Far in the future:

  “I-Voyager, you’re ready for take-off.”

  “Roger, Mission Control, ignition in 3 2 1 ….”

  I-Voyager’s crew left for Proxima b. Their survival depended on nanotechnology to replace organs and to eventually transfer consciousness into synthetic brains.

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  After generations of global warfare—including biochemical, viral, and robotic—humanity had forgotten the expedition.

  A deep space AI translated transmissions:

  “Earth, this is I-Voyager. We have returned ...”

  “Who is this? Identify yourselves.”

  On the viewscreen, the synthetic crew of I-Voyager appeared with tentacles, antennae, and eyes surrounding their heads.

  “Invaders!”

  United Earth Space Defense Grid instantly vaporized I-Voyager.