Prequel: Leaving Earth

The quarters were small on the ship with only the few free common rooms. Those who brought food discovered that water on ship cost money. The use of kitchen equipment cost money. It turned out that the cheapest meal plan, 1 meal a day, gave you access to rationed water and a microwave. The ship gave credit, against the deposit on their possible return passage that they were required to make. It didn’t surprise very many passengers that the corporation had found ways to access the money they had each had to have placed on account. Nobody was traveling with the intent of returning, so mostly everyone signed over their deposit and bought the three meals a day plan with unlimited use of microwave and three rations of drinking water.

After the first week boredom set in and spats broke out among the settlers, some among partners. By the time they arrived on the new planet 30 days after departure, two passengers were dead, three more were injured and in need of care. The alcohol that had been handed out liberally on ship had not helped. Once on the ground, on the new planet, passengers watched as the drones collected vats of water and reloaded the ship before it disappeared in the sky leaving the new settlers behind looking somewhat stunned.

Leaders emerged, power struggles were common and the drive was to amass resources they would need. Water, food, shelter were the priorities.