Outpost 11: Helios

Planet Helios which is a name that is still disputed between the two main warring factions inhabiting the planet, is an ocean planet in a fairly small solar system with nine other planets orbiting Fomalhaut, the brightest star in the constellation of Piscis Austrinus. Helios is about three times bigger than Earth and its gravity is about the same as on Earth.

Insects, insects, and more insects. That's what you'll find on this planet in terms of animal life. There are a few dozen fish species, but everything else is either a microbe or an insect. Sentience is fairly common on Helios and insects entire colony, consisting of millions of individuals, works like a single human nervous system, with each insect behaving like a neuron.

In a way, most of the colonists will tell you, the whole planet feels like one hive mind of a sort, observing the human inhabitants.

Star: Fomalhaut Distance: 25 ly; Constellation: Piscis Austrinus

Artwork Date: April 2022