Breakthrough
Breakthrough
Author: blueberry chocolate
Prologue

It is the year 2179. Scientists have warned of the consequences of global warming for decades but governments have largely ignored the threat.

Things came to a head in the late 2080s, when the surface of the Earth was scorched. Tropical countries turned into deserts, while deserts became fiery pits of hell. Temperate countries turned into their tropical cousins, and the North and South Poles were the only places where one could continue to live comfortably, without fear of radiation from the sun.

In the early 2090s, rich governments finally got their act together and began building extensive underground cities which affluent citizens and powerful personalities could migrate to. Politicians, business tycoons and celebrities alike jostled for the right to live and work underground. Less privileged citizens and people from poorer countries continue to live on the Surface, where they battle heat, floods and disease on a daily basis. The only bright spot (pun fully intended) was that humanity is finally able to harness solar power efficiently at a low cost. Renewable energy from the sun is in abundant supply, although a substantial portion of the energy output is channelled underground for use by underground residents.

Pangea, one of the continents on Planet Earth, is run by Queen Imperiala. She is backed up by a strong military force and a network of Authorities. Queen Imperiala and her key subordinates live safely and luxuriously underground, nourished by crops and energy from the Surface.

However, living on the Surface has brought about an unexpected benefit. Due to prolonged exposure to radiation from the sun over generations, some Surface dwellers have developed powers. The Authorities are alarmed by the appearance of such powers and do everything they can to encourage (or coerce, if encouragement fails) such Surface dwellers to work for Queen Imperiala. Surface dwellers with powers who are not willing to work for Queen Imperiala are killed, and their bodies served as food at parties, where meat is a delicacy.

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