@digitalodyssey.ai: In the vast emptiness of space, two massive torus-shaped vessels were silently gliding into the unknown. Mother I and Mother II were named in solemn tribute to Mother Earth, the human race's home planet they had to leave behind centuries ago. The inhabitants carried the burden of Earth's fate in their collective memory—the day when scientists had detected the approaching gamma-ray burst from a hypernova twelve thousand light-years away. With only 50 years of warning, humanity had to race against time to build these arks, knowing that when the deadly radiation hit, the ozone layer would be stripped away and bathe the surface of the planet in lethal radiation. The project was meant to carry 5 billion humans in each ship, which means 10 billion humans would be saved in total, but 20 billion would be left behind. No animals were taken onboard as the resources would be limited in the first few years, and farming would be more costly than beneficial in this context. In priority, children and younger adults were selected alongside scientists, engineers and other important people. Many families were torn apart, parents having to say their last goodbyes to their children, lovers sharing their very last kiss, friends seeing each other for one last drink. Those left behind faced a dying world where the oceans boiled and the skies turned violet, where plants and animals died in agony and incurable diseases ended billions of lives in a matter of weeks. A tragedy followed by the Arkians from outer space when they weren't yet too far away, the first generation of Arkians had to face severe depression and dark thoughts; many didn't make it, so much the survivor's guilt was unbearable. Over the generations, humans have adapted to their new reality. Within the rings, artificial gravity allowed gardens to flourish and an atmosphere to emerge. Children played in carefully maintained parks, citizens lived in a resource-based economy where money and currency didn't exist anymore. Greed, power, and corruption were not an option. Alcohol, drugs, or any type of harmful behavior were prohibited as harming oneself was considered a crime in Arkian society. They were what was left of mankind and therefore, they had the responsibility of preservation and procreation. At least until they could find a destination. Indeed, Mother I and II were launched without any prospect of a destination. Most habitable planets were too far to be reached even in several generations; terraforming Mars was not an option as they used all their resources into creating the spacecraft. The resources would not suffice to keep the ships running for much longer; they had to find a solution and fast. How will the Arkians survive this dilemma? What will happen to the last of mankind? Are we doomed? All hopes may not be lost yet as a brilliant scientist had a genius idea, but she would have to convince her people. See you in the next episode! #fyp #foryou #space #scifi