After Earth

The Great Divide, 2836 AD

In the late 28th century, the Earth experienced unprecedented climatic upheavals that drastically altered the course of human history. This period, often referred to as the "Dark Times," saw the collapse of civilization due to extreme climate changes, including prolonged droughts and devastating floods attributed to relentless global warming.

The Dark Times

The "Dark Times" were marked by significant biodiversity loss, with many species driven to extinction and vast swathes of the Earth rendered uninhabitable. The human population dwindled to a mere twentieth of its former size, confined to isolated patches of survivable land known as "Havens." These Havens, scattered like rare oases in a vast desert, became fiercely contested zones where the remaining populace struggled to maintain a fragile existence.

Formation of the United Nations Second Confederation (UNSC)

In the year 2836 AD, the surviving leaders united under the banner of the United Nations Second Confederation (UNSC) in a desperate bid to preserve what remained of human civilization. The UNSC's bold plan involved the construction of Thesia, a floating city partially submerged to harness marine resources and escape the dwindling patches of habitable land. Thesia's mission was twofold: to scour the seas for undiscovered Havens and salvageable resources, and to strive towards making Earth habitable once more. The UNSC envisioned a future where human interference was minimised, allowing natural processes to heal the planet.

The Rise of Civilization United Beyond Earth (CUBE)

This vision, however, was not universally accepted. A faction of scientists, engineers, and philosophers emerged, arguing that humanity's salvation lay beyond the stars. This group, known as Civilization United Beyond Earth (CUBE), believed that Earth was beyond saving and that the future of humankind depended on finding an inhabitable stellar system. CUBE's ambitious plan involved constructing a colossal spaceship to transport those willing to leave Earth, ensuring that human civilization could restart on a new world before the population dwindled beyond the point of recovery.

The Struggle for Support

Both the UNSC and CUBE faced the critical challenge of securing public support and resources. The UNSC needed these to survive on Earth and execute their vision of healing the planet, while CUBE required them to construct their spaceship and seek new frontiers. Public opinion and funding were divided, with community elders and leaders expressing suspicion about the motives behind both organisations. They urged the populace to delay their decision until immediate living conditions improved, advocating for the expertise of both factions to be utilised for the common good.

The differing visions of the UNSC and CUBE highlight humanity's enduring resilience and adaptability in the face of existential challenges, and the ongoing struggle to balance hope for the Earth's recovery with the dream of new beginnings beyond the stars.

Thesia