the new gaia

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.