stretching beyond the bridge’s windows. At 31,his muscular physique spoke of years of training.His short, chestnut-brown hair was slicked backslightly, and his blue eyes were full ofseriousness and determination. Wearing amilitary uniform with proper insignia, he lookedevery bit the leader ready to face any challenge.Off duty, however, he preferred simple, functionalclothing—a NASA-logo shirt, jeans, andcomfortable sports shoes.

​

The ship Timothy glided through the void, itssteel hull vibrating ever so slightly under the ionreactor’s power. The mission he had prepared forall his life was finally beginning.

The crew was already aboard—selected fromthousands of candidates. Scientists, engineers,medics, and the first settlers who would becomethe foundation of a new civilization. For most ofthem, Timothy was the last home on their journeyinto the unknown. Their new world would beMars.A calm, female voice came from the speakers:

 

— Commander Tvorkov, all ship systems areoperating within normal parameters. Predictedsynchronization with the Mars landing trajectorywill occur in four days, eight hours, and twentysevenminutes.

It was Agnes, the artificial intelligence managingTimothy. Programmed to ensure their safety,analyze thousands of flight parameters, andmake decisions faster than any human could.Tvorkov had grown used to her voice—itsounded like the voice of a ghost trapped in amachine, devoid of emotion, yet strangely comforting.

​

— Copy that, Agnes. What’s the status of thecryo-pods? — Tvorkov asked, turning toward theholographic interface displaying the ship’scondition.

 

— All biological units are awake. Adaptation levelto microgravity conditions is at 94%. Nosignificant side effects reported.That was good news. Some crew membersstruggled to adapt to life in space, especiallyafter months spent in cryostasis.

 

The ship’s bridge was bustling with life. Themission’s chief officer, Aya Takahashi, a 28-yearoldJapanese woman who had studied andworked in the USA for several years, was readingbiomedical reports at the navigation station. Slimyet physically fit, her long black hair was oftentied back in a ponytail, and her dark brown eyeswere accentuated by delicate glasses. Aya wasone of Commander Tvorkov’s closest crewmembers—his best friend and most reliablecompanion in the field.

 

Technical Captain Hiroshi Takeda was, as usual,inspecting the life support systems. Meanwhile,Dr. Lucas Benet, the astrobiologist, was deeplyimmersed in analyzing atmospheric data fromMars, updated hourly by orbiting probes.

— In four days, we’ll become part of history,

 

—Takahashi said, lifting her eyes from the screen.Tvorkov nodded but didn’t reply immediately. Hefelt the weight of this mission more than anyoneelse. They all knew they wouldn’t be returning toEarth. Mars was to become their new home —whether they lived or died there.

 

— How’s morale? — he asked, changing thesubject.

 

— Good, Commander. People are excited, butthe first tensions are starting to show. It’s normal— some still feel uncomfortable after coming outof cryostasis. I spoke with Dr. Velasquez — herecommended additional adaptation sessions.

 

— Good. The last thing we need is a crisis beforelanding,

 

— Tvorkov muttered.Suddenly, Takeda turned from his terminal.

 

— Commander, we have a slight issue with theventilation system in Sector C. Agnes reroutedthe airflow, but I’ll need to check it personally.

— Go. I don’t want any failures after landing.Takeda nodded and left the bridge.Tvorkov sighed and leaned back in his chair.Four days. Then Mars’s atmosphere, duststorms, the first steps on new soil. The life theyknew on Earth was already over. Only survivaland building a new world mattered now.

— Commander, should I launch the landingsimulation for the crew?

 

— Agnes asked.— Yes. Make sure everyone runs it at least twice.I don’t want any surprises.The holographic display lit up with a detailedlanding plan.

The main transport ships woulddetach from Timothy and descend toward thesurface, while automatic drones delivered thefirst base modules, and the human teams beganterraforming their new home.There was still so much to do, but one thingmattered now

— the landing. Because if anythingwent wrong, this entire mission

— their dream ofa new beginning

— could end before it ever trulybegan.