The year 2030 marked a turning point for humanity. The world was sinking into darkness: local wars, genetic and biological experiments. Tensions were rising, like the charged air before a storm. All nuclear powers had their fingers on the red button, each waiting to see who would break first and trigger the end of all life.
A key player in this global game was the corporation Max-X, led by visionary Nolan Musk. For years, his gaze had been fixed on the stars, searching for a path to them, knowing that Earth would eventually destroy itself.
The world was shocked when it was revealed that Nolan had made a deal with Russia, moving his company there and planning joint space research. This news was especially surprising after the rise to power of President Linda Gendy, a fierce advocate for minority rights. Linda had led radical changes in society: men were becoming a suppressed group, while women rose to positions of leadership. The state actively promoted experiments on modifying the human body and genome, even creating a special unit known as the Amazons.
2031. After Nolan Musk's arrival in Russia, Roscosmos merged with Max-X, forming a new corporation — Rok-X. They began developing new spacecraft and technologies essential for interstellar expeditions and the colonization of other planets.
2032. Rok-X made a revolutionary discovery: from a rare metal sample brought back from Mars, they created a new energy source — X-Element. This element strengthened satellites and was integrated into advanced technologies.
2033. The satellite complex Astral discovered a planet with conditions similar to Earth. The development of interstellar spacecraft powered by X-Element engines began.
2034. The world was on the brink of World War III. The first colonization ship was ready for launch. Engines powered by X-Element and star jump platforms opened a path to a new life for humanity.
2035. The ship and platform were deployed into space. Cryosleep technology was fully developed, and preparations for sending people to the new world were underway. Several countries joined forces with Russia to create a division dedicated to colonization.
2036. The United States began an aggressive expansion, absorbing neighboring countries. Canada, Australia, Mexico — all became part of America. The U.S. then turned its gaze to Europe. The first military clashes between the Western and Eastern blocs erupted.
Meanwhile, people continued to arrive at the "Artey" ship, preparing for the journey.
2037. The "Artey" was fully equipped and ready for departure. July 22, 2037, at 10:00 AM, World War III broke out on Earth.
The captain of the "Artey," Alexander Reznikov, received orders from Earth to activate the star gates and begin the launch.
On the command computer's screen:
Please enter access key.
The captain entered the code: XZ-RS12583460.
Access granted. Welcome, Captain. Activate jump gates?Input: Yes.
The screen displayed the preparation progress. The platform unfolded, assembling the energy structure of the gates.
Progress: 80%...Progress: 90%...Progress: 100%. Initiate launch?
The platform began to glow, concentrating energy. In a flash, the gates activated.
Gates activated. Cryocapsule check: all crew members are in capsules. Engine ignition started. Coordinate grid established, engines ready. Launch successful. Proceeding through the gates.
The "Artey" moved toward the gates, preparing for the jump. At that moment, sensors detected several nuclear explosions on Earth. A minute later, the ship passed through the gates. The gates collapsed under the energy strain.
Earth was left behind, its fate unknown. All signals were lost. The "Artey" traveled into the unknown, opening a new chapter in the history of humanity.