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Business on New Atlantis
Day 1: Arrival on New Atlantis
Touchdown on New Atlantis was smoother than I expected. The orbital shuttle glided through the planet's thin atmosphere with little turbulence. From the window, I caught my first glimpse of the sprawling urban network that makes up the European capital, New Europa, nestled in the Thames Valley. It's strange to think that this place was terraformed from a barren region into a thriving metropolis over the last few decades. As soon as I stepped off the shuttle, gravity hit me, lighter than Earth, but definitely strong enough to keep me grounded. It’s going to take a bit of getting used to.
The city itself is a blend of sleek modern architecture and remnants of Earth's traditional styles, clearly designed to evoke a connection to the old world. I’m here for a convention on bio-engineered crops, a burgeoning industry on New Atlantis. It’s exciting—New Atlantis is at the forefront of agricultural innovation, with crops specifically tailored to thrive in the planet’s unique climate and soil composition. The promise of the convention is high, and I’m eager to see the latest developments.
My first stop is to check in at my hotel.
Day 1: Hotel Check-in, View of the Thames Valley
The hotel is more luxurious than I had anticipated. I’m staying at the Royal Horizon, a towering glass structure with expansive circular windows in every room. My suite is on one of the higher floors, and as soon as I walked in, I was struck by the breathtaking view. From here, I can see the entire Thames Valley spread out below, the lush green agricultural zones weaving through the landscape like a patchwork quilt. I am really amazed by the attention to detail and services that the hotel provides.
The valley is a prime example of what bio-engineering has done for this planet. What was once a barren landscape is now home to vibrant fields of crops in the far distance, all designed to survive New Atlantis’s harsher conditions. The sight of green farmlands, shimmering under the sun of a foreign star, is almost surreal. I stood there for a while, just watching the light play off the fields, trying to process the scale of what’s been achieved here.
The hotel itself is impressive—high ceilings, minimalist design, with a touch of elegance. The room has everything I could need, and the staff seems to anticipate my needs before I even ask. I can already tell this is going to be a comfortable stay.
Day 2: First Day of the Convention
Today was the first day of the bio-engineered crop convention, and it was a whirlwind of presentations, networking, and product showcases. As a salesman for AstroGenetics, I want to put my best effort in coming out of this convention with contracts or agreements. The convention is being held in the New Europa Convention Center, a massive complex just a short walk from the hotel. I arrived early to catch the keynote speaker, Dr. Amira Shehzad, one of the leading scientists behind the bio-crop initiative on New Atlantis.
The focus of today’s sessions was on the latest crop strains designed to withstand the planet’s unique challenges: high UV radiation levels, mineral-rich but nutrient-scarce soils, and fluctuating weather patterns. One of the most impressive presentations was on a new variant of wheat that not only grows faster in these conditions but also requires 30% less water than Earth-native crops.
As the day went on, I had the chance to speak with several researchers and fellow business travelers from Earth and other colonies. It’s clear that New Atlantis has become a hub for agricultural science, and there’s a lot of excitement about the possibilities of exporting these engineered crops to other worlds facing similar ecological issues.
By the time the day wrapped up, my head was spinning with new ideas and potential business deals. I made sure to grab a few samples for my company to review back on Earth. Tomorrow, I plan to attend a more technical session on genetic modification techniques specific to planetary colonization.
Day 3: Exploring the City
After another packed day at the convention, I decided to take a break and explore the city. New London is an architectural marvel, blending human ingenuity with the alien environment. The city’s layout mirrors old Earth’s cities in some ways, but it has a futuristic edge with hovercraft zipping between the towers, green energy systems powering everything, and vertical gardens climbing the sides of buildings.
I took a stroll along the Thames River, or rather, the engineered version of it. The locals are proud of the fact that they named it after the original Thames back on Earth, though it’s more of a canal system designed to provide irrigation for the massive crop fields that dominate the valley. Still, it has its own charm, with modern bridges crossing over the water and small green spaces where residents relax.
It’s strange walking these streets, knowing that this entire planet was less hospitable than Earth. Now it feels like a thriving world, full of life and commerce. Everywhere I go, I see evidence of the bio-crop industry at the many markets selling fresh produce, advertisements for the latest crop variants, and of course, the massive agricultural zones visible from nearly every corner of the city.
Tonight, I’ll return to my suite and take in that view again. There’s something calming about seeing the vast green fields below, knowing they represent the future of planetary colonization and sustainability.
Day 4: Business Meetings and Deals
Today was less about learning and more about making connections. The convention was buzzing with excitement as business representatives from Earth and other colonies scrambled to secure contracts for the newest crop variants. I spent the morning in meetings, discussing potential partnerships for distribution and cultivation of these bio-engineered crops. There’s a huge demand for crops that can adapt to the harsh environments on newer colonies, and it’s clear that New Atlantis has perfected the formula.
One of the most promising meetings was with a representative from Agritech Corp, a leading agricultural firm based on Mars. They’re interested in a collaborative venture to test these crops in the Martian environment, which presents a whole new set of challenges. If this deal goes through, it could be a game-changer for both our companies.
The afternoon was spent attending a panel on “Sustainable Agriculture for Colonies.” The panelists discussed how bio-engineered crops can help alleviate food shortages on distant worlds. One speaker, an agricultural scientist from New Atlantis, explained how their crops are not just designed to survive but to thrive in a variety of alien environments, producing higher yields and reducing the need for extensive human intervention.
I returned to the hotel feeling optimistic about the future. The deals we’re making here could pave the way for a more sustainable interplanetary economy.
Day 5: Final Day of the Convention
The convention is winding down, but today was the most exciting yet. A demonstration was held in one of the bio-domes outside the city, where we got to see the crops in action. It’s one thing to hear about bio-engineering, but another to see the fields up close. Standing in the middle of a wheat field on an alien planet, watching crops designed to grow in thin, mineral-rich soil sway in the wind, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at what humanity has accomplished.
The final keynote speaker emphasized that this is just the beginning. New Atlantis is a testing ground, a proof of concept for what can be achieved across the galaxy. The idea that we can take barren planets and turn them into fertile ground for agriculture is still hard to wrap my head around, but seeing it firsthand makes it real.
I spent the evening back at the hotel, watching the sun set over the Thames Valley, reflecting on the week’s events. I’m leaving tomorrow, but I’ll be back. New Atlantis is more than just a business hub, it’s the future.
Day 6: Departure
My shuttle leaves in a few hours, and as I pack up my things, I can’t help but feel like I’m leaving a piece of myself behind. There’s something about New Atlantis that stays with you. I did not have a chance to explore the city outside of the convention district. Something I hope to rectify in the future.
The convention was a success, both professionally and personally. I’ve made contacts that will shape my sales portfolio for years to come, but more importantly, I’ve gained a new appreciation for what we’re doing out here in the stars.
As I take one last look out the hotel window, the green fields stretching out in the distance, I feel a sense of hope. We’re not just surviving out here. We’re thriving!