Gamma Trianguli VI

Gamma Trianguli VI

Gamma Trianguli VI was a Class M planet orbiting Gamma Trianguli which was controlled by a computer called Vaal for approximately 10,000 years until 2267.

The planet, described as an "Eden"-like paradise, consistently enjoyed a tropical climate of 76 °F, with only minor variation at the poles. These conditions were previously thought to be impossible, and were only made possible under the direct environmental control of Vaal, which extended deep beneath the planet's surface over the entire globe. The majority of the flora was very attractive. Its atmosphere filtered out all harmful radiation from its sun. Aside from the natives, no animal life was encountered by initial surveys. Vaal was obviously constructed on Gamma Trianguli VI by a species to care for the native inhabitants for some unknown purpose, although the natives had no memory or historical record of this.

Although an Eden at first glance, under Vaal's control the planet soon proved to be the opposite. When a USS Enterprise landing party beamed down on a survey mission, they were immediately assaulted by the planet's dangerous defense mechanisms. Deadly flora, artificial lightning strikes, and explosive mineral formations killed three crewmembers and injured a fourth. The initially friendly natives, at Vaal's behest, also became hostile and assaulted the landing party, killing a fourth crewmember. Vaal itself also began pulling the Enterprise out of orbit, prompting Captain James T. Kirk to take retaliatory action and destroy Vaal. After its destruction Kirk predicted a hard time for the natives, but eventually they would learn to organize their lifes themselves. (TOS: "The Apple")

Gamma Trianguli is a white star, making it ironic that the sky on the planet appears red. One can only assume that the coloration is due to the filtering of light by the atmosphere as described by Spock.