The Dark Forest

Zhang Beihai addresses the crew of Natural Selection and the crews of the other four ships via hologram. After news of the fleet’s destruction, they give him command of the last five known ships in the fleet. He names them Spaceship Earth and begins making plans for their survival as Earth’s last hope.

On Earth, society suffers a breakdown, although the hibernators adjust better, already accustomed to the feeling of impending doom. Shi Qiang is placed in command of his village and suggests they migrate in case Beijing collapses and people come to the surface.

On Natural Selection, the first Citizens’ Assembly is held, and they support Zhang Beihai’s plan to reach the star Cygnus: Two Jupiter-like planets will provide them with enough fuel to change course for a solar system with a known Earth-like planet. It will take them nearly 2,000 years to reach Cygnus and there is a possibility that they will never find a new planet and will live forever on the spaceship. They declare their independence from Earth and the UN gives its blessing. They debate potential governmental structures and Zhang Beihai asks Dongfang Yanxu to retain his captain privileges as a reward for his work, ensuring her that he won’t interfere with her command.