Rura Penthe

Rura Penthe was a penal colony, located on an asteroid inside the Klingon Empire. Located within two sectors of the Federation border, it was widely known as "the aliens' graveyard."

Overview

The asteroid was well-known to contain one of the most important sources of dilithium ore in the Klingon Empire.

To mine the precious material, a penal colony for both Klingon and alien prisoners was established, providing sufficient labor force for the extensive exploitation of the asteroid's resources.

The surface temperature of Rura Penthe was extremely low, and the landscape was dominated by glaciers. Without proper clothing, no humanoid was able to survive for very long on the surface. Most of the mining and prison facility was located underground as a result. A shield encased the mining facility, and a vast area surrounding it, prevented prisoners from being beamed away, let alone running away. The prison complex was also patrolled by armed guards.

Other security measures were minimal, as they were deemed largely unnecessary due to the harsh surface climate.

History

Rura Penthe had been a penal colony of the Klingon Empire since at least the early 22nd century.

Banishment to its submontane dilithium mines was one of the most feared punishments throughout the Klingon Empire and its enemies. It was said that almost no one survived more than a year in the mines.

The only known animal to either be native to, or be able to survive the asteroid, was the Jackal mastiff (pictured right).

The Klingons used this animal to help them guard the prisoners.