Crisis after crisis, humanity had been on the brink of self-annihilation for almost four centuries. First climate change brought huge natural catastrophes and mass migrations. Then were the two world wars following it that killed billions, further worsening the climate and rendering almost half of the planet uninhabitable. This finally made the climate collapse, causing what came to be known as the Meltdown: extreme equatorial temperatures released greenhouse gases trapped in both the soil and rocks of the uninhabitable zones, creating a feedback loop that rapidly expanded the danger zones and reduced the oxygen levels. Draconian measures were taken under the banner of the hastily formed United Earth Government. Atmospheric and oceanic geo-engineering, massive reforestation programs, strict bans on private transportation and polluting industrial processes, and forced relocation of most of the remaining population into arcologies were some examples. It was halfway through the 24th century that humanity finally escaped its executioner by the skin of their teeth. Gwen did not live through any of this. Born in the post Great Filter late 25th century, she is part of a generation that looks at a future of endless possibilities. Humanity has expanded throughout the solar system and even visited its stellar neighbors. It is now about to take the next step and cross the vast distances to the closest inhabitable planets. Gwen couldn't care less about being a colonizer, but it seems her father is of a different opinion. She will embark on an adventure across stars and centuries as part of the first wave, learning more about the universe, herself and, ironically enough, the humanity she left behind. She will come to learn that the old ways of her species might not be so old after all. When an opportunity presents itself among the stars and the future of the galaxy is put on the scale against humanity, what will she choose?