permitted. Our intrepid and wandering artist, Nim, sent us this message recently:
Here is the Ohy outpost. Had to do some sneaking around so they didn't catch me. Sorry it took so long to send the file. NETway was giving me grief over the size but in the end money helps people see your point of view. Since I changed my encryption, they didn't even know what kind of file I sent. It sure pays to have friends on Tarth who are in the "market."
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Tarthian Tour Company art by Jamin Allen and/or Kayelle Allen
Some artwork includes compilation imagery courtesy of Depositphotos, and/or Pixabay