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.