Part 3/9:
Buoyed by the buzz of optimism that accompanied the allure of Elpida, countries around the globe united to initiate a grand project: the development of three cylindrical spacecraft, named after Columbus' ships—Pinta, Nina, and Santa Maria. Each colossal vessel measured a staggering 3,300 meters in length and employed state-of-the-art thermonuclear propulsion capable of reaching speeds of 7.33% of light. With a long-term vision in place, humanity prepared to reach new horizons.