2020: Star cluster in Taurus is discovered, designated "34 Tauri (2020)". Five stars and 14 gas giants found.

2021: Recycling programs beginning to fail, global warming increasing.

2027 to 2042: Terrestrial planets found by the dozens in 34 Tauri (2020). Most are believed to be within acceptable limits for terraforming.

2027: P/2027 (White Sun) 03 showing chemical signature of Earthlike conditions. Despite reddish hue, P/2027 (White Sun) 04 showing similar conditions.

2030: It's official: Earth will lose the ability to sustain 21st century society and current population levels within 100 years.

2035: The quantum nature of gravity is deduced, allowing for rapid and unprecedented advances in gravity manipulation technologies. Creation of artificial gravity and gravity screening soon follow.

2037: Space technology development vastly accelerated by new discoveries. Due to the advent of gravity technology, terraforming can take decades instead of centuries.

2040: First theories for evacuating the Earth presented. Gravity manipulation technology makes evacuation plausible idea.

2042: Terraforming technology tested on Mars with positive results.

2045: Terraforming of Venus, Mars and Earth's moon begun. Terraforming efforts will be abandoned within two years due to a lack of native resources.

2048: Failure of terraforming efforts in the Solar System hit home. Global morale sinks to new lows as riots break out in many major cities. Earth's governments decide that fast action is required to keep society from falling into chaos. As rebuilding Earth's ecosystem no longer appears to be an option, a plan for mass exodus is proposed instead. The GEA (Global Exodus Alliance) is formed and given unlimited governmental authority and complete control over Earth's meager remaining resources as member nations cede their power to the organization. The GEA moves quickly to take control of infrastructure, police and military and most of the private sector as well, all