Pol (POHL) was a self-governing planet and republic whose wormholes led to the Hegen Hub and to the Barrayaran Imperium's planet Komarr. Citizens of Pol were called Polians.[1] It controlled a sequence of space stations between the planet and the jump to the Hegen Hub; the last one going out was Pol Station Six.
History[]
The Polians were generally cautious in dealing with their neighbor, Barrayar, preferring to keep them at arms length to discourage invasion attempts. However, as a result of aggression from the Cetagandan Empire's failed military occupation of Vervain, Pol joined the Hegen Alliance and gradually developed a warmer relationship with the Barrayarans.[1]
The ambassador from Pol once wanted, and got, an elephant from Emperor Gregor.[2]
Climate[]
Pol's climate was apparently able to support Earth life forms during Miles Vorkosigan's lifetime. Mentions exist of ornamental breadfruit bushes[3] and of some snake-like animal (with poisonous scrapings).[4]