Sirius 11F84 – Colors of Light

In the not-too-distant future, Earth (Terra) has reached a phase of relative stability that could almost be considered world peace. After the last Fossil War, which consumed the great powers, countries of the Global South, particularly, led a transformation towards sustainability and regionalization. The United Nations was strengthened and took on the role of a global, democratically legitimized executive. Most of the larger nation-states disintegrated into smaller regions, which merged into continental organizations. Some territories, controlled by corporations, were recognized as individual states, resulting in a dynamic mix of sustainability-oriented democracies and growth-oriented, non-democratic corporatocracies. Corporatocracies drove Mars colonization, and the settlements were eventually integrated into the United Nations & Mars.

Recently, while working on Mars, a crystalline artifact was discovered, informing humanity that they were now considered civilized enough for the Interstellar Association to make contact. A date was set for reception talks on New Orea, a planet in the Sirius binary star system. These talks are seen as a test for Terra to show its best side.

The United Nations & Mars selected a delegation to travel to New Orea to participate in this unspecified test. The delegation travels with mixed feelings, unsure of the expectations and possible consequences of failure. On the other hand, an Orean delegation prepares to judge humanity, with differing opinions on Terra. While some Oreans are skeptical, others are eager to see this young species with all its faults and achievements.