Laterre

Known names: ['Antarct', 'Laterre'] Summary: The world called Laterre by its inhabitants, known on Arbre as "Antarct" from a planet emblem showing a prominent polar ice continent. It is one of four origin worlds associated with the visiting Geometers and has now been identified by a Laterran who disclosed himself during protected discussions at Tredegarh.

Laterre is one of four off‑world origin worlds associated with the Geometers. On Arbre it has long been labeled "Antarct" based on a planet ikon seen on the Hedron and on vials recovered from a landed probe; the image shows a world dominated by a polar ice continent.

Identification and contact

A visitor who had been passing as a Matarrhite removed his disguise once the room was shielded and identified himself as Jules Verne Durand of Laterre, explicitly equating Laterre with the world Arbrans call "Antarct." He described himself as a junior linguist working in Orth and stated that his minder was from Urnud (called Pangee).

Affiliations and alignments (as reported)

According to this account, Urnud (Urnud/Pangee) and Tro (Diasp) act together as a bloc sometimes called the Pedestal; Fthos (Fthos/Quator) opposes them; Laterrans are divided in their loyalties. The opposition movement is often referred to as the “Fulcrum,” reportedly led by Fthosians. These alignments are presented as the speaker’s report rather than established fact.

Biochemistry and diet

The Laterran reported that Arbran enzymes cannot act on Laterran food—and likewise Laterran enzymes cannot act on Arbran food—so each origin group must maintain its own food supply. This matches broader findings that their matter is incompatible with Arbre’s.

Community aboard the Daban Urnud (as described)

• The ship’s living area comprises a cluster of sixteen hollow spheres around a rotating axis that produces pseudogravity.
• Each sphere ("orb") is half full of water; families live on houseboats with food grown on the roofs.
• Officially, four orbs are assigned to each origin people (Urnud, Tro, Laterre, Fthos), though there is some mixing; when the ship is not under acceleration, doors between neighboring orbs may be opened for movement.
• The Laterrans maintain their own institutions within these orbs; one Laterran orb includes a school.
• The shipboard community values education highly. Linguists are treated as strategic assets during "Advents" because language work is essential to first contact.

Iconography and features

• The emblem associated with Laterre/"Antarct" depicts a world with a large polar ice continent; the orientation of the image is not confirmed.

Status and usage

"Laterre" is the endonym given by its own people; "Antarct" remains a common Arbran label used for clarity in discussion until further direct information is available.

Activity noted in low orbit

• During coordinated operations in low orbit led by Arbran allies, a Laterran participant (Jules Verne Durand) is active alongside the team and is at times referred to simply as "the Laterran," reflecting his origin. This usage reinforces the identification of Laterre with the people who name it and the continuing relevance of the term in joint efforts around the Daban Urnud.