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First Week in New Liberty
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
After months of planning, I’ve finally arrived on Terra Secundus. Stepping off the transport shuttle at the New Liberty Spaceport, the first thing that struck me was the sky with its two suns hanging low over the horizon, casting everything in a golden glow. It’s beautiful, but surreal. Nothing on Earth quite compares to this.
New Liberty, the capital of Terra Secundus, feels like a blend of familiar and strange. Towering skyscrapers made of sleek, reflective materials stretch high into the sky, but at ground level, it’s a bustling metropolis with open markets, food stalls, and a lively population that seems to come from every corner of the galaxy. I’ve heard the city is designed to reflect utopian ideals, with mix of the old world’s charm and cutting-edge technology. I’m eager to explore.
My new apartment is in the Sapphire District, a buzzing part of the city with great views of the southern skyline. It’s strange being in a city where everything is new, literally built from scratch by pioneers, engineers, and architects over the last few decades. The architecture here is a wild mix of styles, but somehow, it all works. Tomorrow, I’m headed to explore the city’s famous mass transit system. I can’t wait.
Day 2: First Ride on the Transit Loop
Today was all about getting acquainted with New Liberty’s transit system, and wow it’s something else. The Mass Transit Loops runs like clockwork, a network of high-speed maglev trains that zip through the city in minutes. I didn’t realize how massive New Liberty was until I started using the loop. The city sprawls out across several districts, each one with its own distinct personality.
I took the Loop from Sapphire District to Central Plaza, the heart of the city. The train was sleek and fast, and the view outside the window was incredible. We passed through the towering skyscrapers, over green parks, and even across a massive floating harbor where I could see ships from across the Core docked.
Central Plaza was everything I imagined. It was outlined by wide pedestrian streets filled with people, vendors selling everything from local products to bio-engineered food, and the towering statue of the "Founders," the original settlers of Terra Secundus, standing proudly at the center. I spent most of the afternoon wandering around, soaking in the atmosphere, and trying some street food. Most notably was something called "gyrofruit," a local delicacy that’s both sweet and spicy at the same time.
Day 3: A Day at the Museum of Terra Secundus History
Today, I used the Loop again, this time heading to the Museum of Natural History and Science of terra Secundus in the Victoria District. The museum is housed in one of the more traditional-looking buildings in New Liberty, an elegant structure that wouldn’t be out of place back on Earth. I’ve always been a history buff, so this was one of my must-see stops.
The exhibits were fascinating. The early settlers faced insane challenges when they first arrived. I learned these involved hostile weather conditions, food shortages, even some early skirmishes with rogue colonists who didn’t want to fall in line with the planetary government. What struck me most was the tenacity of the people who made this place their home. They built New Liberty from nothing, turning this part of an untamed world into a thriving metropolis in less than a century. The holographic displays brought everything to life. I could almost feel the chill of the early colony nights.
The ride back on the Loop was quick and efficient as always. It’s amazing how connected everything feels here. In a city this large, you’d expect to feel overwhelmed, but the transit system makes it easy to hop from one part of the city to the next. Tomorrow, I’m planning to check out something a little more modern, the famous Sky Dome.
Day 4: Sky Dome and Nightlife in Quartz District
The Sky Dome was a must-see. Everyone I’ve met since arriving has mentioned it, and now I understand why. It’s an enormous structure that sits above the Quartz District, half an entertainment hub, half a sports arena, and entirely jaw-dropping. The best part? The entire roof is a transparent dome that offers stunning views of the stars, and when the suns set, you can see the two moons of Terra Secundus rise in perfect harmony. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Inside, the place was buzzing with activity. I caught part of a hover ball game, a serious sport on terra Secundus. Imagine soccer, but in mid-air, with players in anti-gravity suits flying between platforms. I couldn’t follow all the rules, but the energy in the arena was contagious. I stayed for a while, watching the crowd and marveling at how sports have evolved in this new world.
Afterward, I explored the Quartz District a bit more. It’s known for its nightlife, and I found myself at a rooftop bar with a view of the city lights flickering below. There’s a futuristic vibe here—neon lights, music that feels like it’s from another dimension, and drinks with ingredients I couldn’t even begin to identify. I met a few locals and expats, all eager to share their experiences of life on Terra Secundus. So far, everyone seems to love it here, and I’m starting to see why.
Day 5: Nature in the Sky Gardens
Today, I needed a break from the city’s fast pace, so I headed to the Sky Gardens, one of New Liberty’s most famous attractions. The gardens are perched on the rooftops of some of the tallest buildings in the city, interconnected by suspended walkways. Getting there was easy, thanks to the Loop, which drops you off just a short walk from the gardens’ entrance.
The gardens were lush and peaceful, a stark contrast to the urban jungle below. Exotic plants, some native to Terra Secundus and others imported from distant planets, filled the air with the scent of flowers and greenery. I spent hours wandering the paths, watching families and tourists alike enjoy the calm. There’s something magical about walking among alien plants, with the city stretching out far below you. For a moment, I almost forgot I was on a foreign planet.
I took a moment to sit on one of the benches and just breathe. It’s hard to believe that only a few days ago, I was still on Earth, surrounded by familiar things. Now, I’m halfway four light years away, exploring a world that feels like a dream brought to life.
Day 6: Shopping at Merchant’s Row
It’s my sixth day here, and I’m starting to feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of New Liberty. Today, I ventured to Merchant’s Row, a massive open-air market that’s become a hub for traders from all over Terra Secundus and beyond. Getting there was simple, just a few stops on the Loop, which has become my best friend this week.
Merchant’s Row was everything I’d hoped for and more. It was a sensory overload in the best way. I could hear vendors shouting out deals in dozens of different languages, the smell of spices from far-off colonies, and stalls filled with everything from hand-crafted jewelry to advanced tech gadgets. I spent hours browsing, picking up a few souvenirs and gifts for friends back on Earth. I even bought a small, bio-engineered plant native to Terra Secundus. It’s supposed to glow at night and I can’t wait to see that in action.
The highlight was stumbling upon a stall selling so-called rare biologically grown fabrics. The vendor told me the cloth was made from the fibers of a plant that only grows in the deep forests of New Avalon, another region on this planet. It was soft and iridescent, changing color in the light. I splurged and bought a scarf. I figure, if I’m going to be on Terra Secundus, I might as well look the part.
Day 7: Reflecting at the Grand Library
My final day of the week took me to the Grand Library of New Liberty, one of the largest repositories of knowledge outside of earth. The building itself is stunning, a fusion of modern architecture with ancient, almost cathedral-like design elements. Inside, rows upon rows of digital archives stretch as far as the eye can see, filled with information on every subject imaginable.
I sat in one of the quiet reading areas, gazing out the massive windows at the city below. It gave me a moment to reflect on the week. I came to Terra Secundus expecting to feel out of place, but instead, I’ve found a city that feels like it’s welcoming me with open arms. The people, the culture, the mix of old and new—it’s all woven together in a way that feels effortless.
The transit system has been my constant companion, and thanks to it, I’ve seen so much of what New Liberty has to offer. It’s strange, but I already feel like I’ve found a rhythm here, a routine amid the unfamiliar. I don’t know what the future holds, but if the past week is any indication, I think I’m going to love my time on Terra Secundus.
Journal of Lena Jacobs