Far in the future:

“I-Voyager, you’re ready for take-off.”

“Roger, Mission Control, ignition in 3 2 1 ….”

I-Voyager’s crew left for Proxima b. Their survival depended on nanotechnology to replace organs and to eventually transfer consciousness into synthetic brains.

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After generations of global warfare—including biochemical, viral, and robotic—humanity had forgotten the expedition.

A deep space AI translated transmissions:

“Earth, this is I-Voyager. We have returned ...”

“Who is this? Identify yourselves.”

On the viewscreen, the synthetic crew of I-Voyager appeared with tentacles, antennae, and eyes surrounding their heads.

“Invaders!”

United Earth Space Defense Grid instantly vaporized I-Voyager.