Prologue

It is the year 5042.

Thousands of years ago, nuclear war broke out amongst every major country in the world. Of course, this had been anticipated for more than a few lifetimes. Bunkers and shelters were built in every capable household. Many, however, were not convinced that this would be enough. Existing projects began to be fitted to suit the nuclear protection effort. By this time there was already a small research colony on the moon, and construction began to expand the base to accommodate for more people and more civil life. Similar research domes at the bottom of the ocean were also converted into bigger, city-like shelters. Those left without the money to travel to the moon or time to wait for an open ocean slot began to dig. Hundreds of miles into the earth’s crust they drilled, creating tunnels and passageways connected to each other.

In the year 2409, they were ready for the strike that came, but those left on the surface were not. Everything was destroyed across the globe. The blasts spared nothing and left the surface of earth uninhabitable indefinitely. Meanwhile, over the years, the survivors and their safe havens were ever expanding; in size, and away from each other. They fell out of virtually all contact and developed their own cultures and ways of life.

Those in the underground tunnels were closest to the surface, and therefore were able to salvage the most material. Books, metal, tools, animals. Their culture relied heavily on knowledge and electricity. There were numerous libraries built, as well as trains and coal mines. Without sunlight, artificial light was a must. Not only did it provide light for navigating the intricate tunnels, but light for the oxygen providing trees to grow. Being an electrician became a highly respected profession. Coal miners and scholars were also held in high respects. With all the salvaged books and more being written all the time, the underground has the most well kept record of history in all three of the surviving colonies.

The survivors at the bottom of the ocean grew close to their planet in a much different way. Before the nuclear threat forced the domes to become habitable long-term, they were used for farming. The surface had already been overcome by industrial expansion and pollution, making it increasingly difficult to grow crops. The domes were used to grow produce, and when they were converted into living spaces, the crops remained. A large center dome was built to be a city with many small shops and merchant stands. There are five tunnels that leave the city and connect to smaller domes, different provinces that provide different crops. There are not many trees, but small houses on great plots of land. Other than farming, fishing became a common practice. There are special domes that allow the water to be exposed below that are used to catch deep sea creatures. With a culture that revolves mainly around agriculture, naturally, there were scientists that tampered with the plants’ genetics. This developed many species of plants that did not exist on the surface or in any other colony. They are used for medicine and cooking.

Only the rich were able to afford transportation to the moon. This created a highly wealthy and organized culture. The barracks from the original colony were expanded to accommodate the increase in population. There is a large center dome, where balls and town meetings are commonly held. There are four smaller domes on the north, east, south, and west sides of the compound. These hold shops and schools and public buildings. Many religions and celebrations have been adapted based on the stars and it is common for children to be named after a star or constellation they are born under. The community became very superstitious and developed beliefs and theories based on the mysteries that surround them.

All of these communities have lived widely separated from each other, until recently. Signs of life have begun to show themselves on the surface. In the tunnels, theorists insist a new time is due to come. In the sea, plant debris is floating to the ocean floor. Patches of green becoming large enough to see from the moon.

Those of high status have contacted each other and discussed the situation in depth. They could not let these happenings go unexplored. So, they developed a project that will be taken into effect immediately. Operation Iota Beta will send four of the most qualified applicants to the surface to explore and discover potential new life and report back to their superiors, and, claim habitable land in the name of their own province.