Imphus II
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Imphus II is the second planet of five that comprise the Imphus System that orbits the small F-class white star Chi Ceta A. It is home to a several Orion colonies and located just four light years from the recognized galactic meridian.
Climate & Geography
Imphus II is a Class M world that is prone to severe windstorms, tornados, and micro-bursts due to an exaggerated Coriolis effect. This was caused some one-and-a-half billion years ago, when a massive meteor strike nearly destroyed the planet. The resulting impact crater, called Mecatalrin, is one of the largest examples found on an inhabited world in the galaxy. Mecatalrin is nearly 3200 kilometers in circumference and is 150 kilometers deep in some places. On the opposite side of the planet from the impact, the crust buckled and sheared, creating a series of long, jagged wedge-shaped mountain ranges. Between these ranges are called ripple canyons, ranging in depth to 20 meters to 4 kilometers. It took centuries for the planet to evolve from a Class L atmosphere to one that would support life.
Much of the surface is barren and rocky, with huge sand dune seas offset by large, flat plains devoid of any topsoil from the constant wind. The inhabitants use a system of containment fields to keep the sand and dirt from piling up near populated areas.
Culture & Civilization
The Orions settled the planet over 2,000 years ago, but found the surface a terror to live on. Surface water and vegetation are non-existent. Domed communities were built, but had to be constantly maintained against the weather (some of these still exist). Instead, they moved into the cliffs and ledges of the canyons to escape the brutal storms. Eventually, entire cities were carved out of the rock, incorporating new building and architectual forms over the years. Massive airponics gardens line many canyons so wide that they nearly get an entire day's sun on them even half a kilometer down. The Orions built an extensive subterranean network of aquaducts, fed by eleven underground rivers that provides all the water the population needs.
Lying abreast a major trade route between the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, Imphus II as become a layover for freighters and transports alike beginning in the early 20th Century. There are several ship-refitting and repair yards, both planetside and orbital. In fact, the planet's capital city of Triptu was built around the industries that cater to the shipping trade. It occupies most of the northern and eastern rim of the Mecatalrin crater, and despite any real tourist draw, is home to some of the best hotels around. Most retail business on the planet are conducted at large (sometimes open-air) markets.
For centuries, the planet's government was a loose association of family or caju heads that formed an oligarchy. Each had its own interests and took care of its own before making provisions for the rest of the population. It was, at its best, a corrupt entity as most Orion endeavors tend to be. But as Imphus II grew with more and more non-aligned Orion and aliens living on the planet, there was a push to change the system. The so called "Triptu Uprising" of 2343 was actually a bloodless revolution that did away with the caju rule and established the Council of Three. One councilman was selected from the recognized familes, the second from the Citizenry (basically everyone else, working class, et al.), and the last was by popular vote of the combined residents. Even with the change on government, allegations of corruption, pandering, and extortion continue to this day.
Commander Vory Kalidor was born on Imphus II in 2351