Overview
Vespera is a hostile, essence-rich planet in the Hyperion system. Its atmosphere can destroy ships that orbit too closely.
Planetary Conditions
From a safe orbital distance, Vespera has a green haze and resembles the Plains of Eternity on a planetary scale. Reflected sunlight gives one side a yellow-green glow, as if essence filters the light. The Malverand Intergalactic Empire classifies the planet as hostile and unlivable, its atmosphere cannot be safely penetrated, and Isandro considers surface life almost certain.
History
When Amos prepares a distant gate attempt through the void, Vespera is the Hyperion-system fallback for gathering enough essence if the attempt fails. After Eira, Kaelion, and Xarion arrive with unusually high essence levels, the empire considers recharging them by orbiting Vespera. The plan would need preparation.
Eira, Kaelion, Isandro, and Mike later approach Vespera before continuing to Meridian. Mike fires three reflective nanite defense devices toward the planet, including one aimed at the surface, with directives narrowed to defense and research as an answer to the Spiral Mandate.