Alternate Name: Gallifrey (disputed and rejected)
Astronomical Name: 2354b
Mercia, originally cataloged as 2354b, is a Bonapartan terraforming project located on a world with conditions similar to early Bonaparte. The planet possesses a breathable, oxygen-rich atmosphere and abundant oceanic life but remains in a largely primordial state, with surface development still in its infancy.
Early in the colony’s founding, a naming debate arose. Bonaparte’s arcology-based nobility rejected annexation but offered technical support, particularly in terraforming. Colonists suggested Gallifrey, a reference to pre-spaceflight fiction, but the name was rejected due to a trademark claim from Magic World. Shining Star advocated for Avalon, citing mythic and poetic associations. Ultimately, the name Mercia—drawn from an ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdom—was chosen.
Douglas Best, who visited the colony during an inspection tour, noted JunoCorp’s involvement in Mercia’s agricultural development, including the introduction of GMO crops like creeper vine, which later became a significant ecological concern.
Author’s Note:
The planet in the earlier novella, The Marilynists, which was a basis for Chasing Eternity, was Gallifrey, on the assumption the passing reference would be seen as a pop culture reference, not a trademark violation. Then Disney got involved with Doctor Who, so there went that idea.
Appearances: Chasing Eternity