Klendathu
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In the fictional universe of the novel and movie Starship Troopers, Klendathu is the homeworld of the Arachnids.
While Klendathu's terrain is never described in the Robert A. Heinlein novel, the movie presents Klendathu as an arid desert world (along with every other planet save Terra). Also in the movie there are no structures on the planet (perhaps to add to the portrayal of the Bugs as mindless brain-eaters); however in the book it is made apparent that there is a capital city somewhere on the planet.
Immediately following the Bugs' attack on Earth, leveling Buenos Aires, the Terran Federation attacks Klendathu. The attack is codenamed "Operation Bughouse." It fails, leading Juan Rico to call it "Operation Madhouse." Casualties are high and the assault needs to be abandoned. In the film version, the film refers to a general retreat after three hours, however in the novel Heinlein clearly states "eighteen hours".
Heinlein makes two things clear about all of this. First, the important structures on Klendathu are subterranean. Second, the Mobile Infantry never come close to securing either the topside or the underground tunnels of the planet.
The "netnews" reporter's quote (from the film) probably sums it up:
- "It's an ugly planet; a bug planet. A planet hostile to life as we know it."
