prologue

In the vast emptiness of space, a brilliant dot streaked through the void at astonishing speed. To a distant observer, it might resemble a comet, but upon closer scrutiny, the outline of something artificial came into focus beneath the luminous facade.

The exploration vessel, NEW HORIZON, stood as the pinnacle of human space travel research and design, commissioned nearly a decade ago. It was not the fastest nor the most formidable spaceship crafted by humanity, yet it was uniquely constructed for a seemingly impossible feat—light-speed travel, a century-old fantasy turned scientific pursuit.

Seated in his elevated command chair, Captain James Miller's gaze was fixed upon the massive screen before him. "Lance, provide me with a status update," he commanded.

Officer Lance, positioned at the lower left, swiftly accessed information on his display and relayed the details to the captain. "Sir, both power reactors are operating optimally. Power output is at 22%. All ship parameters are within tolerance, and velocity is at 98.8% SOL, with continued acceleration."

Upon hearing this, Captain Miller released a sigh of relief. The journey embarked upon nearly a decade ago had been uncertain, with countless theories about the potential consequences of traveling at light speed. Although many unmanned probes had been dispatched with extensive observation equipment, communication proved futile. The fastest recorded speed achieved was only 67% SOL before all contact was lost. As such, project PIONEER was born—an endeavor that pooled resources to send both manned and unmanned probes, gambling on the possibility that at least one would succeed.

The NEW HORIZON had journeyed in isolation, transmitting data and signals in various forms, desperately hoping for a connection with humanity. With a crew of 24, alternating shifts of 18 months were undertaken to sustain the crew members in cryo-sleep. Today, however, all 24 crew members were awake, congregating in the command center, united in anticipation.

Amid palpable tension, Lance's voice resonated through the room, declaring, "Sir, we have reached 99% SOL." Captain Miller projected the velocity onto the main display, where the crew could witness the achievement. Standing, he addressed the assembly, his tone resolute. "Everyone, it's been an arduous journey, but we've reached our destination. Let's conclude this."

Applause and cheers erupted, masking the undercurrent of tension. As the crew executed the final steps of the operation, the ship's secondary engines roared to life, pushing acceleration further. The percentage continued to climb, approaching the precipice.

Yet, the ship's acceleration began to wane, as an officer reported, "Sir, the ship's acceleration is decreasing." Captain Miller's response was prompt. "Overload all engines. Maximize reactor output."

The crew worked in unison, their actions a symphony of expertise and determination. Time passed, and the percentage crept upward—99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%. A collective breath was held, hearts beating in anticipation. But the inevitable truth could not be denied, "Sir, the ship is at its limit. It can't accelerate any further."

Captain Miller's gaze turned inward, a moment of contemplation before his resolve solidified. "Activate Protocol Z Alpha."

The room fell into a profound stillness, broken only by the hum of technology and the beating of hearts. It was Vice Captain Ammara who finally spoke, her voice a mix of concern and determination, "Are you sure, Captain? Protocol Z Alpha is a last resort. We have other options."

Miller's response was unequivocal. "No, the alternatives are too uncertain. We've come too far to leave our fate to chance. Our duty is to lead the way for humanity, no matter the outcome."

Ammara surveyed the crew, gauging their collective sentiment, before nodding in agreement. As the crew saluted their captain, the bridge echoed with a resounding chorus: "For humanity."

Captain Miller's gaze remained steady as the crew initiated Protocol Z Alpha. The reactor overload, a calculated explosion propelling the ship, signified the culmination of humanity's aspiration. Unwavering, Miller witnessed the eruption of energy as the ship, pushed beyond the constraints of the natural world, ventured into uncharted territory.

In that instant, humanity's destiny was rewritten. NEW HORIZON was lost, its data and signals reaching Earth as intended. However, the proclamation that followed, broadcast to every corner of the solar system, heard by every human ushered in a new era.

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Species XB 3897A has surpassed threshold of 3 dimensional law

Species XB 3897A has been registered as humanity in the records of creation

All physical limits are released.

All biological limits released

Access to records of creation is granted

Access to infinite dimension granted

Humanity is now considered a galactic civilization

>>

But this momentous revelation also ignited an 800-year struggle for survival, culminating in the decimation of Earth and the dwindling of humanity. Only 11% of the population survived, embroiled in a war that forever altered their course.