Project Machina

"There exist many people amongst us who hold the belief that the human race is not the only form of intelligent life in the universe. It does seem rather preposterous to honestly believe that we are the only ones who have evolved a greater intelligence, a heightened intellect, or even a set of moral values. Since the universe is seemingly infinite, there is no reason to assume that we would be the sole intelligent life forms to inhabit it. But what if we were? What if, in all the vastness of the stars and within all the cosmos, we were entirely on our own? If that were the case, we could restlessly scour the universe and galaxies, only to find that there was nothing there but crushed dreams and an immense loneliness. We would hop from planet to planet, system to system, star to star, only to discover that we were completely and utterly alone. That no matter how long we looked, or how thoroughly we searched, we would find nothing. Just an empty black void. How would humanity react to that? Would we rejoice in the fact that no extraterrestrial entities would be upon us with superior intellect? Would we beam with pride at the knowledge that we were the sole heirs to the stars, the only creatures that could rationalize and think? Or would we wallow in despair at the realization of our loneliness? Would our technological advances halt entirely with no outside stimulation and no further reason at all to advance? Could nothing save our idle minds from deterioration and eventual self-destruction?"

-Dr Harvey Stuart

The words of the raving scientist who, in his delirium, managed to throw the whole world into panic by implying the possibility that there was nothing with an inkling of intelligence in the infinite expanse of the universe. These words alone had the ability to inspire riots at space exploration facilities, petitions to cease funding to any and all space related operations within the government and the private sector. Looking back on it now, it seemed impossible. The space industry had blossomed into an unstoppable colossus that would not waver or topple. But, as it turns out, all it takes is an internet blog and a large number of misinformed people who had very little else to do. After his string of internet posts and tv interviews, spewing the same nonsense, all the damn world was convinced that there was naught to find but disappointment. And so, the colossus was toppled by a single stone underfoot. But of course, as in most cases, the view of the masses led to utter demise. Not only was there life outside our planet, but they were an angry bunch. They would later be called the G.A.L. (Genetically Advanced Lifeforms), and their armadas struck quickly, lethally, and without warning. Humanity severely lacked the defensive capabilities to hold out longer than 3 weeks before we were forced into hiding and scurrying in the dark. The only real option left was to escape. However, with most all interstellar craft and their manufacturers dismantled or bankrupt, that was hardly realistic. So, humanity did what humanity does when our backs are against the wall and almost all the other options are exhausted, we turned on each other. We blamed each other, we fought each other, we killed each other. All the while our invaders sat and laughed at the pathetic squabble that was transpiring on the surface. They hardly had to do much now but watch and wait for the fall of our civilization. Of course, humanity was about to show its truest colors, its restless valiance, and its unconquerable will to be the best. It was from this stew of emotions that the Deus Machina project was formed. Instead of spacecraft, we built humanoid machines capable of exiting and reentering the Earth's atmosphere at will. These machines were manufactured and dispatched to drive the G.A.L. out of the solar system at the bare minimum. They, however, managed not only that, but also hunted the G.A.L. to near extinction. Upon their return, they were treated as heroes, parades, fame, fortune, the whole nine yards. All was thought to be well on the green planet, but the unrest was almost palpable. Countries rushed to produce their own Machinas, and multiple wars broke out due to nations vying for dominance in space. Then the real upset came. People came forth claiming to be descendants of the G.A.L. and displaying strange powers. This was later known as the Salem Revolution, and those with power were labeled witches, and the Deus Machina were once more called into action. Thus, after the revolution was suppressed, the witch hunts continued, but the Machinas once again faded into obscurity, this time seemingly for good, at least until the next global threat