Chasing Humanity

Conquering space can be a thankless business.

JOHN BLAISÉ, nearing 60, founder and CEO of CosmosNow (aka CoNo) created a space empire to include a commercial/military satellite launch system, a lunar base with science stations, manufacturing labs and resort, space exploration vessels and an outpost on Mars. A private business, nearly all revenues go back into his company, making friends and enemies along the way. Intelligent, he’s almost naïve when it comes to believing everyone shares the same vision when it comes to the conquest of space.

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of ‘The Speech’ John shocks the world again by announcing he will turn CoNo over to a board of directors to carry on his work. Ostensibly to ‘pass the torch’ and concentrate on specific the Mars colony, he’s tired, knowing he’s nearer the end than the beginning; wants to grow old with his wife and reflect on -and defend - his legacy. Immediately, the vultures see an opportunity. His young nephew ETHAN PAULSON, involved with CoNo’s lunar mineral business, sees an opportunity to take over sell off parts into separate, private for-profit companies with the help of other investors (a la young Gordon Gekko). Later on, he changes his mind and wants to control CoNo as a single entity.

A new class begins at the Space Technology, Engineering, Exploration, Mathematics & Science Academy (STEEMS or the Academy) founded by John ‘for the purpose of preparing our youth for the conquest of space.’ MACKENZIE (MACKI) WILLARD, raised in a lower-class American family, begins her studies, bent on living the dream. IOSIF (JOSEPH) KOZLOV is a Russian upperclassman trying to live up to the family name. They navigate an academy so prestigious it easier to get into MIT or CalTech. Once in, Macki discovers one of her teachers fudged a test landing her a spot at STEEMS. The teacher’s willing to take the wrap, but dies unexpectedly beforehand. If discovered, she has no way to defend herself. Joseph, although intelligent, isn’t really into the rigors of study. Given his strong sense of family he doesn’t want to disappoint them, even at the expense of his own well-being. An excellent student, he does only what’s necessary to get through. He comes to admire Macki’s dedication.

YEVETTE KOENIG manages lunar operations. A former STEEMS graduate, she’s led a successful career. Her same sex spouse and their only child, with others, died in plane crash years before. Her despondence seen as a reason she’s passed over for the command of the newest exploration ship the VALENTIA TERESHKOVA. Like others, she’s totally loyal to John, and sees him as the savior of space exploration. Despite a stoic façade and consummate professional, she questions her life, more so after John’s announcement and the changes it may bring.

Everything changes when probes on Saturn’s moon Titan make a mysterious discovery. Adding to the chaos: corporate politics and the scientific ignorance -and hatred- many in society display.