Komarr
Komarr is a planet in
Lois McMaster Bujold's
Vorkosigan Saga series of novels and stories.
Discovered 300 years prior to the Vorkosigan Saga,
Komarr is undergoing a major
terraforming project to make the outside air breathable, and the plantlife edible to humans. During this centuries-long program the Komarrans are confined to domed cities, with controlled air supplies.
Komarr has strategic importance because its local space contains the single known wormhole into
Barrayar, the heart of the Barrayaran Empire.
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Capital City: Solstice.
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Government: Komarr is ruled by the Barrayaran Empire, but has its own dominant class of
oligarchs. The planet is divided into a number of equal-sized sectors, with responsibilities for regional government.
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Size/Population: Many large domed metropolis-sized cities.
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Economy: Komarran economy is based upon trade. As Komarr controls at least six important wormhole routes (to Barrayar,
Sergyar,
Escobar,
Pol and
Cetaganda, as well as a few other minor jump points), trade passes through the system on a regular basis. The trade ships are taxed, creating revenue for Komarr. Komarr's economy is dominated by the oligarch families, who own large trade fleets. These trade fleets are sent on 5-12 month long trade runs to many areas throughout the galaxy, often returning with very large profits.
80 years prior to the Vorkosigan Saga, Barrayar was invaded by
Cetaganda. As the only entrance to Barrayar was through Komarr, the Cetagandan empire bought Komarran cooperation. Cetagandan forces occupied Barrayar for twenty years but were eventually driven out of Barrayaran space. After 30 years of recovery and technological regrowth, Barrayaran forces poured through the wormhole to invade Komarr for three main reasons:
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Control of their entrance - The Barrayarans wanted to be able to control their own wormhole entrance so Komarr couldn't repeat itself by letting in enemy forces into Barrayaran space.
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Control of Komarran trade - The Barrayarans understood that Komarran trade would be very helpful in regaining revenue for the Barrayaran Imperium. Also, this would allow Barrayar to contend with other powerful galactic markets, such as that of
Beta Colony, or the Hegen Hub.
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Retribution/Revenge - The Barrayan ruling caste, the
Vor, were feeling very vengeful towards Komarr. They wanted to pay Komarr back for allowing the powerful Cetagandan invasion force through to Barrayar.
The Barrayaran invasion was successful. Komarr is currently controlled peacefully by Barrayar. A number of Komarrans have reached high rank in the Imperial military, and Emperor Gregor has married Dr Laisa Toscane, member of a Komarran oligarch family.
The Solstice Massacre
During the Komarr Revolt after the invasion, 200 prominent citizens including members of the oligarchy were held captive by Barrayarans in Solstice, the capital city of Komarr, having been promised safety by Admiral
Aral Vorkosigan. In Vorkosigan's absence the prisoners were all murdered on the orders of his political officer (who had been assigned to Admiral Vorkosigan against his will). In retribution, and to regain his honor, Admiral Vorkosigan killed the political officer with his bare hands. Vorkosigan was afterward known as
the Butcher of Komarr.
