in 2104, preparations began for the launch of all 12 mining facilities, known as the domes. Four weeks before the scheduled start, workers, researchers, engineers, and management personnel moved in to adjust to their new living conditions for the upcoming two-year rotation. While most domes launched successfully, the final dome, located in the Nordic Union, encountered a setback. Two weeks before launch, an undisclosed event prompted a mandated lockdown. The company cited the threat of a fifth world war, fearing the dome could become a target. Supplies were promised to sustain inhabitants until conditions stabilized.
Two months passed with no assistance, no supplies, and no contact with the outside world. Tensions escalated, and survival became brutal; only the strongest endured. After three weeks, the remaining few decided to venture outside in search of resources.
Emerging less than four months into their tenure, they traveled to another dome in the Nordic Union, locating supplies but finding no signs of life. They then redirected their course to other rumored shelters, including the space station known as Miller's Circle.