Tobi was cooking his breakfast in his house which was practically in the middle of nowhere in Mississippi, USA. Around three years ago he has sold his parents apartment in New York city and bought around 70 acers of land here. He always wanted to build a city with perfect visuals and aesthetics. That was the reason for his masters in architecture and also why he sold his parents apartment to buy this land. Admittedly he would not be able to build a city here but he has decided to build something beautiful here to leave his mark on the world.
This would have been impossible four decades ago but things started to change for better after 2025. This was first noticed in some farms in India when yield of wheat started increasing without any change in methods of farming. The economy of most of the countries with farming culture was about to crash when Indian government decided to buy 70% of the crops at raised price and advised farmers to donate rest of the food. This trend was seen in many countries due to which poverty rates were nearly zero by the end of the decade.
Other major thing that happened was that many things suddenly became very efficient like old models of solar panels could create more electricity then the next gen panels at some point. Electricity started to conduct easily through certain materials. This resulted in a few power overloads in the electrical grid but it got sorted eventually. People’s reactions got quicker and somehow people got smarter or faster.
Despite all this and many other things the major change occurred in 2040 when scientists detected something large moving toward earth nearly 1000 light years away. At first it was believed that it is a solar flare. Many photos of a transparent multicolored clouds were shared with public. But two years later when a new satellite with latest specs was launched it was uncovered that instead of a solar flare it is a solid mass that swept through the stars engulfing planets and stars alike.
For the next few years after the announcement the world was in a mess. Few small-scale wars broke out. Finally, an alliance was formed between NATO, G-7, AU, South Asian and ASEAN nations along with Australia, Japan and South Korea. With the agreement that every member country will spend at least 5% of their GDP on R&D to prevent this calamity and an attack on any member would be considered an act of war. This alliance was named Ascension.
Another alliance was formed by China, Russia, most of the middle east and few south American nations along with Pakistan, North Korea and Vietnam with the name People’s Vanguard. The terms of this alliance were more lose with the most important aspect being mutual defense.
With this started an era of technological innovation and global stability. As years went by many more changes occurred around the world some were very logical others not. People started getting slightly stronger and much healthier. And it was concluded that humanity needed to move to outer space to thrive and escape this calamity.
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After a colony was established by the Ascension alliance on Mars the idea of war became obsolete. Although there was no real war after the world was divided on two fronts. Both blocs competed in terms of technological advancement. Soon after there was excess food availability and Ascension started to accept refuges on large scale from Vanguard nations which forced them to invest a lot on public welfare.
Ascension, after getting an advantage pressed on it and eventually forced the vanguard to operate under their rules. After the world was united there was a population explosion and soon both moon and its orbit were colonised.
Currently Tobi is nearly 80 years old but looks barely in fifties and acts like he is thirty. This was very common nowadays but the reasons were not known. He is 5’11” and in good shape dew to regular running. He has honey brown eyes with slightly grey hair at the length of his solders.
After having his breakfast Tobi goes to his garage and starts his truck. He is going to a city nearby to get some supplies for the buildings he wants make and groceries as he has invited his friends for dinner. He has already ordered some rare metals from asteroid mines and lumber from Russia he just need to pick them up.
Tobi pulls up to a shuttle dock window and honk. A young boy probably 30 comes out, “uncle Tobi, here to get your delivery?”, asked the boy. “Yes, it should be under my name little Saksham” replies Tobi. “You are aware that I am nearly 30 this year right, or did you hit your head while working on your project UNCLE.” said Saksham. “Shut it boy, and tell me where is my delivery also tell your old man not to be late for the dinner.” Saksham exhales overdramatically, “whatever”.
After sorting his delivery Tobi starts shopping for dinner in supermarket. Finally finishing his business in the city, he starts driving toward his house.
His house which is two story high made pure white marble with some purple stone looks stunning. However, it does not sit well with its surroundings which irks Tobi to no ends. “I have to finish the landscaping soon if I want start with the rest.” Tobi muttered to himself and went inside.
He starts drawing up plans and blueprints for upcoming buildings in his workshop in the basement. He is alerted by a sound in his display which is a reminder to start preparing for dinner.
After finishing up all the preparations he looks at his display. “they should be here any minute now.” And he hears the sound of the bell. He opens the door and there is Freya, he knew her from a collage party and became friends due to their common interest in architecture. “Beautiful place you got here.” She said beaming. Tobi smiles inwardly at this comment. “But it's a shame that the surroundings are in shambles. Looks like you lost your touch huh, seclusion has done a number on you I guess.” Freya continued. “You know how to bring a man down aye.” Tobi said shaking his head “I am working on it, anyways, come inside Ray”