Prologue- To Earth and the unknown.
In the far distance future, Earth was no longer inhabitable. Natural resources diminished, overpopulation plagued the land. Rather than fighting for what was left, the world banded together to form the United Humanitarian Survival Advancement. Working together, they looked to the stars as their last chance for survival. For once in history, the world banded together under one goal. The survival of mankind.
Abandoning the home world, humanity expanded throughout the galaxy. Exploring and colonizing the different planets, humanity took a step forwards towards the new frontier. Technological advancement was pushed beyond preconception.
Humans now had the chance to live either on a distant planet or perhaps on one of the many Living Stations that orbit around a certain solar system. On one of these station, Argies Station. It was holding it’s graduation ceremony.
“Luk Staz” – Announcer.
In response to the call a single student stood up and made his way to the front while the claps on his classmates accompanied him. The student is question was Luk Staz, a prominent individual at the age of 18. Standing tall he walked with grace towards the announcer. Hailed as a prodigy, he made passing mark in everything from bioscience to systematic data. All of it due to his hardwork and perseverance.
Like everyone else there, he wore a student uniform. His hair was short and curvy with a white hue. Contracted by this were deep azure eyes. Although he considered himself average, he has been called handsome on a few occasions.
Walking up to the announcer, he held out a small, thin tablet. On it displayed his achievement and graduation certificate. Taking his hand, Luk shook hands with the announcer.
“As per custom, what wish you like to be granted.” – Announcer.
The Academy as it was called was a system created to educate and train the youth for whatever occupation they wanted. Those with exceptional talent in multiple fields are granted one wish as it were called. Most of the time, the wish was used to grant them access to an occupation of their choosing. But for Luk , it was something else entirely. It was his gateway to the past.
“I wish to visit Earth.” – Luk.
All the chatter ceased and all eyes were on Luk. Most of the students there knew of earth but it was forgotten concept. A page in the history of mankind.
“Earth? As in the birthplace of humanity, correct? If you don’t mind me asking so, why are you do wish to visit such a place. The world has been uninhabited for centuries.” – Announcer.
Many voiced the same opinion. Earth was abandoned a very long time ago. And since then, no one really tried to go back there. It was like an old home that was decaying. Holding up his hand, he waited for everyone to quiet down before continuing.
“There are two reasons for this. Since learning of Earth, I had only grown in curiosity. The story and text that were written by those before it. It’s history and culture I was fascinated by its marvel, even to this day. Although we are better off than what we had so many years ago. There are still problems we face today. There was a popular saying back then. Those who ignore the past are doomed to repeat. The past shape us and if we can truly understand it, only then will we take another step forward.” – Luk.
Ending his speech he was meet with cheers from all around.
“That’s quite the noble cause. What about the second reason?” – Announcer.
“Why curiosity of course.” – Luk.
Luk’s rather blunt and simple answer managed to make the announcer chuckle.
“Very well my boy. If that is your wish, then we will do everything within our power to see it true. Congratulation.” – Announcer.
Heading back to his seat Luk waited for the end of the ceremony. When it was finally over, everyone went their separate ways. While heading back to his home, many congratulated him while chatted with him about his trip. By the time there were no more people, Luk had reached his home.
Entering the keycode, the door slide open. The room was expected as much from a future society. White, sparkly and clean. Setting the certificate on the living room table he took out a small orb and touched it surface. Outlines appeared around the orb as it shifted into a hexagonal shape. The outline formed a segregated line that looked similar to eyes just above a small speaker.
“So what did you think of my speech Echo?” – Luk
“This unit opinion is unnecessary.” – Echo
The one that responded to Luk’s question was the floating hexagonal. It was Luk’s personal A.I.A or Artificial Intelligence Assistance. The creation of artificial intelligence was the peak of humanity contribution. Everyone had their own specialized A.I.A. Luk’s designated A.I.A was 3Ch0, or Echo as Luk named it. Luk treated Echo more of a friend then simply a machine that works for him.
Sighing, lying back into the comfy sofa and rested. The rest was short lived as the door slide open to welcome in another person.
“Hello father.” – Luk
“Hello Luk.” – Luk’s father.
The man who entered was in his late thirties. A rugged man wearing a business suit and a rough hair cut. Not only was he Luk’s father, but he was a prominent figure in the Council that governed over the many systems. Avalin Staz.
“Are you alright father?” – Luk
“Well I was alright until you made that speech during the graduation. I’ve been getting all soughs of call from people congratulating me, mentioning you in their calls, and so forth.” – Avalin
“Sorry” – Luk
Luk’s father meant it to be a joke but Luk took as it seriously. Sighing and placing his hand on Luk’s head. He started to rough it up a bit to show that he was joking. Luk’s father all through didn’t show it, was a kind man. Many people often get the wrong opinion because of his position.
“I will admit though I was surprised when you said that. Are you set on going to earth?” – Avalin
“Yes, I am set on going there father.” – Luk
“Earth might not be there anymore. The sun might have already imploded.” – Avalin
“I’ve already calculated the time. At most it need about five more centuries before the sun goes supernova.”
“Well earth might have either froze over or turned into a wasteland by now. Doubt anything would be left standing.” – Avalin
“That is still yet to remain to be seen.”
Back and forth the two argued. Avalin was clearly against the trip during it’s initial conception. Very few people cared about Earth other than in the history text. Who knows what exactly happened after they abandoned the dying planet.
The two locked eyes with one another for several seconds before Avalin backed off.
“You and your curiosity. Just like your mother.” – Avalin
Avalin sighed while making that comment. Luk’s mother and Avalin wife died during the conception of Luk. Before, she was a history teacher that too was interested in Earth. Luk carried some of her traits with him. And much like her, once Luk was set on something. Nothing was going to change it.
“If that is your wish, then as your father. You have my support. I’m sure Nora would be proud” – Avalin.
Ending the conversation Avalin headed directly for his room, leaving Luk and Echo by themselves. Staying in his room he remained there for the rest of the day. Even going as far as Luk bring his meal to his room and setting it outside.
When it was time to sleep Luk headed to bed first. Luk couldn’t sleep properly as he was excited. After all, all the years of planning and learning about Earth, soon he would be visiting it. Believing that he would stay awake for a long time, sleep came rather easy for him.
“Luk. Please wake up. Luk” – ???.
Hearing his name, he slowly opened his eyes to see A.I.A floating. Clearing the dreariness from his eye, it turned out to be his father A.I.A.
“Father? Why are you speaking through your A.I.A?” – Luk.
“Sorry but we need to make this quick. Gather your A.I.A and a fresh pair of clothes. Then follow my A.I.A” – Avalin.
Leaving Luk with his instruction Luk lazily got up and did as he was told. Following his father A.I.A, they traversed through the hallways. On each individual stations, they have their own standard time. For Argies Station station it was about four O’ clock am. Continuing on their path they passed several corridors and hallways until eventually arriving at a door.
Walking in, Luk’s father was sitting alone while working on several floating screens. The room was dark with the only light shined in the area of his father.
“Father, it’s 4:12 in the morning. What exactly was so important that you had to drag us out here?” – Luk
“This.” – Avalin
Hitting a button, the lights were turned on. Luk shielded his eyes as he slowly adjusted to the light. The room they were in was relatively large, but that wasn’t it. Looking around he stopped at gawked what was in it. Inside was a small spaceship.
“That’s…That’s the X-04 Stormray.” – Luk
“That’s not all.” – Avalin
Walking past him he revealed another marvel. Floating in a suspended tube was a black lining thin jumpsuit.
“And that’s the thin fiber carapace armor. Aren’t these still in their testing phase?” – Luk.
The reason that Luk was so surprised at their appearance was because of their status. As humanity colonize the stars, there were still dangers. Space ships were used to travel through space and other solar systems. Armor such as the one shown was used to protect people from harsh environment or to outer space.
The X-04 Stormray was the lastest model for their ships. Faster, lighter, and more durable. It’s sports a metallic glean. The ship was circular in form with a cockpit at the front, extending forward. The armor was the latest model as well. A thin armor that adjust to the wearer. The armor had special, practically invisible nanofiber embedded in it. Which housed thousands of nanomachines that help with the function of the armor. The kick was that they were not ready for field use.
“Technically they have already finished testing. It’s just that it would take some time before actual production starts. These are one of the few test approve models.” – Avalin
“How…how did you get them?” – Luk
“I pulled a couple of favors.” – Avalin
Luk’s father spoke in a rather carefree tone, as if requesting valuable assets as these were of no consequences.
“But why?” – Luk
Getting down to it, Luk asked why.
“They will approve your wish, however I have no doubt there will be some changes to it. They’ll send extra people with you to make sure nothing happen. Knowing you, you’ll want to go on your own and explore for yourself. It’s my duty as your father to see that your wish comes true as well.” – Avalin.
Luk didn’t know what to say. What his father did for him, no man in their right mind would do so. It was only because his father trusted him that he would do so.
“Thank you father. I promise I’l…” – Luk
“Sorry but we need to make this quick. You’ll need to leave today before they figure out that they might be missing something.” – Avalin.
Cutting Luk off, he rushed him along.
“First order of business was to set you as the designated user. Echo there should be a special space for you to fit in. Integrate yourself into the suit and upload all systems and function to it while calibrating the rest. Once he’s done, put the suit on. It should immediately shrink to your size.
The suit is very special. It can withstand any temperature, both hot or cold. You can jump into a lava and still be fine. The structure is very dense as well, so you will be able to withstand even a giant boulder falling on top of you. The armor doesn’t use battery like most do. it’s outer layer is filled with nanobots that absorb solar energy to charge it. But it also has in internal power source just in case.
Then there’s the armor battle mode. Several of its weapon includes a gun that shots concentrated energy. An energy shield, remote control dual drones with blasters, a gravity mat on the back for flying, and dual plasma blade.” – Avalin.
Even listening to all of it, Luk couldn’t help but be astounded.
“The ship is also compatible with your A.I.A. Once he’s done with the suit, hook him up to the ship and let him do all the rest. In the meantime, help me calibrate some of the systems.” – Avalin.
Finishing his explanation Luk helped his father with the final touches. Within two hours they were finished. Putting on the suit it automatically adjusted to Luk’s body. The armor was made to be a light and thin as possible. Touching it, it also felt like another layer of skin.
“Everything is in order. As soon as I open the hatch, go and immediately jump to hyperspace.” – Avalin
Nodding Luk entered the ship but was stopped by his father one more time.
“Luk!…Good luck out there.” – Avalin.
Showing a smile, Luk smiled back and nodded. Running up to the cockpit Luk placed Echo in the designated area and every turned on. Slowly the machine turned to life. With everything automated Luk simply stood by and watch.
A soon as the gate opened The ship was underway. Flying through the gate they were in outer space. Luk watched as the station grew further and further away before coming back to his sense. Jumping to hyperspace the scenery warped as the darkness and star blurred together. Sitting back in the chair Luk anxiously waited in anticipation.
Within several minutes they existed hyperspace.
Echo: “Designation reach.”
Rushing up Luk ran towards the center of the ship where it housed a glass window on the floor.
“It’s…it’s beautiful.” – Luk
There was no other word to describe it. After so many years and reading up on Earth, there it was in all his glory. A blue planet with luscious green continent. Even after so many centuries it still looked predestined.
However the precious moment only lasted a moment.
Echo: “Warning…Warning…Warning…”
Immediately a red siren blasted through the room. Caught off by surprised Luk looked around in fear. Rushing to the cockpit he tried to get an idea of the situation.
“Echo! What’s wrong. What’s the situation!”
Echo: “Unstable release of solar energy detected. Conclusion: Star is beginning the early stages of implosion.”
Immediately checking if what Echo said was true Luk couldn’t help but leave his mouth hanging. Sweat flowed like a river as the truth settled in. In front of his screen was the sight of the sun going supernova. Exploding from the star were streaks of solar flares.
“What? That’s impossible. My calculation should be correct.” – Luk
“Calculating……Conclusion: Early rupture of star can be caused by external variables.” – Echo
Luk wanted to hit himself over the head. What he calculated was the star’s natural degradation. He never thought of taking into account of outside influence. Though few in number, the possibility was still there. And in his situation it was coming true.
“W…We need to get out of here! NOW! Hypersp–” – Luk
Before Luk could finish the ship shooked. Falling to the floor another flared shook the ship again.
“Hyperspace. Now!” – Luk
“Error. Solar flares radiation and solar flares have damage the ship and there are radiation leaks. Electromagnetic interference have damage some of the systems. Going into hyperspace during these condition wil–” – Echo
“I don’t care! Better than seeing star going supernova up close. Go!”
Shutting Echo off Luk ordered him to go. Hearing the recognizable beat they slipped into hyperspace. Before Luk could relax another warning siren blasted again. This time electricity and spark flew everywhere as everything was going haywire.
Echo: “Error. Error. Hyperspace distortion detected. Calculating….Conclusion: Ship will break apart once exiting hyperspace. Closing off sections. Immediate evacuation. Head to drop pod.”
Popping out Echo unit he merged it with the suit and ran to the drop pod at the end of the ship. Running proved to be quite difficult as the ship was rocking and turning.
“Exiting hyperspace within 17 seconds.” – Echo
Finally reaching the pod, there was just seconds left. Hastily getting into the pod he got in just as the worst of it was continuing. It was made only more dramatic as Echo slowly counted down.
“5……4……3……2…….1………………………………………………………………………………


