Origins 4

With the realization that something extraterrestrial was about to swing by earth came the knowledge that humans were not alone in the universe. But, while some countries debated the merits of announcing our presence, one country was determined to make the most of their maturing space program to make first contact.

The People's Republic of China made no secret about their ambitions to land and colonize the moon. As a result, other space-faring countries raced to stake their own claims. India, Japan and the European Union all diverted resources to join their American and Russian counterparts in space ventures. In addition, there was the perception that the world's most populous country might become a dangerous force given its recent posturing and increasing military strength. Now it appeared that the Chinese government was determined to represent earth and perhaps stake a claim on whatever technologies might be gleaned from the derelict, a prospect that did not sit well with the other countries of the world.

The laws of physics also conspired against human efforts. After the derelict made it's close approach to earth it was headed for a close encounter with the largest planet in the solar system. With it's massive gravity, Jupiter held special reign over the inner solar system. Objects passing within Jupiter's influence could be thrown into the sun or at the inner planets or catapulted from the solar system entirely. When the derelict made it's close pass it would be launched into a longer orbit or perhaps banished from humanity forever.

The opportunity to learn from an alien civilization on our own doorstep meant throwing every resource earth had at retrieving the derelict before it reached Jupiter. Having just returned to the moon, the United States had both the technology and budget to make a leap for the derelict. Additionally, the EU, Japan, and a few private firms had signed on as partners to offset costs and to share in the benefits. Their primary rival, China, would go alone confident in their ability and unwilling to divide the spoils.

In late 2024, after significant effort and engineering, eight humans-five from the US coalition and three from China-were on their way to intercept the derelict. The only questions revolved around who would arrive first and what they would encounter when they got there.