STN - 1st Century in Space

This news article was published in 2168 by the Stellar Times Network and authored by Lee Parker. It is a piece that celebrates humanity 100 years after the completion of the First Ring of Earth Station One.
The article was rejoiced by many who read it, however on the next day of publication, Jess Mills of the Prying Eye published a similar article though perhaps not in the same celebratory tone as STN.
Many people are questioning humanity's situation as for over 100 years, particularly since Jess Mills' article "Was Space a Good Idea?.". Humans have been living amongst the stars for 100 years and many are concerned about humanity's present and future.
Lee Parker however illustrates many of Humans of Earth's triumphs over some hardships.

Read the Document

STN - 1st Century in Space

1st Century in Space

Published 16/1/2168

By Lee Parker

Exactly 100 years ago today, the first settlers made Earth Station One (ES-1) their home. These people were the first of Humanity to take the leap of mankind and live above Earth. This marvelous achievement lead to where we are today. In this article, I am humbled to share parts of an interview I had with the first human born on ES-1, Saki Suzuki.
Saki Suzuki is 99 years old and will be 100 in December later this year. Not only was it remarkable that she was born aboard ES-1, but thanks to the advanced medicine and health care the Nations of Earth Alliance provide, it is said Saki Suzuki is as fit as an average 60 year old would be 100 years ago.
So I asked her, "what is it like to, not only have witnessed the first century of humanity in space, but to be a part of it?"
"Oh, it has been an absolute joy and privilage!" She replied, "indeed there have been plenty of issues to deal with along the way, but such is life."
Saki then continued, "not many of my age can say the same thing, especially as a lot of us "First Spacers" fought in the War. We have lost many lives in that brutal affair. Since peace was made and the NEA formed, I have never been happier."
The War of Humanity, as many call it, was the turning point of us as a society in space. 1.8 million souls were lost in that war from both sides as the Martians done everything they could to disrupt our way of living. They were almost victorious, however for the first time in history all of the nations of Earth united against Mars. Then once peace was made in 2120, the nations of Earth stayed united and fromed the Nations of Earth Alliance.
As time went on, most of the rivalries between the planets subsided. However tensions rose again in 2166 when the Dark Meteor landed on Earth. Many politicians of the NEA claimed Mars had something to do with it, especially as it was learned that the asteroid came from the Kuiper Belt and the Mars Union had recently at that time built the Neptune Orbital Lab. However, the Second War of Humanity was avoided.
With the meteor splitting and showered over Earth, the NEA had made the shocking discovery of Dark Crystals. After many experiments on this material, it was found that with electrical currents the crystal was able to manipulate Gravity.
Fast forward 6 years, and we are now in the process of installing Gravity Generators onto ES-1. With this new ability of manipluating, we can expand further into space and live more comfortably in the stars.
I wonder what the next 100 years of humanity in space would bring us?

Close

Type

Text, Newspaper

Medium

Digital Recording, Text

Authoring Date

16/1/2168