In the spring of 2017, the Aasbo Observatory detected a strange radio signal from the region around the red dwarf star Ross 128. The signal disappeared immediately, but that same year, an Earth-like extrasolar planet was found in the same region. This coincidence raised suspicions, especially since the signal seemed to have been deliberately turned off and would not reappear until 150 years later.
By 2167, the signal from that region reappeared, and all telescopes on Earth focused on that region. Almost immediately, a second rocky planet was discovered near Ross 128. Analysis showed that this planet was slightly larger than Mars, had half the gravity of Earth, and had an atmosphere similar to Earth’s, with 25% oxygen.
Humanity realized they were not alone in the universe and named the planet Elpida, which means “hope” in Greek. This planet is 11 light years away from Earth. By the 22nd century, humanity had developed thermonuclear rocket technology and began building three giant spaceships 3,300m long at the L1 Lagrange point in the Earth-Moon system. These ships were named Pinta, Nina, and Santa Maria, after Columbus’ famous ships. Each ship was capable of traveling at 7.33% the speed of light, taking 150 years to reach Elpida. Each ship carried 2,000 people selected from leading experts, along with their families.
The journey began on September 1, 2197. The ships left Earth with a gradually increasing acceleration rate and reached nearly 10 m/s², creating artificial gravity. After 26 days, the ships reached their target speed and stopped their main engines, continuing to move by inertia. Then, the rotary engines were activated, generating centrifugal force to maintain 1G gravity, helping life on board gradually stabilize. During this process, classes, cultural activities, and scientific research were conducted.
One year after departure, the ships had traveled 0.7 light years, and space agriculture had been successfully established with aeroponic technology. Plant and animal DNA banks were preserved to ensure biological resources for future colonies. In particular, a notable event was the birth of the first interstellar child, signaling the development of a new generation on board.
50 years after leaving Earth, the ships had completed the halfway point to Elpida. The population on each ship had increased by 500 people. New generations had begun to take control, and the reproductive rate was strictly controlled to ensure the maintenance of the ecosystem and the balance of resources.
100 years later, the ships were 7.3 light years from Earth. The fifth and sixth generations were born, while weak signals from Earth were still being received. Some new traditions were formed, and physiological changes due to low gravity appeared: the average height increased, the eyes adapted to low light, and the eye color gradually changed to green or yellow.
Finally, after 150 years of travel, the ships approached Elpida. A small red dot gradually appeared before their eyes, and as the landing date approached, the ships began to slow down. The ships entered Elpida’s geostationary orbit and sent probes down to explore the surface. The first images from the planet showed a strange landscape, with seas, land, and strange clouds, signaling a completely new life for humanity.
