Aucafidus: The Orbital Bands
Planet Aucafidus has no natural satellites. Instead, three artificial orbital bands crown the planet. These colossal ring-shaped megastructures are home to roughly 20 billion entities. 16.53 billion of them are physical inhabitants. A further 3.47 billion are infomorphs, hosted in the computing infrastructure of the bands. Together the three bands encompass roughly 150 million square kilometers of habitable surface. That is about 29% of the total surface area of Earth, split evenly between land and ocean. The three bands are engineering marvels of etoan civilization. Each has a distinct orientation, society, and way of life: The First Band is tethered to the planetary surface along the equatorial plane. It fosters a diverse biosphere. A remarkable assemblage of intelligent beings coexists there in a post-scarcity society. Humanoids share this artificial environment with cetaceans, corvids, and other modified life forms. Their primary challenge is to foster understanding and collaboration across these vastly different species. The Second Band is coplanar with the orbit of the planet around its star. It is a marvel of high technology. Advanced technology permeates every aspect of life within the Second Band. The population blends humanoids, robots, alien species, and synthetic life forms. Benevolent AI administrators govern this society. They give priority to minimal conflict and to the well-being of the inhabitants. The Third Band sits in perpetual twilight, aligned with the terminator of the planet. It showcases a captivating display of etoan ingenuity. A network of mirror panels lets the inhabitants simulate sunrises, for thermal regulation and for timekeeping. This ingenious adaptation fosters a sustainable environment where bioluminescent life flourishes. Tourism is the primary source of income for the Third Band. Its inhabitants are renowned for their hospitality and their vibrant cultural expressions. ...
