Svedbergi

Svedbergi is a fictional planet featured in the science fiction novel "Chronicles of the Stellar Empires" by Arthur C. Clarke. The planet is described as a barren, mineral-rich world located in the Orion Arm of the Milky Way galaxy. Its surface is characterized by vast, rust-colored deserts, deep canyons, and towering rock formations. The atmosphere is thin and composed primarily of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, making it unsuitable for human life without advanced life support systems.

The primary inhabitants of Svedbergi are a hardy, silicon-based species known as the K'tharr. These beings have adapted to the harsh environment, possessing thick exoskeletons and a slow metabolism. They are known for their advanced mining technology and their stoic, reclusive nature. The K'tharr have a deep connection to their planet, viewing its geological formations as sacred.

In the narrative of "Chronicles of the Stellar Empires," Svedbergi becomes a point of contention between the Galactic Federation and a rogue faction known as the Obsidian Syndicate. The Syndicate seeks to exploit the planet's rich mineral deposits for its own purposes, leading to a conflict that threatens the delicate balance of power in the region. The K'tharr, initially neutral, are eventually drawn into the conflict, defending their homeworld from the invaders. The story explores themes of resource conflict, cultural differences, and the responsibility of interstellar powers.