In XXX DE disaster struck Brahmaputra Prime when an asteroid locally known as the Hand of Shiva, struck Brahmaputra Prime. Shiva's Comet would permanently alter the future of the Brahmaputra and its people.
Preparations
The Hand of Shiva had been in system ever since the Brahmaputrans had arrived and colonial leaders were quick to realize the threat it posed. However the fuel cells onboard the Brahmaputran ships were running low, as well as food supplies, leaving the colonists without the option to find a new star system.
The decision was made to settle the planet as quickly as possible in the hopes of establishing the means to survive the eventual impact. Extensive bunker systems were established, food stockpiled, and preparations were made to either destroy or redirect the comet. As the comet was over 50 kilometers wide it was decided to reduce its size with missile strikes.
Effects
On XXX DE the Hand of Shiva finally made contact with the planet of Brahmaputra. Missile strikes by the Brahmaputrans over the years had decreased the size of the comet to roughly 3 kilometers wide but were unable to prevent it from striking in the middle of the most populated region. The resulting shock-wave leveled ecosystems planet-wide and destroyed critical systems and equipment necessary to the survival of the colony. In addition, a debris field comprising remains of the Hand of Shiva and smaller asteroids circled the planet, with impacts occurring almost every month. With most of their infrastructure wiped out and croplands in danger drastic measures were required to survive. Colony leadership enacted draconian food and water rationing, but it was readily apparent to everyone that unless something changed and soon the colony would die out.
Aid
In XXX DE, roughly a year after Shiva's Comet the DDS Albatross arrived in system. Captain of the Albatross, Roberta Phillips, and head of the diplomatic corps Ernest Bennington, agreed to use the remainder of their trade goods to help ease the suffering the Brahmaputrans. A rough agreement was established to move as many refugees as possible to Deseret, pending authorization from Congress. Over the following years the Deseretis would accept as many refugees from Brahmaputra as wanted to immigrate and would work hand in hand with the government of Brahmaputra to help rebuild their world.
Scientific Research
Bhramaputra is of particular interest to scientists as it gives them the chance to understand similar events in the histories of Old Earth and its many colonies. Some controversy has arisen over the years as some scientists have argued that the planet should be left to heal on its own and others argue that it presents an opportunity to learn how to deal with similar events in the future. However, as the Bhramaputrans have moved forward with repairing the damage on their world with their Desereti allies, the argument is considered more or less settled.
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