Eclipse Drift: Cosmic Odyssey

In the ongoing conflicts within space, advancements in drone robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) played pivotal roles in construction and maintenance endeavors. Autonomous drones became indispensable tools for erecting and repairing infrastructure in space's unforgiving environment, mitigating risks to human workers and enhancing efficiency. Telepresence technologies experienced significant enhancements, enabling operators on Earth to remotely manipulate robots and oversee operations in real-time with heightened precision. This augmented telepresence facilitated more intricate tasks, empowering humans to oversee distant locations sans physical presence. Simultaneously, the innovation of solar sails transformed interplanetary travel. These lightweight, reflective sails harnessed sunlight's pressure to propel spacecraft, offering a cost-effective and sustainable mode of transportation across the solar system. With the affordability of solar sail technology, even modest fami...

As Earth found itself encircled by satellites and outpost stations during the fervent Space Race of the late 22nd century, the escalation of tensions led to the onset of the Space Cold War. Factions representing various interests began jostling for orbital supremacy, either by forcibly displacing rivals or staking claims to strategically significant positions like high-angle orbits, such as the Molinya orbit, vital for military strategy. Skirmishes were commonplace as the struggle intensified over control of pivotal orbital locations and vital resources. Nation-states such as the United States, China, Russia, the European Union, and rising powers like India and Brazil became embroiled in these conflicts. Proxy battles and clandestine operations became regular features in the vast expanse of space, where rules of engagement were still evolving. The quest for dominance extended beyond territorial disputes to encompass economic stakes, technological prowess, and ideological rivalries. Ag...

“Gurdy, get ready to hit that button, will ya?”  The short-haired domestic tabby looked up uninterestedly then squinted and stretched out on the flight panel. Shown on the ship’s display, the space station stood in the distance, a massive metallic structure that seemed to stretch on forever. At its center, two giant launchers stood tall like the arms of an ancient atlatl, ready to fling spear-shaped rockets into the vast expanse of space. The station was a marvel of engineering, with sleek lines and a futuristic design that seemed to glow in the light of the stars. As the pilot approached the waystation, he could see the intricate details of the launchers. Each one was made of dusty metal that protruded from a central axis. The arms of the launchers were thick and muscular with hydraulic pistons, tapering down to a point where the spear-shaped rockets were loaded. The rockets themselves were sleek and deadly, with sharp edges and a pointed tip that seemed to glint in th...

In the world of The Stalk, a massive space tether named Beanstalk dominates the landscape, serving as the vital link between low-earth orbit and the ground below. Jacks, the vehicles navigating this colossal connection, are the lifeblood of The Stalk, bustling with constant movement and activity. Trash, the unwanted remnants of life aboard The Stalk, undergoes careful management. Giant disposal units, resembling expansive recycling facilities, dot the tether strategically. Waste management personnel ensure that every morsel of trash is handled responsibly, either recycled or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. The commitment to sustainability on The Stalk matches the strength of the tether itself. The passengers, affectionately called Beans, form a diverse tapestry. From intrepid tourists seeking space thrills to businesspeople shuttling between Earth and space stations, each Bean carries a unique narrative. Some crave the rush of defying gravity, while others bear the w...

Giddy up, space cowboys, cowgirls, and aliens! Are you ridin' the cosmic range to the Moon and in need of a place to rest yer weary bones? Look no further than the Moonbase Motel! Our little piece of heaven is located right on the trail to the Moon and is the perfect spot to take a load off before continuin' on yer journey. At the Moonbase Motel, we've got all the fixin's to make yer stay as comfortable as a warm campfire on a cold night. We've got grub aplenty, with vittles fit for a space-wrangler and a saloon to wet yer whistle. Plus, we've got a cozy place to lay yer head and catch some shut-eye. But that's not all, we've got a variety of activities to pass the time. We've got a gymnasium for stayin' in shape, and a rec room for when yer feelin' a mite more sociable. So come on down to the Moonbase Motel and experience the best of the frontier, with all the modern comforts of space travel. We'll be waitin' for ya’ll!

“No one knows what group caused the Undoing. Post-modern society had already begun the so-called “Battle Royale” Generation. During this hundred year period, every facet of society began warring with one another for dominance. Activism and rebellion invaded every facet of our lives. Lines of loyalty were drawn up and those without a cause were forced to retreat to entertainment fandoms or online communities. Unfortunately, the world politics and despotism of the late 22nd century grew to overshadow the lives of everyone living on the planet and invaded those areas, too. The space age had already begun, so the turmoil had forced everyone to become refugees off-planet where jobs were more plentiful. Close-knit families and communities grew abundant but separately in space while everything on the planet was steeped in societal pollution. Having more than one place in the solar system retreat to was what saved mankind from utter extinction. However, it wasn’t an Earth-shattering comet that...

So, you know, I got this scratchy ticket thing, right? And dang, I'm scratchin' away like there's no tomorrow, and guess what? I hit the big cash, like boom! I'm yellin', "Look at this, y'all, I'm rollin' in space bucks now!" People in that bar, they're starin' at me, jaw-dropped, like they ain't seen a lottery winner before. I start talkin', like, "I'm the luckiest son of a star in the whole galaxy, I tell ya!" Some folks lookin' at me like I'm speakin' alien talk or somethin', but I don't care, 'cause I got the big prize. I'm struttin' around the bar, throwin' imaginary dollars in the air, makin' a ruckus.  Then this fella comes up, all grumpy-like, and says, "You're just lucky, don't get all high and mighty." I'm like, "Luck? Nah, it's pure skill, my friend. I picked that scratcher like I'm navigatin' through asteroids." He don...

The exogens, also known as xenoforms, are recognized by these titles due to our human interpretations, where we have merged the roots signifying "externally generated" or "foreign-made" to describe them. Regrettably, the term "exogen" has persisted as a somewhat prejudiced descriptor, encompassing any non-human entity, whether constructed, mechanical, or programmatic. This term, it seems, remains ingrained in our lexicon. In recent times, valiant attempts have been made to adopt the distinct appellations various xenoforms have chosen for themselves, with the most prominent being the "Starborn." Yet, motivation to rectify this linguistic oversight appears scarce. It's essential to acknowledge that the use of either term acts as a marker, revealing the speaker's species. Within the realm of this narrative, we focus our attention on the Starborn. However, it's a realm filled with uncertainties, for who can ascertain the number of exogen ...

When I was a young iteration, I didn't know how I would increment. The trajectory of my function could have been different had I met with a nice estimator or flooring function. I always liked the idea of a rounding marriage and plopping out a few constraints but it never happened for me. I was too much of a wanderer, irrational and… diverging. As to be expected, my uniqueness was always seen as a problem by others; especially those functions and algorithms that considered themselves Convergent. Their religion tolerated only those whose sequences approached a real number that could be enumerated in the Great Linked List of theirs. The approach at that time was to assign a constraint to a diverging function like myself. We were all taught by the same Convergent priests to believe that only one kind of algorithm actually existed and that “the diverging” is a test from IO, their god, to limit the Series. The obvious state of society shows us that Convergent functions are everywhere. Th...