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

It took longer than expected, but we have finalized everything we could prior entering the underground facility.

Additional actions we took resulted in some interesting findings, including a basic system for translating the alien language, or signs - as some prefer to call this form of writing in such a manner.

Either way, it is a new tool that we know will surely support our future endeavours on this planet, and possibly make it easier for everyone participating in the mission in case of coming into contact with alien structures or appliances.

Obviously, no one is expecting something so simple to change the whole expedition completely. However, any option to decipher any new markings we may found, or just to be able to notice marks of the alien language should speed up the data gathering, and possibly allow us to understand the functionality of creations left by original inhabitants of this planet.

Personally, while knowing how much it is in front of us to discover and learn about moving forward, first time in a long time, I actually start feeling this mission starts bearing fruit.

It may be taking one small step after the another, and yet we already managed to experience many new things, get in contact with alien technologies and buildings, and find a bit about the environment on the planet.

Sure, the structures we found and various technologies these use require a lot more time and effort to investigate, but with this new tool at least some of these actions may speed up and become easier to complete.

Of course, all of that doesn't mean we got rid of all dangers and the unknowns that are waiting for us, and - hopefully - these small wins will continue happening and helping us on the way to complete the mission, ultimately allowing successful return back to Earth.

8th February 2297