The galaxy can be a rough place, and Earth will have to contend with plenty of challenges if it wishes to secure for itself continued prosperity. There is the natural competition of other alien species, of alien marauders, a dimension-hopping conqueror, an eternal civilization at the heart of the galaxy, a biological scourge from beyond galaxy's edge - and behind them a terrible force that would like nothing more than to disassemble the Milky Way into its component materials - there is no end of threat and danger. But there are sublime wonders and delights for those brave enough to claim them. The galactic stage is not a place for the timid. One could be forgiven for not expecting Mankind to survive at all...but I believe it can find a way.