Prologue

Harold Wilson, a seasoned but young military man, with a clean shaven face, green eyes, and black hair found himself at a crossroads. Earth had become overcrowded, and the once pristine air was now contaminated, requiring people to wear gas masks to survive. In an effort to find a better life and alleviate the growing population crisis, a lottery was held by The United Nations Of Earth for a one-way trip to Proxima Centauri B, a planet located in the Alpha Centauri solar system. Against all odds, Harold's name was drawn among the lucky few thousand individuals who won a ticket to the distant planet.

As Harold prepared for his journey, he took the time to say his heartfelt goodbyes to his loved ones. His family gathered around him, their eyes filled with both pride and sadness, his mother gently caresses both of his cheeks.

"Don't worry about us, son, use this opportunity to live a better life."

Harold tried to gold back his tears.

"I wished all of you could come with me."

His dad pats him on the shoulder.

"Once the communications is established, we'll be able to talk, so keep your chin up, son."

They understood the gravity of the situation and the opportunities that lay ahead, but parting ways was never easy. Manuel hugged his parents tightly, promising to keep in touch through the interstellar communication system that will eventually be established on Proxima Centauri B. After exchanging their heartfelt goodbyes and knowing that his life was about to change forever, they gave him one last loving hug.

Harold stood at the entrance of the massive civilian transport spaceship, his heart pounding with excitement. He had won a one-way ticket to Proxima Centauri B, a planet in the Alpha Centauri solar system, through a military competition. Earth had become a desolate place, plagued by overpopulation and toxic in the air, where gas masks were a necessity for survival. Harold saw this opportunity as a chance for a new chapter in his life.

As he stepped inside the spaceship, he was immediately struck by the grandeur of the habitation area. It resembled a small city, complete with towering buildings, bustling streets, and vibrant greenery. It was a marvel of engineering and design meticulously constructed to house thousands of individuals during their journey.

Harold wandered through the habitation area, his eyes wide with awe. People from different backgrounds and cultures filled the streets, preparing for the long journey ahead. He greeted strangers with a smile, excited to make new connections and learn from their experiences. Everyone seemed to share the same sense of hope and anticipation, eager for a fresh start on Proxima Centauri B. Harold quickly made friends with others who shared his military background. They sat together in the dimly lit bar aboard the massive civilian transport spaceship, Harold, Sarah, Amber, and Blake gathered around a wooden table. The ship en route to the distant planet Proxima Centauri B, carrying thousands of individuals seeking refuge from a war-torn Earth. As they sat nursing their drinks, the weight of their experiences etched deep lines on their faces.

Harold, cleared his throat and began his tale.

"I was just a farmer back on Earth, working in one of many dome farms. When the announcement came from the United Nations of Earth, that it was responding from an unprovoked attack from the United Cofederate Coalition, I dropped my job and joined up. I was stationed at a water treatment plant, and We fought to protect the the only sustenance left for our people even if the alwater wasn't completely clean. The battles were fierce, and I lost a couple of squadmates that I considered family while I was serving."

Sarah, a blonde with short hair and blue eyes and a hardened warrior with a scar running across her cheek, spoke next. "I was a doctor before the war. The Confederates bombed our hospitals, leaving our people to suffer without medical care. I couldn't stand idly by. I took up arms and joined the United Nations of Earth. The fighting was brutal, but we held on."

Amber, a natural red head, with her eyes filled with a mixture of pain and determination, added her story.

"I was a scientist working on developing technologies to purify water. But, our research was seized by the Confederate Nations Coalition. They claimed it as their own, leaving our people to suffer the consequences. The UN sent soldiers to retrieve the information, and that's when I joined them. Our mission was to reclaim our advancements."

Harold raises his glass to her.

"I know it's tough, having to lose all that research, but those bastards already paid for what happened."

Blake, a somber figure who bore the weight of loss on his shoulders, leaned back in his chair. "I was an engineer, designing filtration systems for the cities. When the war broke out, my family was caught in the crossfire. I witnessed their tragic end, and that fueled my determination to join the fight. The UN became my new family."

As their stories unfolded, the pain and loss of the Second Earth Civil War echoed through the bar. The stale air inside mirrored the toxic atmosphere back on Earth, where gas masks were a necessity to breathe. The battles had devastated the planet, leaving scars that would never heal.

After a moment of silence, Harold raised his glass.

"To our fallen comrades,"

he said with a mixture of sorrow and determination. The others nodded, and their glasses clinked together, a poignant tribute to the lives lost in massive brutal war over earth's most precious resource water.

Their journey to Proxima Centauri B offered a glimmer of hope. A new planet, untouched by war, awaited them. They were not just survivors; they were pioneers, carrying the memories and sacrifices of their fallen comrades. As they finished their drinks, they pledged to forge a new beginning on Proxima Centauri B, where clean water and fresh air could once again be taken for granted.

As the days passed, the Endeavor continued its trajectory toward Proxima Centauri B. Harold and his newfound friends immersed themselves in the ship's routines, adjusting to life aboard the vessel. They attended orientation sessions, learned about the unique challenges awaiting them on the new planet, and underwent physical and mental conditioning to prepare for their arrival.

Days turned into nights, and Harold continued his exploration of the spaceship. He visited the central park, a serene oasis amid the bustling activity. He strolled through the residential quarters, observing families preparing for their cryogenic sleep. He marveled at the advanced technology and the meticulous planning that had gone into creating this self-sustaining environment.

As the days passed, Harold made the most of his time, soaking in every moment before the cryogenic sleep began. He attended cultural events, enjoying music, art, and storytelling from various individuals with varying backgrounds on board. He even participated in scientific seminars, eager to learn more about the planet they were destined for.

The ship's captain made periodic announcements, reminding everyone of the approaching cryogenic sleep. Harold couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness as the bustling mini-city started to grow quieter. People began to retreat to their assigned chambers, preparing for their long slumber.

Finally, the day arrived when the captain's voice echoed throughout the habitation area, announcing that it was time for cryogenic sleep. Harold, now filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation, made his way to his chamber. He stepped into the chamber, feeling a surge of anticipation. The pod door closed, sealing him in. He settled himself in the comfortable interior, knowing that when he woke up, he would be on a whole new world.

As the sleep-inducing gas enveloped him, Harold's last thought was one of gratitude for the opportunity to embark on this extraordinary journey.

"Mom and Dad, I'm going to listen to your advice and make the most out of this situation and make you proud."

The spaceship fell into silence, the hum of engines fading away, leaving the bustling mini-city empty and still.

In the depths of cryogenic sleep, Harold dreamed of the possibilities that awaited him on Proxima Centauri B. He envisioned a thriving planet with clean air, vast landscapes, and a sense of freedom. He knew that when he woke up, he would be part of a new chapter in human history, forging a path in uncharted territory.

Harold's deep dream continues, with his thoughts filled with anticipation and dreams of a fresh start. Proxima Centauri B held the promise of a new beginning, a chance to leave behind the troubles of Earth and build a better future. As the ship surged forward, carrying the hopes and aspirations of humanity, Harold's last conscious thoughts were of the loved ones he left behind and the boundless possibilities that awaited him in the distant reaches of space.

Harold's eyes suddenly fluttered open as he emerged from his cryogenic slumber. His mind was foggy, disoriented from the sudden awakening. Slowly, the surroundings came into focus, and he realized he was in his small habitation home, located in a city-like area built within the massive civilian transport spaceship named the Endeavor.

The blaring sound of alarms assaulted his ears, heightening his confusion. Harold stumbled to his feet and made his way to the door. As he stepped outside, he saw other disoriented individuals emerging from their habitation homes. Among them were his military friends: Sarah, Amber, and Blake. They greeted each other with a mix of relief and bewilderment, their faces reflecting the same confusion he felt.

Harold asked, his voice filled with concern.

"What's going on?"

Sarah shook her head, her brow furrowed.

"I have no idea. My cryogenic pod malfunctioned, just like yours. I woke up to this chaos."

Amber chimed in, her eyes scanning the area. "Something is definitely wrong. Look at the panic around us. We need to find out what's happening."

Before they could discuss further, a resounding voice boomed over the ship's intercom system. It was the captain, his tone filled with urgency and concern.

"Attention all passengers! The Endeavor has suffered critical damage. We are currently on a collision course with Proxima Centauri B. All passengers who have been awakened from cryogenic sleep proceed to the emergency escape pods immediately. Brace for impact. This is not a drill."

Harold's heart pounded in his chest as the gravity of the situation sank in. The Endeavor was hurtling toward the planet, and their survival depended on reaching the escape pods in time. Without wasting another second, he, Sarah, Amber, Blake, and a random man named Mike, during the midst of the panic, sprinted through the habitation city, desperate to find safety, Panic and chaos surrounded them as people rushed to escape. The blaring alarms intensified, heightening their sense of urgency. They pushed past crowds of frightened civilians, dodging debris that had fallen due to the spaceship's damage.

Finally, they reached the emergency escape pod bay. It was a frenzied scene, with people scrambling to find an available pod. Harold and his friends fought against the tide, determined not to be left behind. With each passing moment, the situation grew more dire. The ship shuddered violently as it entered the atmosphere of Proxima Centauri B. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and the emergency lights flickered ominously. As they reached the last available escape pod, they all piled inside, relief washing over them. They buckled themselves in, clinging to hope that the pod would bring them safely to the planet's surface. The escape pod launched, hurtling through the atmosphere, its descent marked by intense turbulence. Harold held his breath as the pod shook violently, his knuckles turning white from gripping the safety harness, preparing to brace for impact as the escape pod crashed violently.

Harold found himself awakening to a scene of chaos and destruction. He was disoriented and in pain, but his survival instincts kicked in. He realized he was inside an escape pod that had crash-landed on a beach. The pod had been his only refuge after a catastrophic incident during the journey to the solar system Alpha Centauri, specifically the planet Proxima Centauri B.

As Harold slowly regained his senses, he noticed two female friends near him, Sarah and Amber. They were alive but in critical condition, desperately in need of medical attention. Unfortunately, the two male crew members, Blake and Mike, showed signs of fatal injuries. A mix of relief and grief washed over him.

"I can't believe I survived."

He took a moment to gather himself and assess the situation before leaving the safety of the escape pod.

"Currently, I have no choice but to leave the escape pod."

Stepping onto the beach, Harold surveyed his surroundings. The vast alien ocean stretched out before him, and he watched as the remains of the civilian space transport ship slowly sank beneath the waves. Uncertainty gripped him, and he wondered if they had indeed made it to Proxima Centauri B. Nevertheless, his focus returned to the injured survivors he had left behind.

Determined to help, Harold retrieved the inflatable raft stored in the escape pod. With the raft prepared, he mustered up all his courage and paddled out into the alien ocean, searching for any additional survivors. To his relief, he managed to rescue around ten other female survivors, who he guided back to the safety of the beach.

Among the survivors, Harold encountered an African American woman named Dayjanay, who revealed that she was a doctor. Harold felt a glimmer of hope, knowing that medical expertise was now available.

"Please do your best Doc, some of these people need their wounds tended."

Dayjanay replies.

"I don't exactly carry medical supplies with me."

Harold points at the crashed escape pod.

"You should what you need in there."

Dayjanay quickly set to work, attending to the wounded survivors as best as she could, utilizing the limited supplies they had.

While Dayjanay worked, Harold pondered the cause of the civilian ship's damage. He wondered what had gone wrong during their journey and what dangers this new world held.

"Did we fly through an asteroid field, or could there be something more to this?"

Meanwhile, the group of shaken survivors gathered together, establishing a temporary shelter on the beach. Dayjanay approaches Harold, who is assisting her with the wounded people he rescued.

"What do you think we should do about that forest behind us?"

He answers.

"Honestly, we should focus on helping the wounded first before we go exploring."

They agreed that further exploration of the densely overgrown beach forest would have to wait until the following day if people are feeling better by then.

As the evening approached and the alien sky darkened, the survivors huddled around a makeshift campfire, using the food supplies salvaged from the crashed escape pod to prepare a meager meal The crackling fire cast a warm glow, illuminating their faces as they made conversation and tried to find solace in one another's presence, and in the end they all unanimously voted to be their leader, since out of all of them he had military experience.

Harold and his newfound companions contemplated their next steps in this unfamiliar and hostile environment. They wondered if there were any other survivors besides their group and how they would navigate the challenges of this alien world. They knew they would need to rely on their collective strength, resourcefulness, and leadership that Harold had already demonstrated.

Under the alien night sky, Harold vowed to protect and guide the survivors, keeping hope alive as they faced the mysteries and dangers of Proxima Centauri B. Together, they would persevere, seek answers, and strive for a future in this new uncharted territory.