avau

Avau is a fictional planet featured in the science fiction novel "The Silent City" by author K.M. Sterling. The planet is depicted as a desolate, arid world with a thin atmosphere and extreme temperature fluctuations. Its surface is characterized by vast, rocky deserts and canyons, with little visible vegetation. The inhabitants of Avau are described as a technologically advanced but reclusive species known as the Avani. They are said to live primarily underground to escape the harsh surface conditions and to protect their civilization from external threats.

The narrative of "The Silent City" centers on a human expedition that discovers Avau and attempts to make contact with the Avani. The Avani are portrayed as cautious and distrustful of outsiders, their society having developed in isolation for millennia. Their technology is advanced, particularly in the areas of energy manipulation and terraforming, though it is primarily focused on self-preservation and maintaining their subterranean way of life. The story explores themes of first contact, cultural misunderstanding, and the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement. Avau itself serves as a stark and unforgiving backdrop, emphasizing the resilience and adaptability of its native species. The planet's harsh environment is a significant factor in shaping the Avani's culture and their interactions with the human visitors.