Less than a month after sheltering in the OctaCore, some of the building's systems that had never been fully initialized began to fail. The secondary water filtration system, backup power generators, and most wireless communications were among the first to break down. A self-formed group of scientists advised the inhabitants to reduce water and energy usage until repairs could be made, but few heeded their warnings. This raised the concerns of the Cline and Baumann families, who eventually isolated themselves in the southeastern section and changed the security codes separating their area from the rest of the population.
Over time, more people followed the two families in isolating themselves. To prevent further division, a new elected council was formed. The idea was accepted by most, including the Clines and Baumanns, though they chose to remain separate.
The newly formed council included Egon Janz, one of the remaining soldiers and current leader; Charlotte Ziegler, representing her family; Edmund Cline, head of his family; Dietfried Baumann, head of his family; Dr. Alina Post, a philosopher who assumed the role of therapist; and Erdmann Warner, founder and first leader of the elected council, formerly of the Germanic Parliament.
The self-formed council of scientists continued to operate, gradually incorporating engineers, teachers, plumbers, electricians, and anyone with practical skills.