The Dawn of a Galactic Era

"The 100th anniversary"

### **2124: The Centennial of Earth's Uplifting**

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In 2124, humanity celebrated the **100th anniversary of Earth's uplifting**—the monumental moment when the Velutarian Hegemony extended a hand to humanity, bringing Earth into the galactic community. This event, widely regarded as the most transformative in human history, was celebrated as an official holiday across all UNE worlds, including Earth, Mars, Titan, and the many colonies that now dotted the stars.

Cities across the planet were adorned with banners, holographic displays, and light shows that depicted key moments in the journey of Earth from a lone planet to an interstellar civilization. Celebrations spanned days, with major events held across the globe and broadcasted to the UNE's many off-world colonies.

### **Global Celebrations on Earth:**

In **New York**, the seat of the United Nations of Earth (UNE), a grand parade showcased Earth's unity with its alien allies. Velutarian diplomats, Darexi Republic emissaries, and representatives from the Scyldari Confederacy marched side by side with UNE officials. Massive holographic displays beamed into the sky, showing scenes from 2024 when Empress Thyssara first made contact, followed by the century of progress that followed.

Mars, now a lush, Earth-like world, held its own celebrations. In the **capital city of New Terra**, festivities included a spectacular fireworks show in the Martian night sky, followed by a reenactment of the first terraforming efforts that transformed Mars into a thriving, verdant planet.

Across the **solar system**, colonies on **Europa, Titan,** and **Enceladus** joined the festivities, sending video broadcasts from their cities, where alien and human cultures merged seamlessly in a shared display of unity and progress.

### **A Message from the UNE President:**

The highlight of the celebrations came with a speech from the **UNE President, Elara Whitmore**, broadcast to every corner of the UNE's expansive territory. Standing on a stage beside Velutarian and Scyldari ambassadors, Whitmore spoke of humanity's journey.

"One hundred years ago, we stood on the precipice of change. The Velutarians showed us the galaxy and revealed that we were not alone. But it is not just their technology that elevated us—it is our spirit, our determination, and our unity that brought us to where we are today. From the depths of space, humanity has thrived, and we are now a proud member of the galactic community."

The president's speech concluded with a pledge to continue humanity's role in fostering peace, prosperity, and exploration in the galaxy.

### **Galactic Celebrations:**

On Velutaria, the capital of the Velutarian Hegemony, a ceremony was held to honor Earth's uplift. Empress Thyssara herself gave a speech, reminiscing about her decision to bring Earth into the fold and the bond that had been forged over the past century.

"Earth was one of the most promising civilizations we encountered, and over the years, humanity has proved its worth, not only as allies but as pioneers of progress. We stand proud to call humanity our friends and look forward to the centuries to come."

The celebrations spread across the galaxy, with **Darexi** and **Lokkur** diplomats attending UNE events, further cementing the relationships that had grown since Earth joined the galactic stage.

### **Looking to the Future:**

As the celebrations concluded, many reflected on what the next 100 years might bring. Humanity now controlled several planets in the Orion Arm, and their technological advancements—fueled by collaborations with their alien allies—continued to skyrocket. New frontiers awaited, with deeper exploration into the galaxy's core and the potential discovery of even more advanced civilizations.

The UNE, now a symbol of cooperation and progress in the galaxy, looked ahead to another century of expansion, innovation, and peace, reaffirming its commitment to exploring the stars and sharing the wonders of the universe with all who seek them. Empress Thyssara and the Velutarian Hegemony looked upon their work with immense pride, for humanity had become their greatest success in uplifting a pre-FTL civilization. The people of Earth, once confined to their solar system, had not only embraced their place in the galaxy but had flourished, spreading their influence across the Orion Arm and beyond. Thyssara saw humanity's rapid technological advancements, peaceful integration with galactic cultures, and thriving worlds as a testament to the empire's vision. Humanity's success was a shining example, proving that under the right guidance, a species could rise to greatness, and the Velutarian Hegemony's legacy would be forever tied to this extraordinary achievement.