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Description

As the distant exoplanet Lithos loomed large in the viewports of the orbiting starship, a sense of awe and anticipation filled the hearts of its 5000 passengers. They had spent years aboard the vessel, traversing the vast interstellar void, leaving Earth, out of desperation.

The transition from the starship to Lithos would not be abrupt. It was a process, unfolding over several months. First, the crew of the starship initiated reconnaissance missions, exploring the planet's surface and assessing potential landing sites. Their findings were met with excitement and trepidation as they reported on the dry, rocky terrain and the promising underground water sources that held the promise of life.

As the chosen landing site came into view, the colonists gathered in the ship's main square in Hygros. Bathed in soft, artificial sunlight, families held one another tightly, their eyes reflecting the uncertainty of their new journey. The starship's captain, a steady and reassuring presence, addressed the assembly.

"Today marks the beginning of our new life on Lithos," the captain declared, their voice resonating through the speakers. "We've come prepared, armed with knowledge, technology, and the indomitable human spirit. Together, we'll transform this empty world into a thriving home."

The first group of colonists descended in shuttles, touching down on Lithos' surface with the task of preparing the first homes out of modular structures. These were constructed in a protected valley, as sandstorms and harsh temperature fluctuations are less prominent there.

As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, more colonists followed suit, bringing with them the tools and supplies needed to create a sustainable colony. They began extracting water from the depths of the planet and constructing hydroponic farms inside their habitats, then traditional farms outside their habitat. The process of terraforming and cultivating life on Lithos had begun in earnest.

Spreading vegetation on an inorganic soil is hard. The first choice of plants were succulents and hardy grasses that could spread around the newly created lakes. Soon after, larger more demanding plants could be brought down near the water. Date palms, reeds and even mulberry trees were planted along the wetter areas. The mulberry tree became much more important culturally during the 50 year voyage as it is the single plant that the silkworm eats. As silkworms get ready to pupate, they wrap themselves in a silken coccoon, which humans have used to make fabric out of for hundreds of years. As for the people on the ship, they liked making their own clothing and silk was the most sustainable material to produce on an enclosed starship.

After vegetation estabilished itself, the first herbivores could be released: insects. Grasshoppers, crickets, aphids and others. And to manage them, predators were needed. Ladybugs, ground beetles and the first vertebrate other than humans, the desert tree frog. As more water was pumped to the surface, more species could be transported their new home.

Each passing day brought new challenges, but it also brought new hope. The tightening grip of the AI was left behind and the uncertainty of deep space has ended. People were safe, at last...

Description

As the distant exoplanet Lithos loomed large in the viewports of the orbiting starship, a sense of awe and anticipation filled the hearts of its 5000 passengers. They had spent years aboard the vessel, traversing the vast interstellar void, leaving Earth, out of desperation.

The transition from the starship to Lithos would not be abrupt. It was a process, unfolding over several months. First, the crew of the starship initiated reconnaissance missions, exploring the planet's surface and assessing potential landing sites. Their findings were met with excitement and trepidation as they reported on the dry, rocky terrain and the promising underground water sources that held the promise of life.

As the chosen landing site came into view, the colonists gathered in the ship's main square in Hygros. Bathed in soft, artificial sunlight, families held one another tightly, their eyes reflecting the uncertainty of their new journey. The starship's captain, a steady and reassuring presence, addressed the assembly.

"Today marks the beginning of our new life on Lithos," the captain declared, their voice resonating through the speakers. "We've come prepared, armed with knowledge, technology, and the indomitable human spirit. Together, we'll transform this empty world into a thriving home."

The first group of colonists descended in shuttles, touching down on Lithos' surface with the task of preparing the first homes out of modular structures. These were constructed in a protected valley, as sandstorms and harsh temperature fluctuations are less prominent there.

As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, more colonists followed suit, bringing with them the tools and supplies needed to create a sustainable colony. They began extracting water from the depths of the planet and constructing hydroponic farms inside their habitats, then traditional farms outside their habitat. The process of terraforming and cultivating life on Lithos had begun in earnest.

Spreading vegetation on an inorganic soil is hard. The first choice of plants were succulents and hardy grasses that could spread around the newly created lakes. Soon after, larger more demanding plants could be brought down near the water. Date palms, reeds and even mulberry trees were planted along the wetter areas. The mulberry tree became much more important culturally during the 50 year voyage as it is the single plant that the silkworm eats. As silkworms get ready to pupate, they wrap themselves in a silken coccoon, which humans have used to make fabric out of for hundreds of years. As for the people on the ship, they liked making their own clothing and silk was the most sustainable material to produce on an enclosed starship.

After vegetation estabilished itself, the first herbivores could be released: insects. Grasshoppers, crickets, aphids and others. And to manage them, predators were needed. Ladybugs, ground beetles and the first vertebrate other than humans, the desert tree frog. As more water was pumped to the surface, more species could be transported their new home.

Each passing day brought new challenges, but it also brought new hope. The tightening grip of the AI was left behind and the uncertainty of deep space has ended. People were safe, at last...