Chronology of the Future

Chronology of the Future is a science fiction series written by Ian Tataj, with the first entry, A Short History of Man in Space published as an ebook in November 2020. The next entries are to be published soon, according to the author.

About
Telling the story of mankind's activities in space, from the standpoint of an anonymous future historian of the 26th century, the book begins by briefly introducing the reader to the human past, but emphasizes the philosophy of space-faring and its contribution to our advancement. Our achievements in space thusfar are summarized, and the present briefly touched upon, but the main body of the work concerns the days to come. Each period following the present and lasting until the year 2556, is simulated from a logical and scientific perspective, with major events, personalities, crises, and successes being treated through an as objective as possible, yet human, point of view. The actions and struggles of the individual, the United Nations, the nations of Earth, and those rising on outer worlds are carefully considered, and woven into the discourse of man's stellar destiny. The setting of the book concerns mainly the Orion Arm, as it is arguable that even with Faster-than-light-speed travel, crossing farther into the Milky Way Galaxy would take place long after the simulated period. Regardless of it being a work of fiction, serious parallels and cautionary tales are to be found that might impact our future development.

The events as unfolding from the present day touch upon the main topics of scientific and popular debate that we see today, as the next 'Space Race,' the one for the exploitation of the Solar system's steroids, takes place. Subsequently, the status of space agencies, the United Nations, possible global and planetary issues are tackled. New systems of government and social philosophies rise. Through difficult times on Earth and minor struggles in the Solar System, artificial gravity and Faster-than-light-speed travel are the next step towards the colonization of space. The problematic colonization itself takes place in stages, where planet after planet provide men with more opportunity, but also show that even a greatly advanced, technological civilization suffers difficulties. Events unfold similarly to what history teaches us; times of prosperity, wars, pandemics, and the struggle against nature drive men to seek their fortunes further, all across the Orion Arm. Yet another problem arises, as, in the absence of having found evolved intelligent life in space, men slowly become 'Aliens' to one another. The worlds of man, even then, go to great lengths to connect with each other through trade, transport and communication networks, and form a vibrant society. By the 26th century, man has settled 15 major and lesser planets, and there are 9 separate planet-states, all vying for cosmocracy.