Eridanus IX

Eridanus IX is the ninth planet of the Eridanus system, and terraformed into a jungle world by the UNSC. Being in the Eridanus system, it was subject to heavy activity from the Insurrection, pushing to a height on July 6th, 2535, in the Eridanus IX Campaign, which saw the neutralization of Insurrectionist forces by the UNSC. However, almost immediately after the Insurrection was defeated, Covenant ships arrived in orbit of the planet and glassed it, forcing UNSC forces to retreat from the system and abandon the planet.
== Overview ==
=== Orbital characteristics ===
Eridanus IX has equal gravity to Earth's, but no satellites orbiting the planet.
=== Topography and ecology ===
Prior to Human colonization of Eridanus IX, the planet was barren and lifeless, requiring heavy terraforming before it could be settled. Once it was successfully terraformed, the planet became home to an expansive jungle environment, broken up by small oceans and seas, giving it a relatable appearance to some of Earth's jungles. However, these jungles would be incinerated by the arrival of Covenant ships in orbit of the planet to glass it.
== History ==
=== Human colonization ===
Sometime prior to 2531, the UNSC colonized and terraformed Eridanus IX to become a habitable colony for Humanity.
=== The Insurrection ===
With the Eridanus system being a famous hotspot for Insurrectionist activity, Eridanus IX was surprisingly spared of strife for the majority of the Insurrection leading into the Human-Covenant War, with most rebel activity in the system being concentrated on the neighboring Eridanus II.
=== Human-Covenant War ===
==== Eridanus IX Campaign ====
It came as no surprise to the UNSC when a rebellion began on Eridanus IX. The Insurrectionist forces quickly gained control of the planet. Deeming the recapture of the planet a priority to the UNSC, the Office of Naval Intelligence ordered the Paris-class heavy frigate, the UNSC Arcadia's Revenge, loaded with a full complement of troops and vehicles, and dispatched the vessel to handle the Insurrectionists on July 6th, 2535.
Despite being a lone ship, the forces present on the Arcadia's Revenge were more than enough to eventually overwhelm the Insurrectionist forces present after several days of fighting. The Insurrectionist forces were either forced to retreat from the planet or were completely wiped out by the UNSC. However, the victory was short-lived, as merely hours later, Covenant ships discovered Eridanus IX and moved to glass the planet. The Arcadia's Revenge was forced to recall its troops and evacuate anyone they could, including some surrendering Insurrectionists, before fleeing the system. The Covenant glassed Eridanus IX, killing anyone remaining on the surface of the planet.
The campaign was a tactical defeat for both the UNSC and the Insurrection, as neither of them were able to gain control of Eridanus IX and both were forced to abandon it. The Insurrection presumably suffered heavy losses, with any survivors either surrendering to the UNSC, retreating from the system, or being killed by the Covenant assault and glassing. However, the UNSC succeeded in a strategic victory, with the elimination of the Insurrection forces, though by unforeseen circumstances, and the capture of several members of the Insurrection. Eridanus IX, however, would remain uninhabitable from the glassing.
== Gallery ==
File:Arcadia'sRevenge.jpeg|The UNSC Arcadia's Revenge floating above Eridanus IX's jungles during the Eridanus IX Campaign
Category:Gamestrider1
Category:Planets
Category:Glassed colonies
Category:Colonies