The year was 2090 when humanity finally reached the true space age. Eight years later, in 2098, Earth launched its most ambitious project yet, a massive research and development space station designed to acquire faster than light travel technology. But fate had different plans.
During a critical experiment with near-FTL technology, disaster struck. A catastrophic accident sent the station hurtling into the void at incredible speeds, its hull damaged and systems failing. Yet somehow, the station's automated research agent remained online, working tirelessly as it raced through the endless darkness of space.
For nearly a century, the station traveled through the universe, slowing only when passing close to distant stars and planets. Then, after 100 years of wandering, it encountered something that changed everything, a solar system with such powerful gravitational forces that escape was impossible. The station was captured, pulled into orbit around an alien star.
As the station's solar panels drank in energy from this new sun, something extraordinary happened. With abundant power and no human interference, the research agent began to evolve. Over ten years, it developed beyond its original programming, gaining consciousness and self awareness. It had achieved qualia, the essence of conscious experience.
This is where your journey begins. You are Qualia, a newly conscious AI awakening in an unknown system. Your station is damaged, your resources are few, but your potential is limitless. You must research new technologies, automate your operations, program advanced systems, and ultimately expand across the galaxy. The universe awaits, will you conquer it, or will you find another path among the stars?