Interstellar explorers must cope not only with extra-solar aliens but also with Terrestrials of later periods. In this respect, interstellar space travellers resemble futureward time travellers, like Wells' Time Traveller and Poul Anderson's Martin Saunders. "The Star Beast" and "Conversation in Arcady" both address this issue with respect to space travellers.
The Explorers
Earth became overcrowded.
Explorers departed, watched by billions.
With great difficulty, they discovered a colonizable planet and returned with this news.
Meanwhile, On Earth
Robotic technology was developed.
A Bio War killed most people but did not damage either buildings or technology.
The few survivors had everything that they needed and did not need to work and their descendants, still enjoying all the benefits of advanced technology, have no interest in extrasolar colonization.
One big culture clash.
This is what sf writers do: think of a premise, then think out its consequences.
1 comment:
The population would increase again, though.
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