"As humanity embarks on the monumental task of exploring the heavens and colonizing other star systems, it is imperative that we approach this endeavor with our utmost dedication and foresight. The survival and prosperity of future generations depend on the actions we take today.

We must harness our collective ingenuity, compassion, and courage to ensure that our expansion into the cosmos is not only successful but also sustainable and ethical. This pivotal moment in our history calls for us to put our best foot forward, creating a legacy that honors the indomitable spirit of human exploration and discovery."

• Dr. Katherine Tange, Committee for Planning and Collaboration, The Traverseon Project

A fragile peace had emerged in the years after the uniquely capable and ethically minded artificial intelligence created by Dr. Maxwell Clarke had been allowed to enter the networks and systems of most of the planet's countries-and had necessarily driven its way into the assets of certain oppressive regimes as well. The democratic nations of the Earth had then been forced to decide how and where this uniquely benevolent and gifted entity should have a place in the world and, as humankind expanded its reach farther out into the stars, the entirety of the Universe.

This becomes a critical issue when a new threat to both organic and electronic beings raises its fearsome head, putting every peace-loving entity at risk.