“Leaders from each nation have an obligation to serve their own citizens, but making a better life requires us to work together in close harmony and unity.

"It’s in everyone’s interest to seek a world where all can feel prosperous and secure. A world where we humans can create a peaceful future for all to feel safe. Somewhere where no one feels limited or lacking.

"Thankfully, we live in a time of breakthroughs. A time where innovations in different fields appeared to crack problems that prior generations thought impossible to solve.

"And today, we have a great achievement for humanity. One that will plow the lands for every new human that steps into the universe, cultivating the myriad worlds that await us.

"It is my pleasure to-- announce one of the developers in terraforming technology! Give a big round of applause to Dr. Henry Ballymore, project leader for Nano-Space operations.” The announcer of the event gave an emotional discourse while he awaited for a round of applause.

*Footsteps and applause sounds*

“Mr. Henry, here you go.” The announcer lowered his voice when the guest arrived. He handed the microphone over while the UN current president held his hand out for the arriving guest.

“It is my pleasure, Mr. President,” said Henry while securing the microphone. He ended a handshake with the president and smiled at the cameras, before resuming the event.

*Coughs*

“It is a profound honor to participate in this United Nations meeting as a representative of the United States, to address the people of the world.

"As you may know, many developments have arisen since the creation of the nanotube technologies. Computers changed their nucleus to the more advanced Gallium counterparts and so on until today’s advanced nano-AIs.

"However, millions of humans continue to suffer the effects of this world’s limits. The population keeps rising and even with the controls implemented by the different nations, space is becoming one of humanity’s most valued possessions. It might not be obvious right now, but our world, our Earth, has become too small to hold us.” The man paused for a moment and looked towards the public.

*Applause sounds*

He smiled after the round of applause and continued his discourse.

“This is the second leap for mankind, following the footsteps of that first great explorer that set his foot on the Moon. On this day, we can finally make that second stride. A step that's even tinier than you all can imagine, yet the distance it gazes at is immeasurable.” He paused again but didn’t wait for the spectators to clap before rising his voice soundly, “Ladies and gentlemen, leaders of the world. Let me present to you, our new… Project…”

As the man stopped his speech, curtains opened and a video played on the screen. The whole hall was surprised by the development of the technology showcased. The promise behind it made the usual whispers of the conference site, delve into silence.

Slowly but surely, the video concluded and the speech resumed as the man gave the last words of it.

“Humans, this is the second step of our race. Self-replicating robots sent through space will spot the best worlds in the universe. They will prepare the lands for us until we arrive to colonize them.

"The future was never so near to our eyes.

"Welcome, to the true era of space.”

Henry ended his presentation and was immediately attacked by the curious questions of reporters and leaders. A party was held afterward, continuing until everything was deemed over and the event was concluded.

“Hey, you sure went all out!” A voice shouted after Henry as the party ended.

Henry turned around and smiled, already knowing whose voice it was. He opened his mouth and spoke, “Hi there, do I know you?”

“What? You being all proud now?” Said a woman that appeared behind the angry person. She didn't wait for an answer as she was already adjusting Henry’s tie.

“Nothing much, I shouldn’t be the one up there, you already know it should be none other than you.” Henry shrugged but didn’t step back from her.

“Wait, first you omit ‘I even know you’, and now, you even dare to erase my existence? Seriously, you pair of birdies know no shame!” The voice of a man entered their ears. The couple separated and looked at an angry-faced Asian.

“Ling, you shouldn’t interrupt lovers talking with each other.” Henry adjusted his tie slowly, looking prideful and self-important.

“Seriously, Ana, I don’t get why you went for this guy…” Ling expressed in between.

“There isn’t much to say about that,” Ana countered, then added, “It’s more important to know what happened in the conference, did they approve?”

“It was a success,” Henry expressed casually.