40000 in Gehenna
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Forty Thousand in Gehenna is a science fiction novel by C.J. Cherryh, published in 1983. The story revolves around a human colony on the planet Gehenna II in the Zeta Reticuli system. This colony is comprised of both natural-born humans and azi, genetically modified clones conditioned to follow specific instructions. The Union, a totalitarian government, establishes the colony with the intention of it failing, aiming to create a burden for their rival, the Alliance, should they take control of the system. The novel explores themes of survival, symbiosis, and cultural development over generations. The colonists form complex relationships with native creatures called calibans, which are initially seen as pests but eventually become integral to human survival. As the colony evolves, two distinct societies emerge, each with its own culture and conflict dynamics. The novel delves into the political implications of human interaction with alien species and the ethical dilemmas of scientific observation, highlighting Cherryh's skepticism about scientific neutrality.
