Star Point

Prologue

Israel

Iran

South Korea

Japan

UK

India

France

China

Russia

Spain

USA

These were the countries represented on the Mission Discover rocket to Gliese 581 d. Each country sent 20 of their best and brightest applicants to represent them around the globe. Chemists, engineers, astronomers, botanists and more were all taken to establish a new community- a chance at achieving a new world peace seemingly unobtainable on Earth.

Marcelo Rivera Flores stared out of the window of the common area. He was always fascinated with the sights of deep space- the hues of purple and grey swirling together in clouds of dust reflecting the twinkle and shine of far away stars against a black backdrop. Those were the images that inspired him to apply to the Mission Discover initiative to represent his homeland, Spain, as its resident engineer. He could still recall that fateful interview at the Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial. He remembered anxiously running his hands through his thick, deep Auburn colored hair in the lobby. He could almost feel his fair skin become flushed again just as it did that morning when he tripped up the stairs in front of the committee, who thankfully found it charming.

"What about Eopsin?"
The soft, cheerful voice to his right made Marcelo tune into the conversation at his table. He shifted his large honey-colored eyes to the small-framed Korean woman next to him.

"Come again, Hahn?"

A smile tugged at the corners of Hahn Hae-Won's petite, rosey lips that stood out against her porcelain complexion. Her long Raven hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail, making her seem even younger than she was. "Do you ever listen, Rivera?"
A chuckle escaped from the other members of the conversation. "I said what about Eopsin?"

Marcelo raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Eopsin...?"

She rolled her eyes. "When we get to the planet, it's going to need a new name. We can't call it Gliese 581 d forever."

A new, gruffer voice jumped into the conversation from the table behind them. "No one wants a Korean name for the planet, imbécile."

Marcelo turned around and shot a glare at the snarky blonde Frenchman. "Watch how you speak to the ladies, Moreau."

Alexandre Moreau was the French geological representative with an attitude to match his intelligence. To him, the French were the only ones who had any business on the mission and the others served only to burn through valuable resources.

Moreau flicked his hand in disregard. "Planets are traditionally named after figures in Classical mythology, regardless. There is no way the council will allow something so untraditional, ma petite." He shot a playful wink over to Hahn, who returned the gesture with a snort of derision.

"There are only so many names they can keep choosing from in that category, Moreau. A new frontier means new rules." She smirked. " Plus, if they love the gods and goddesses so much, what better name than one who is known as a protector?"

Hahn casually turned back to face her colleagues at the table. "I think it is just about time to take my leave for the evening. I will see everyone in the morning." She began to walk away but quickly stopped in her tracks.
"Oh, Rivera!" She glanced back to Marcelo over her shoulder. "A good astronaut always has their listening ears on." With that, she retreated.