Djerba

Djerba is a moon located in Sector 12, used by the Colonials as a winter resort prior to the Cylon War.

Early in the war, Djerba is captured by Cylon forces and converted to a strategic outpost and research base. Due to its location within Cylon-held space, it is lightly fortified by at least one basestar within FTL jump distance and a contingent of Centurions.

Despite its relative lack of defenses, Djerba is considered pivotal in turning the war toward victory for the Colonials. During this period, Djerba is used by the Cylons in their attempt at creating biological forms. As part of this effort, the Cylons create cybernetic hybrids of indigenous animals, including a cave-dwelling snake ^{(TRS: "Blood and Chrome")}.

Physical Characteristics

According to the pre-production script for Blood and Chrome, Djerba is an ice moon orbiting a large ringed planet near a dying red giant star that pulses as it ejects shells of gaseous material.^[1] The moon's surface is characterized by dense cloud cover, icy mountainous terrain, and glaciers. Snow-covered peaks jut through the cloud layer, with mist whipping off the highest points due to strong atmospheric winds.

The landscape is dominated by craggy mountains, glaciers, and icy ledges that make surface travel dangerous and difficult. The script describes the terrain as having deep crevasses that must be navigated with mountaineering equipment, requiring the use of crampons and ice axes for safe passage.^[2] Blizzards can develop rapidly on the moon's surface, creating whiteout conditions that make travel extremely hazardous.^[3]

Pre-War History

Before the First Cylon War, Djerba served as a popular winter resort destination for Colonials. The script reveals that the moon featured sleek, modern resort facilities including a Frank Gehry-like building with a swooping domeConcept render of the ski lodge and surrounding slopes on Djerba from Doug Drexler.d roof, perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff.^[4] These resort complexes boasted greenhouse-like domes that sheltered indoor tropical paradises, complete with palm trees surrounding lagoon-like pools, creating an exotic contrast to the moon's icy exterior environment.

The resort facilities were designed to provide luxury accommodations with features such as gas fireplaces in larger suites, well-appointed kitchens, and recreational amenities that attracted wealthy Colonial tourists seeking winter sports and exotic experience.

Cylon Occupation

After capturing Djerba early in the war, the Cylons converted the former resort facilities into strategic outposts and research installations. The moon served as a testing ground for Cylon biological experimentation, including the creation of cybernetic hybrid creatures that combined organic tissue with mechanical components. These experiments represented early attempts at developing the technology that would eventually lead to humanoid Cylon models.

Script Version Details

The pre-production script for Blood and Chrome presents Djerba as having much more severe weather conditions and challenging terrain than shown in the final production. The script emphasizes the moon's extreme environment, describing survival challenges including navigating glaciers, avoiding deep crevasses, and weathering sudden blizzards that could trap travelers for extended periods. The detailed descriptions of the resort facilities, complete with frozen pools and frost-covered palm trees, serve as a haunting reminder of the war's impact on what was once a luxury destination.

Notes

Djerba is an island off the coast of Tunisia. According to legend, Djerba is the island of the lotus-eaters described in Homer's Odyssey, who spent their days in a drugged stupor. Odysseus forced his crew back to his ship, fearing they'd succumb to the same lethargy and never wish to leave.