The year is 2166. Humanity has averted countless crises—from wars and conflicts to the looming threat of global warming. Averted, but not entirely prevented. Earth is no longer what it once was. Though humanity has saved itself, its resources are far from infinite.

Juliet Sagan had trained her entire life to venture into space—and now, that opportunity was finally hers. Juliet, or Jules, as she preferred to be called, stood on the cusp of history. Mankind had already journeyed far into space: walking on the Moon and Mars, sending probes into the depths, even brushing the edges of the Milky Way.

After years of study and exploration, a planet not unlike Earth revealed itself. Dubbed Copernicus, it was identified as a prime candidate for colonization. Other astronauts had gone before, but none stayed longer than a few months. That was about to change.

Now, it was Jules' turn—and this mission was permanent. She would be the first to begin humanity's true colonization of Copernicus. Her ship, the RX-78, was the pinnacle of modern engineering—crafted by the greatest minds across nations. With her, she carried a vast supply of grain, seeds, and genetic material—everything needed to reintroduce wildlife to a new world. If successful, others would follow.

And she wouldn't be alone. Her husband was by her side. The launch was flawless. Now, it was only a matter of time before they reached Copernicus.

This was her dream: to live among the stars, to see Jupiter and Mars up close. Her nerves were buzzing, but beneath it all was something bigger—purpose.

"Hubby dearest," she whispered, eyes bright with stardust, "we’re finally going to leave our mark on history. The first souls of Copernicus. And there’s no one else I’d rather do it with."