~ 47 years ago ~

The man watched from his balcony. To humankind, this was just another Wednesday. But to him and his organization, it was the beginning of an era.
    The rocket lifted off. It would never come back, not in his lifetime. If they were lucky, it would be in his children's, or his grandchildren's. He just hoped it was worth it.
    Saluting the shuttle, he walked away.

The woman sighed. It was done now, and nothing short of a catastrophe could undo it. She took off her headset and shook out her hair. She kept telling herself that there was nothing else to do. Everything had gone smoothly, and they were already setting up the satellites to catch the photos sent back, 50 years from now. Then, they would have an idea of that planet with the possibility to support humanoid life. But she would not see it.
All that was left to do now was wait.

—

    Far, far away, beyond humanity's imagination, there was a civilization on the brink of war. It was only a matter of time. Soldiers were training, citizens were packing, and politicians were spreading lies.
    It was a world much like this one. The difference? Something of this magnitude had not happened. Ever. A war between those peoples would easily wreck their galaxy if left unchecked. The repercussions might even reach that little blue green planet, with the young sun.
    But it was when, now. Not if. The scouts had reported a shuttle leaving their atmosphere today. The target? Ojera. Two planets away from war-torn Farea.
    Waiting was deadly. Hurrying was fatal. Which would they choose?