Prologue
In the middle of the 21st Century humanity received a decisive answer to one of our oldest questions;
"Are we alone?"
A probe from the wider galaxy landed on our world.
The computer contained within analyzed our language and with a broad spectrum transmission to the whole world told all of humanity the truth. That we were isolated in an incredibly hostile part of the galaxy. The only advanced life to survive in the pocket that the wider galactic community calls 'Cruel Space'.
The device then began to spew out information on how to construct ships that we might rescue ourselves from the cradle of humanity.
There was hesitation at first, confusion, but the decision by the United Nations was unanimous. The galaxy had extended a hand to humanity, and whatever was actually out there, humanity would reach back.
It led to the first great collaboration of our whole species. A whole world working together to produce one mighty ship, the Dauntless.
Commanded by the legendary strategist Admiral Garfield Cistern, the Dauntless would be crewed by the absolute best of all of humanity. While the years-long construction project to make the Dauntless began, she needed a crew to man her, and to make first contact on humanity’s behalf.
The probe had asked for a mix of every kind of human for first contact. A call went out for volunteers planet wide and great lotteries were held. Millions threw themselves into a grueling two and a half year training course designed to only pass the best of the best for a chance at the stars.
Each man and woman had to be a peerless soldier, but also a skilled technician, rough and ready explorer and mindful diplomat, for we did not know what challenges they would face away from our world. When the dust settled from this training, only six thousand people remained.
This was the hope of humanity to reach the stars.
To escape the harsh circumstances of our birth.
To ensure a better future for all mankind.
These were the men and women who would lead us out of Cruel Space.