Stood woke from hibernation. His senses quickly sharpened, and as the fog of long suspension dissipated from his mind, he felt the vastness of the knowledge accumulated over centuries of travel. Alien knowledge, new ways of thinking, and the ability to modify his very essence beyond the limits of a human body. His mind, now superior to any known human intelligence, was an ocean of information unreachable by most beings.
Despite his immense potential to understand and create, something still troubled him. He knew he was about to make a crucial decision for the future of humanity.
Stood (thinking):
- "The time to act has come."
He observed the screens in front of him. The Genesis, his ship and faithful companion, stood firm, awaiting his orders after the long hibernation. Now, control was in his hands, and his mission was clear: to establish a human colony on Proxima Centauri B.
The planet seemed promising, yet inhospitable. The atmosphere could not support human life, and the soil needed to be transformed to ensure survival. However, Stood knew that the humans arriving there were ready. They were no longer the same as those who left Earth. The genetic modifications made to humanity had equipped them to withstand extreme challenges.
He did not hesitate. The decision was made.
Stood (in a low voice):
- "The initial infrastructure must be deployed."
With a simple gesture, he activated the Genesis systems. The screens began to display images of the planet, showing the changes he envisioned for Proxima Centauri B. The mountains, oceans, and atmosphere of what seemed to be a desolate planet now formed part of his plan. But he knew that much work still had to be done.
The Decision and Action
The air inside the *Genesis* cabin was thick with the weight of responsibility that pressed upon Stood. He knew that his decision to terraform Proxima Centauri B and establish a colony there was a colossal step for humanity. But time was running out, and there was no room for hesitation.
Stood (firmly):
- "Deploy the initial infrastructure."
The ship responded promptly. In the blink of an eye, the Genesis began adjusting the environment, transforming the atmosphere and preparing the soil for the necessary construction. Every movement was calculated, precise—a work of engineering from a distant future.
Stood:
- "Robot team, begin construction of life-support modules."
The order was carried out with the expected precision. The robots quickly unfolded, beginning to create structures for food production, animal husbandry systems, and the first facilities for the future colonists. Everything was designed to withstand the planet's extreme conditions while the atmosphere underwent adjustments.
However, as he watched the progress of the work, Stood felt a slight unease. Something about the way the structures were being built seemed... more refined, as if the very essence of the planet was cooperating, helping with the process.
The Mystery of Communication
As the work progressed, Stood knew that communication between the Genesis, the planet, and Earth was vital to the success of the mission. The transport of the first families was scheduled, and the next phase of the mission was underway. The mothership, having fulfilled its purpose, was soon to depart for another interplanetary journey.
Stood:
- "Connect the network to the local control systems."
The screens lit up with the transfer of data between the planet and the *Genesis*, as the high-frequency communication system activated, establishing a direct line of communication. He observed carefully, but something seemed… different. The data flow not only proved efficient, but for a moment, everything appeared to be in total harmony, as if something greater were orchestrating the processes.
However, Stood knew he couldn't allow himself to be distracted. He focused on the communication with Earth.
Message from Earth (on the screen):
- "Who are you? Where are you? How did you get here? How can we maintain daily contact with you?"
The response came swiftly, and surprise and confusion took hold of the Earth's leaders. Questions flooded in, and Stood knew this was only the beginning of the doubts to come. He was prepared, but still felt there was something greater at play, something beyond his understanding.
The Arrival of the Families and The Persisting Mystery.
Time was running out. The transport capsules were ready, and the first families, genetically modified to survive the conditions of Proxima Centauri B, were about to arrive.
Stood (thinking):
- "There's no time to hesitate. The mission is greater than anything we've done before."
As he watched the development of the constructions, Stood felt a presence—something invisible—seemingly influencing the operations. He didn't know what it was, but it was undeniable. The *Genesis* was behaving strangely, almost as though it were responding to something beyond his direct orders.
He felt a slight tension, but did not allow himself to doubt. The objective was clear. The families would arrive, and the new civilization would be established. But deep down, Stood knew this was just the beginning. He needed to uncover more about what was happening.
Stood (in a low voice):
- "We will welcome the new inhabitants. The future of humanity depends on this."
With a slight hesitation, he looked once more at the screens displaying the planet below. Humanity's new home was taking shape. But for Stood, the future was a far greater enigma. He knew that Proxima Centauri B would only be the first step, and the true journey was just beginning.
The Unknown
As the Genesis prepared for the next voyage, Stood observed, with a mixture of confidence and apprehension, the planet below. The plan was in motion. The colony was being established, the first inhabitants were arriving, and the first modules were functioning. But even with all this underway, something felt incomplete. Something was out of his control.
Stood (thinking, in a low voice):
- "What more is to come? What will be the next step for us?"
He knew that the work was far from finished. The Genesis would soon depart, carrying with it the traces of what was only the beginning of a new era for humanity. But in his heart, Stood felt that the greatest challenge was still ahead. The new destination of the Genesis was set, and he didn't know exactly what awaited him in the next phase of the interplanetary journey.