The initial idea for Beyond The Outpost came from a science-fiction narrative: in the year 2200, humans have achieved FTL (faster-than-light) travel, and an advanced research vessel embarks on a mission to explore unknown star systems. In fact, the exploration of the unknown and the wonder of the starry sky have long been among my favorite creative themes. It is not a subject rooted in any real-world setting, yet it is not about magic or the supernatural either. Planets, stars, gravity, nebulae, black holes, galaxies — to humanity, these are like a still, eternal backdrop. But what appears static and slow-moving harbors immense energy. The act of exploring them brings infinite possibilities — and a chance to uncover the very nature of existence. This sense of cosmic discovery is at the heart of my motivation for this piece.

Scientific exploration, I believe, is far from dull or monotonous. Quite the opposite: when we take our first steps under the vast sky, when we set foot upon extraterrestrial bodies, these are humanity’s boldest, most determined footsteps. Yet this is not our end point — it is merely the launchpad for the next bold attempt. That courage to explore, and the blend of wonder and unease in facing the unknown, is exactly what I wanted to convey in this work.

“A research ship carrying the best scientists of humanity has set off — no one knows what they will discover on the other side. Let us wish them luck.”