September 19th, 2057, Kilamanjaro Space Elevator.
The President of the USA, Steven Gaming, stepped up to the podium. It was to broadcast to all homes, all stations, on all frequencies. "People of Earth, the Moon and Mars, today we step forward into our place in the universe, in the largest manmade structure ever. It cost every human $100 to build this, and now, half a million people will go to Ymir, a whole new world for humanity. For the past 25 years we've been waiting for this moment. I will now take you live to Commander Rhein, who will be in commanding this mission."
Every screen then cut to a tall, middle-aged man, whereing a crisp white uniform. "Guten Morgen vorld. I vould yust like too zank eferyone who helped in ze creation of zis ship vhere half a million people vill make zheir home fur ze next seferal of monzs. I hafe a feeling zis vill be a trip to remember."
Things went on like that for several hours, with various dignetries giving their say, such as William III of the British Isles, and the Middle Eastern Energy Compeny, who more or less funded the enterprise. While all this was going on, half a million people were subjegated to the most intence searches ever. They then took the elevator to the ship. When everyone was on board, after several hours, the elevators retracted. Cmdr Rhein gave his speach: "Today, ve take our place among ze stars!"
On board, everyone got their own large house, and a car-like vehicle. They were given their jobs, and luggage.
On the top deck, Rhein gave the commnad, "Start ze varp drife!"