Eli

Eli squinted, the unforgiving sun blazing relentlessly above. It has been years. A lifetime of this relentless brightness. His aged face, which bore the creases of someone who had lived through a particular era, looked out over the shimmering dunes of the desert, which seemed to go on forever. The tales of a bygone era, when the celestial expanse shimmered with countless stars and the serene glow of the moon illuminated the world, had faded into obscurity. Here, the past seemed to slip away, the moon a distant memory. 

He embodied a bygone era, a living testament to a time when Earth's deteriorating ecosystems compelled a frantic quest for a fresh abode. This desolate, scorching planet, Proxima B, had provided the solution. But what is the price? 

However, a gust of transformation swept through. The days gradually and inevitably became cooler. The sun appeared to sink lower in the sky. After months of careful observation, Eli confirmed a clear trend: the sun was gradually lowering in the sky. Eli diligently examined the ancient texts and made a remarkable discovery - this had been prophesied. The order of Day came before the order of Night, and either one could span an entire lifetime. 

There was a mix of emotions, but relief wasn't the first one that came to mind. It was an unsettling chill. The inhabitants of Proxima B had constructed their entire way of life centred on the unyielding sun. Their crops, their water collection, and their very shelters are all meticulously crafted for the relentless sun. In recorded histories Eli had recovered, night was a source of fear and dread, with stories of terrifying creatures and freezing temperatures passed down through whispered tales. 

Anxiety spread rapidly among the settlement. The Council, comprised of esteemed individuals chosen from the different founding families, descended into petty arguments. Some argued for a desperate return to Earth, which seemed rather futile given the sorry condition of the Exodus ships. Some suggested a daring race to the rumoured water ice deposits and a wealth of other resources at the poles, a journey filled with danger. 

Eli, known for his deep understanding of history and his unwavering composure, emerged as an unexpected leader. He suggested a bold, but achievable solution: a total overhaul of their society. Food production could potentially shift to bioluminescent algae, which would be cultivated in expansive, artificially lit caverns. Water collection would be of the utmost importance, with large dew traps built throughout the settlement. Shelters could be strengthened and insulated using salvaged materials. 

There was opposition to the plan, of course. The idea of giving up their sunny way of life for the mysterious horrors of the dark was a difficult concept to accept. But Eli was determined. He contended that unquestioning belief in history would not be their salvation. They had to evolve, to transform into something different - they must become the offspring of the never-ending darkness. 

Months of intense productivity ensued. The settlement underwent a significant transformation, focusing its resources within a secure perimeter. Thick, heat-reflective panels securely sealed the entrances of caves, transforming them into ideal environments for cultivating algae. Tall metallic structures, reminiscent of skeletal trees, emerged from the sandy dunes. The atmosphere had a palpable sense of anticipation and everywhere the sound of hard work prevailed. 

They will always remember the day the sun finally vanished from view. A wave of astonishment swept through the crowd as an unfamiliar shadow enveloped the surroundings. The stars, once revered, pierced through the emptiness, their unknown patterns flickering in the dark expanse. A haunting stillness descended, shattered solely by the melancholic wail of a rising night wind.

An overwhelming sense of fear gripped them, stirring their primal instincts. However, in the midst of the fear, a glimmer of rebellion ignited. They had worked tirelessly, exerted great effort, and endured hardships to prepare for this moment. They were determined not to let the darkness defeat them, but to overcome it.

The initial nights were incredibly harsh. The ill-equipped shelters provided little defence against the freezing temperatures. The bioluminescent algae, although it emitted a faint, greenish light, was not suitable for widespread cultivation. The pangs of hunger plagued their empty stomachs, and the absence of sound was an unrelenting torment. 

However, they gradually adjusted. Explorers set forth, equipped with reclaimed heat-signature detectors, to uncover the secrets of the creatures that roam the night - although, in truth, they discovered little that was new, apart from a curious, vast, white worm-like creature that emerged from sandy ground in the moonlight. Teams were set up to study the worms. Engineers, inspired by the legacy of visionary thinkers from the past, enhanced the algae cultivation chambers. The settlement, once filled with vibrant illumination, transformed into a mesmerising display of shimmering bio-radiance, standing as a resolute symbol amidst the eternal darkness. 

Years flowed seamlessly into decades. Proxima B underwent a remarkable transformation, from sun drenched to a huge silvery moon and countless stars' radiant light. The settlement has transformed into a remarkable subterranean city, showcasing the wonders of bioluminescent engineering. The strength of their surroundings cultivated a powerful sense of togetherness, a collective determination that shone brighter than any celestial body. 

As always, Eli, a delicate figure with eyes that reflected the vastness of the cosmos, stood mesmerised by the full moon, a brilliant gem suspended in the midnight sky. He fondly recalled stories of an Earth he had never known, with its soothing cycle of day and night. A wistful smile graced his face. They had discovered a newfound resilience in the absence of the sun, a strength that had remained hidden until now. They had become the offspring of the eternal darkness, and within its icy grasp, they had constructed a society that surpassed all expectations.