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The planet Myrmex exists in a system rich with resources -- untold millions of asteroids sweep about the yellow sun, rich in frozen gasses, exotic metals, and organic debris.

The world itself is only 6400 kilometers in diameter (surface gravity 0.35 G), and rotates very slowly -- once every 70 hours. Only a thin fog of methane forms the atmosphere; the small seas are ammonia and other low-temperature fluids.

Countless asteroid mining ships fan out from Myrmex, and gigantic factories rise above the frozen landscape. Cities cover much of the surface -- or rather below the surface, in tunnels deep into the rocky core. Ten billion persons live and work in this artificial environment -- artificial gravity is very common in the habitat regions.

This planet produces the most ships of any world in the Principality. Many of the inhabitants have spent some time as space-ship crew (living conditions here aren't all that different from those aboard a large starship). While only a small fraction of the population still work on the asteroid mining ships and tugs, the culture of "independent prospectors" is still fairly strong here.

Law enforcement is fairly strict here -- damaging the environment is about the most serious crime. One of the Principality's non-royal noble families rules the planet, in a reasonably constitutional way.

Very strong naval presence here, along with many defense outposts, scanner stations, gunboat bases, etc. The menace of the Glarrik and the Jackers is never far from the thoughts (and news feeds) of the locals. Myrmex is the capital of the Siravan Marches.

The 600 light-year trip to Carneval is popular among residents of Myrmex, for at least a "once in a lifetime" vacation.