Third Planet from the Sun

The unnamed world orbits a middling yellow star in the galaxy’s slow spiral arms. Its surface is a patchwork of jagged continents and sprawling oceans under a sky streaked with high-altitude clouds. Cities huddle along coastlines beneath towers that pierce the persistent twilight, casting long shadows over streets that hum with industry and the murmur of trade. The air carries the scent of ozone and engine exhaust, thickened by the ceaseless movement of people and machines. Despite its commonplace appearance, the planet serves as a crossroads for travelers from systems both near and distant—a stepping stone on the route to more decisive destinations.