Gleskel Core

The first planet in the Gleskel System, and home of the The Caucuses, a scientific convention held once every four years. The entire planet surface of Gleskel Core forms an enormous convention center and hotel complex. The full-time population is only around 800,000, but every four years for a few months it jumps to 12 billion.

Like the rest of the system, Gleskel Core is a terraformed world. It is technically listed as a Generation I, System I world, but there is no real ecosystem in place. As the complex grew, steps had to be taken to maintain a breathable atmosphere. Roughly 20% of Core's surface is covered by decorative fountains and reflecting pools, along with one large ocean which covers another 15%, all of which contain a genetically-engineered form of plankton which photosynthesize and produce oxygen.

The power grid is supplied by several thousand fission-type nuclear reactors, kept offline until the conference starts. The full-time population mostly maintains the structures and organizes the conference. Additional labor is brought in for the conference, numbering about half a billion.