Alpha Priori

Alpha Priori is an artificial planet in the Orion Sector of the Orion Quadrant of the Milky Way Galaxy, approximately 110 light years from Earth. Alpha Priori orbits a red dwarf sun and is encircled by an extensive artificial rung system. 
The former Commonwealth of the Galaxy constructed Alpha Priori sometime in the late Fourth Solar Millennium. The ring system drew in materials from the dust cloud around the system's sun to form a planetary body. Terraforming techniques subsequently created a lush, verdant environment. Scientists then populated the surface with genetically engineered life forms. 
Numerous advanced projects took place in the laboratories contained in the ring system. The planet was enveloped in a defensive system that translocated any ship that approached its surface to a high orbit outside scanning range. Another form of translocation caused ships approaching the rings to appear inside the docking bays. The rings were equipped with the Commonwealth's "Instant Familiarization" Technology that gave any visitor instant knowledge of the layout and functions of the station. Teleports ("Telly-Wellies") transported personnel from the rings to the surface. 
The primary inhabitant of Alpha Priori was a planetary-scale artificial intelligence originally called the Abbess, but who had subsequently taken to calling herself "Heartache." She was capable of controlling the planet's weather, directing the evolution of life forms, and controlling the teleporters on the surface. 
(Free Worlds Short Story: "Alpha Priori.")
Category:Worlds