TheDarkestDark

By the end of 23rd century, Earth civilization reached high technological level, while facing serious social problems. Resources became scarce following humanity growing in number five times in comparison to early 21st century. Despite scientists coming with various ways to save the world, including colonization efforts, degradation continued. Number one candidate for colonizing - Mars - required 300 years to be fully terraformed and only selected people could live under domes. Humanity needed a more solid plan - one that would bring results and bring them sooner. Following continuous surveys of space systems, a planet similar to Earth has been found - two times bigger than humanity's home, this new discovery was a true breakthrough. However, more detailed researched showed that about 20% of the planet is taken by an alien megacity surrounded by a powerful force field. New information caused a huge uproar among scientists involved, especially after no signs of life encountered and no response to various means of communication. After several years of observation, the city was considered abandoned. Having analyzed the data, numerous governments agreed on a joint effort to send and expedition to reveal the turth about the city and establish the very first colony on that planet. With the biggest ship made of five modules, over 5,000 strong crew set off on most important mission in humanity's history. John Marlow, a scientific officer and one of many deployed for the expedition, sets on a journey which will challenge his knowledge about the Universe and humankind's origin.

The New Gaia

A bit of time passed since the last entry in my journal. I had reasons for not spending time on recording my thoughts. Too many things happening right now. One short moment, one accident was enough to cause such a big loss, so many people have died. But was it really just an accident? So many problems happened during this journey. Too many - if you ask me.


Losing crewmates is already a big hit, and we have also lost a lot of equipment. Many failed at landing near the gathering point so there is many groups scattered all around the planet, and it is hard to contact them. I knew from the start there is a lot of interference due to old systems left by those who build this megacity, however, I had no idea technology which seemed to be left for at least hundreds of years would work that well unattended.


The problems are piling up. There is no point in proceeding with original plan. We cannot locate professor Mathias Kaller who was supposed to coordinate this expedition, including research and colonization effort. The person with highest standing, colonel Ryan McRae focused on establishing a temporary camp, which is supposed to serve as a base of operations, a place to where everyone should arrive, for safety.


According to colonel, securing a safe zone is the most important matter right now. Some of researchers may not be happy with this kind of approach, seeing all this interesting material around, but I fully agree with McRae on that matter. I saw not only how dangerous is the nature on this planet - the leftover technology is still active and is not limited to the megacity. My group was quite lucky to encounter only some wild animals based on what I have heard from people who had to pass through some ruins.


At some point, we will for sure be able to investigate, learn more about this planet and technologies left by the alien civilzation. However, our main focus should be set on surviving. Fortunately, military procedures seem to work everywhere, even on alien planets. Colonel made sure to pick a spot where we have a terrain advantage, water supplies and ways of procuring food. Of course, we managed to save a lot of supplies from the ships, including seeds and sapplings, but making use of those in a temporary camp could be considered a waste.


Good thing atmosphere of this planet is really close to Earth's. Having said that, the air here is to clear for some of us, including me. I feel like breathing makes me drunk. For my whole life, it is the very first time I can breath something so clean. According to people from medical team, just living in this kind of environment would greatly extend our lifespans. Can you imagine? We already have ways to extend our lives to 200 years, and sometimes even more. And Manuela says, only after initial checks, we could go for 300 years here. It is crazy!


Still, we first need to set up here properly. And it will not be easy. Until now, nearly 400 people reached our camp. Concerning how many people left Future in the pods based on system logs, the result is really bad. Hopefully, after strenghtening the current position, we should be able to work on creating transponders, which could improve the signal and help us find lost pods.


How much would I give for the original plan to succeed. Too bad no one managed to find a way to change the past. Well, whatever I say, what is done is done.


7th January 2297