A research space convoy descends on an unexplored planet located millions of light-years away from Earth. Its mission is to thoroughly survey the planet's elemental composition and natural resources. As they venture across the planet's surface, they observe that it is abundantly rich in various minerals, ecosystems, and life forms. The planet is significantly larger than their homeland, with diverse terrains and a newly discovered mineral that opens new possibilities for technology advancement.
However, upon completing their initial survey, they realize that all the starships are operational. The ships' engines have failed to activate FTL drives needed for interstellar travel. Among the crew, half are scientists and researchers dedicated to studying the planet's unique features, while the other half are soldiers tasked with security and protection. Unfortunately, without proper repair equipment, they cannot fix the ships themselves.
All they can do is send distress signals to any nearby starship traveling, but given the vast distance, their messages might not be received for years or even decades. With no immediate rescue in sight, the stranded crew members decide to band together and establish a temporary community to survive and wait for help.
A hundred years pass in isolation. They have yet to receive any response, and many crew members have given up hope, choosing to focus on building their own civilizations, farming, and raising families amid the alien landscape. Nevertheless, a stubborn few refuse to abandon hope and continue working on what they can do.
In one quiet room of the tallest building in the city, Aaron is sleeping peacefully. A blonde-haired woman gently hums a lullaby beside him, while a man with glasses is busy at his desk, analyzing data.
"Looks like his condition is stable, and his expression remains consistent with that of a human"
"Prototype 0 still develops at the same rate as humans. He requires oxygen and is vulnerable to injuries, but does not age, nor does he have food or waste management needs."
"With creatium, we've come close to achieving immortality."
Creatium is a recently discovered mineral capable of mimicking and generating infinite energy after initial absorption. It is the key material used in Aaron's biological systems, integrated into his organs and tissues, granting him a lifespan free from aging and disease.
"If this development continues, the council will recognize our progress as a significant step in humanity's evolution"
The blonde woman protests at what she heard him say, "Hey, Jonathan, please don't call our son 'Prototype 0', what if he hears and gets upset?"
"You didn't give birth to him, Amy. How can he be our son?"
"But we provided the sperm and egg, which means he's biologically ours."
"That's not how it—
"He.Is.Our.Son." she emphasizes firmly.
Jonathan looks into Amy's serious eyes and he only nods in acceptance reluctantly.
"Good, I'll name him Aaron, Aaron Nihil Rex, a warrior king born from nothing," she says with a warm, triumphant smile.
"Our little king," she adds softly.
Jonathan sees her like this, noticing her unusual excitement, which is unlike her usual demeanor since Aaron was awakened from the capsule this morning.
"We started this project to escape this planet. Why are you so attached to him now?" he asks.
"Because, who wouldn't become attached to this adorable little creature when he calls us mama and papa?" Amy responds, her eyes shining.
He gazes at Aaron's face, the same white hair and amethyst eyes that belong to him, he thought to himself that he is handsome.
"You're right."
Amy tears her gaze away from Jonathan into Aaron's peaceful face, contemplating the future, full of both hope and uncertainty.
"Hey, what do you think about creating another Aaron?" she suddenly asks.
Jonathan considers it, puzzled by her meaning.
"It's still in the research phase, and we can't create another without solid data. For now, all we can produce is a lesser version of him, which isn't our main goal."
Amy looks at him with mild frustration at how dense he is.
"No, not that kind. I mean giving him a sibling, one I give birth to"
Jonathan checks his schedule, contemplating whether he has the time for themselves.
"When the timing is right and we're not overwhelmed with work."
"That's a promise?"
"Yes."
"Hehehe"
She giggles happily as she imagines being a true mother, and what it feels like have a baby in her womb.
The two spend an hour talking about their daily activities, plans for the future, and worries about their situation.
"Are you still sure we will be rescued? It's been hundreds of years since we were stranded here on Triberia," Amy questions.
The life expectancy of humans has increased dramatically over time, extending by approximately 1,000 years more than in the past. This remarkable extension is primarily a result of advancements in medicine, the development of new medications, and the process of evolution. These changes, whether driven by natural evolutionary factors or human-made technological interventions, significantly influence how humans perceive themselves and their place in the world, reflecting a shift in mindset influenced by increased longevity and health.
"That's why I initiated the Android Project. It's our best chance to get noticed," Jonathan replies.
"And I believe they can't resist wanting it... it's Immortality is too tempting to ignore."
"I hope so too."
She nods in agreement, even though she has mixed feelings about it.
Jonathan went to bed, gently arranging himself so that Aaron was nestled comfortably in the middle of the bed, sandwiched between the couple. As they settled in for the night, Jonathan gently reached out, brushing a sooty lock of hair from Aaron's forehead and curling an arm around him.
"It's already late at night, let's sleep," Jonathan whispered softly, his voice carrying a calm reassurance.
"You're right. Goodnight, my love," she said warmly, leaning over to press a tender kiss to Jonathan's cheek.
"Goodnight," he replied, offering a sleepy smile.
"Goodnight, too, my little guy," she added softly, her voice filled with affection as she kissed Aaron's forehead once more.
A few minutes later, Aaron's eyelids fluttered open, and he subtly lifted his gaze to look at his parents from either side, a shadow of melancholy clouding his young face.
(looks like I'm not hallucinating—thank goodness I still have a chance to change things)
(They've already begun to alter their attitude toward me)
Remembering the previous timeline, Aaron recalled how he had acted like a robot back then, no expression, no emotion, just mechanical responses. His father had never looked at him as a child, treating him instead as a tool for his project. His mother tried to connect to him, to reach out emotionally, but Aaron had not responded to her efforts. Eventually, she gave up and stopped visiting.
Only when his parents were killed did he truly feel sadness, the first genuine emotion of regret. Even now, those feelings linger in his mind, vivid and raw.
(I need to cooperate fully with all ongoing research to advance the project)
(The betrayal is destined to begin in ten years, I have limited time to prepare)
(The ten goddesses must accelerate their creation process)
(I have only a decade to change the course of everything)
(So please, don't die... I'll be a good boy)
As his eyes closed, he entered a silent prayer, whispering hopes for a better future.