The first of the corporations was founded in the mid 1900’s. It started by using resources found in Earth like silicon and rare metals to make products. It grew powerful, along with others, until the resources grew scarce and the companies fought amongst themselves. Eventually, it consolidated itself, cornering the market in its chosen field and ingraining itself in economy.
At the end of the 21st century there were only five companies in the entire world. They produced everything that was needed for life and the less necessary necessities. They were so vital for the health of the world civilization that any thought by governments to “bust” them were thrown out. They were too important.
They created the first, and only, Artificial Intelligences, computers designed to know all and adapt with time to do anything allowing the corporations to stay ahead of the market. All other technology was in some way connected with one of the corporations, and an AI.
Around 2130 Earth became inhospitable for humans. The corporations had used every last resource and left behind only toxic waste. Once the AI’s failed due to inefficient power, civilization crumbled. The human population declined as food, water, and shelter ran out. Only the strongest survived, but not for long.
This is the scene that we faced. Trash littered the streets, buildings were burned and some torn down. Both human and machine carcasses gave the landscape an eerie desolate feeling. The AI remains were found, burned and in disrepair, with a sign on each reading “Depend not on another, but lean instead on yourself.”
“I knew we were gone too long this time. You leave them alone for 300 years and this is what you get,” said the captain at this sight. We had a policy never to leave one of the trial colonies alone for more than 100 years, lest they destroy themselves. We avoided this once before when the nations threatened nuclear war. It’s not completely their fault; they were too young and ignorant. We should have taken better care of them.
We hope that sector Novus13 has fared better than this.
Official Report #16408:
Colony: Earth
Date: 14/62/31016
Population: 0
Planet: Stable, inhospitable
Outlook: 500 years for recovery
Comments: Extremely capable species, innovation levels extremely high, intelligence levels moderate/high, as a species destructive towards environment, aggressive nature. Future note for recolonization: Good species, although young. Highly recommended to recultivate with minor modifications in creation and maintenance.
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