In the year 2371, on planet Earth, humanity achieved a significant milestone: reaching Type I civilization status on the Kardashev scale. This accomplishment marked the culmination of centuries of progress in science, technology, and global cooperation.

Advances in sustainable energy sources, space exploration technologies, and the establishment of colonies on celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars propelled humanity into a new era of civilization. Even with high technology, humanity still cannot find life beyond Earth.

By the year 2551, as centuries passed, many began to believe that humanity had hit a wall, and they believed the only way to break humanity's limits was to develop a light-speed spaceship—a feat that seemed impossible with all the solar system's planets already explored and studied.

Despite the government's assurances that they would find a solution, they had yet to make any significant progress. Instead, they continued to divert funds for their own selfish reasons, leaving many feeling disillusioned and frustrated.

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A man with black hair and mismatched eyes—one a piercing blue, the other jet black—walked through the vast expanse of the space station, heading towards the central lift. He carried a large box full of technology supplies, easily weighing 200 kilograms, yet he managed it effortlessly with both hands. His face held a blank expression, devoid of any emotion. This was astra.

The station was a marvel of human engineering, a sprawling hub orbiting Earth that connected countless spacecraft and housed thousands of people. Its gleaming metallic corridors, lined with panoramic windows, showcased breathtaking views of the blue planet below and the endless stars beyond.

Astra carried a box effortlessly, filled with various pieces of advanced technology, making his way toward a lift. As he walked through the spaceport, he passed by a small shop. The shop's entrance was marked by a holographic display, and as he approached, a hologram of a girl appeared, greeting him with a cheerful voice.

"Welcome!" the hologram said, her image flickering slightly.

Astra did not respond, heading straight to the vending machine inside the shop. He selected three soft drinks from the display, his fingers moving with practiced efficiency. A screen above the machine lit up, showing his selections, and the hologram reappeared, this time beside the machine.

"Please confirm your purchase."

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Astra placed his hand on a biometric scanner. The machine processed his payment through fingerprint recognition.

"Thank you for your purchase," the hologram said, smiling.

"Hmm," he replied softly, taking the drinks from the machine.

Astra continued his journey to the lift, carrying the drinks along with the box of technology. The spaceport was a hive of activity, with people moving about, engaging in their daily tasks or preparing for their journeys to the stars.

As he walked, a spaceship flew overhead, its shadow briefly casting a dark streak on the ground. The hum of its engines was a familiar background noise, and no one around seemed to pay it any attention. He glanced up, his expression unchanged, before resuming his path.

The floor beneath his feet hummed with the subtle vibrations of the station's engines. Overhead, soft, ambient lighting bathed the hallway in a serene glow, highlighting the intricate designs and functional elegance of the station's architecture.

The lift doors opened with a soft chime, and he stepped inside. The interior was sleek and spacious, with touchscreens and holographic displays providing information about the station's various sections. As the lift ascended, his thoughts drifted to his weariness with the repetitive nature of his life.

We've come so far, yet it seems like we're not really moving forward.

The lift doors opened, revealing a bustling atrium filled with people from all walks of life—scientists, engineers, and workers. The atrium was a microcosm of the space station itself, a blend of functionality and comfort, designed to accommodate the needs of its diverse inhabitants.

He made his way towards the crew quarters, the box still balanced effortlessly in his hands. He entered the base where his team was stationed, a sleek and well-equipped area filled with advanced technology and comfortable living spaces.

Jaxon, the crew's mechanic, was hunched over a console, tools scattered across his workstation. His brown curly hair was partially hidden beneath a worn cap, and oil stains marred his jumpsuit.

"Got your supplies," Astra said, setting the box down on the table with a heavy thud.

Jaxon glanced up, wiping his greasy hands on a rag. "Perfect timing, Cap. I was just about to run out of parts." His voice was relaxed, and he gave Astra a quick nod of appreciation.

"Anything else you need?" Astra asked, handing him one of the soft drinks.

Jaxon cracked it open, taking a long sip. "Nah, this should keep me busy for a while. Thanks, man."

Astra nodded and turned to the rest of the crew. Elara, the blonde woman with glasses, was still engrossed in her work at the console. She barely glanced up as Astra walked over.

"Anything new happen?" Astra asked as he handed her a soft drink.

She finally looked up, accepting the drink with a polite smile.

"No, nothing new, as usual. Thanks, Captain," she said, her eyes lighting up as she opened the can.

Astra then turned to Mark, a young man with dark hair, who was busy with maintenance work nearby. He handed Mark the last drink.

Mark looked up, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Thanks, Cap," he said with a nod of gratitude, cracking open the can and taking a sip. "Just the same routine checks and maintenance tasks."

"Alright, guys. I'm heading out to my room for a bit. If anything major comes up, just let me know."

They all nodded and went back to their duties, keeping an eye on their consoles and scanning the horizon for any signs of trouble.

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