History of the Neocron World

Holographic mass storage media is introduced to the world market. The Holodisk is scanned with a laser and even the introductory model can hold amounts of data that are more than 100 times greater than the maximum capacity of conventional mass media based on magnetic fields.

NASA successfully conducts the first manned mission to Mars.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) launches the Ceres Project, which is designed to last 20 years. The purpose of this project is to store all of humanity's knowledge clearly arranged on Holodisk. Currently available public scientific data is examined and collected by a group of 250 professors and students from around the world. The name Ceres is derived from the Roman name of the Greek goddess Demeter, who was revered in ancient Greece as the mother of the earth and goddess of fertility.

During the fourth mission to Mars, an accident occurs at launch time, killing the entire crew.

Dr. Karmann, head of the Ceres Project, explains at a press conference that if a primitive civilization were to gain access to all the information contained in the Ceres Project, they would be able to build nuclear power plants after a few decades. This remark provides the project with enormous public attention.

The sixth mission to Mars ends with huge success; a previously unknown metal that exists on the red planet in considerable quantities is discovered. Thorough scientific investigation shows that this material will not become radioactive, even after long and intensive influence from neutrons.

According to some rumors, the Ceres Project was completed by the NSA, after secret military and scientific information was added. The project was probably transferred to an isolated and hermetically sealed laboratory complex.

The United States completes a fifteen-year plan by commissioning a colony on Mars. The installation is used for scientific purposes to a small extent, but its main function is the extraction of the metal discovered in March 2031.

After the depletion of Asia's fossil fuels, the continent falls into poverty and chaos. A dark fight for the last oil reserves rages between Russia, Japan, and China.

In an American research center, a Deuterium-Tritium plasma is maintained stable for a sufficient duration. Commercial use of nuclear fusion is near.

While Japan becomes an ally of the United States, China subjugates the formerly Soviet breakaway states. After collaborationists sabotaged Russia's last desperate attempt, Russia surrenders and most of Asia is united under the Chinese flag.

After the subjection of Asia, China begins to re-establish communism in the conquered countries.

The United Arab Emirates sign an alliance with the Chinese Empire and supply it with oil.

Due to Japan's arsenal of high-tech weapons, the Chinese Empire fails to occupy Japan. This leads to the signing of a non-aggression treaty.

Representatives of the Western world and Japan sign the article of agreement on the "Free World Federation." This alliance will protect member states from the powerful Chinese Empire.

The use of bundled energy/particle rays as weapons for aerial and ground vehicles is successfully promoted by countries of the Western industry.

The last nuclear fission power plant is shut down in Europe. This concludes the transition from conventional nuclear resources to fusion energy within the Federation.

The Federation establishes a colony on Mars that supplies it with minerals.

China commissions the 62nd nuclear fission power plant to supply the urban areas of former Russia. Nuclear energy has now completely replaced fossil fuels in the Empire.

Even the oil resources of the United Arab Emirates are running low. The most important Arab cities will be connected to Chinese power supplies over the next decade.

The first cold nuclear fusion is achieved in a German nuclear research center. The development of compact high-performance energy generators is approaching.

In Xi An, a metropolis located south of Beijing, a jet fighter crashes into an outdated nuclear fission plant. Not only Xi An is contaminated by the released nuclear radiation, but also Beijing. Millions die in the following years from radiation.

Stimulated by the Xi An disaster, the Japanese government decides to build radiation protection domes over the country's main cities.

The Chinese Empire discovers a way to hide conventional missiles from radar sensors. The Kerolin Stealth missile is capable of delivering any type of warhead to its target without being noticed.

China and the Federation sign the SALT-17 treaty, which prohibits the stationing and deployment of stealth missiles for both parties.

To use cold nuclear fusion for energy production, conversion of existing fusion plants begins within the Federation.

Red Terra is established on Mars as the first civilian colony. Red Terra consists of seven domes and is the new home of 3,000 people.

Scientists discover that they can trigger a reaction by adding a complicated gas mixture to Mars' atmosphere, which will make the planet's atmosphere breathable in 300 years. The gas mixture is called Gabanium after its developer, Dr. Gloria Gaban.

Technologically backward China surprises the world by erecting a maritime barricade around neutral Australia during a blitz. Australia is now totally isolated from the rest of the world.

The Empire attacks Australia after the blockade has lasted nine months. Demoralized Australia surrenders to avoid unnecessary bloodshed.

The extremist Chinese dictator Kong Jieshi is found assassinated in his private villa. China officially proclaims that counter-revolutionary troops surprised and shot the dictator in his sleep.

The political situation has stabilized. The new Chinese dictator Xu Derui knows of the Empire's technological inferiority. Japanese researchers develop the prototype of a small fusion motor that can be used for vehicles (Furytec Drive).

Astronomers discover that the third planet of the Irata solar system, 80 light years away, is very similar to Mars.

Hoping to be able to colonize this planet in the future, a probe is sent to Irata III, with a new second-generation fusion drive.

The Empire surprisingly presents the prototype of a generation spaceship to cover distances of several hundred light years. The Starcruiser project can accommodate up to 3,000 passengers.

Technical progress made in the field of nuclear fusion over recent years has also been used in weapons development, which now results in the manufacture of advanced hydrogen bombs in large numbers by the Federation.

On the morning of February 11, the Starcruiser launches for its first and last voyage. 3,000 colonists from all layers of the Chinese Empire's population are on board.

Two days after the Starcruiser's launch, the ship disappears from imperial ground control instruments. A Chinese flight squadron finds debris that probably belongs to the Starcruiser.

China accuses the Federation of being unable to accept the Empire's technological advances and implies that the Starcruiser was destroyed by a Federation fighter squadron.

President Eva Goreman announces that the Federation has no interest in Chinese colonization plans and never planned to sabotage them.

Xu Derui announces that new evidence of the presence of Federation fighters shortly before the Starcruiser's disappearance has been found. Furious, he again threatens revenge.

Sensors at a German radar station detect three shadows over the English Channel, which are only visible for a few seconds.

The Great Catastrophe

It is a rainy morning in London, England, when suddenly a bright white light illuminates the city. A few seconds later, eight million people are dead.

The Final Exchange

At 8:07 AM, a few minutes before the total destruction of the Federation, President Eva Goreman gives the command to counterattack with Cold Fusion long-range missiles. 85 of these missiles are launched from Federation platforms, targeting imperial cities.

The End of the Old World

Over the past six hours, approximately 23 of 24 billion human lives have been eradicated.

Caused by the enormous detonations, the Earth begins to heave. Volcanoes erupt, earthquakes ripple through the ruins of cities, giant flood waters mix with the blood of fallen victims.

The Transformation of Earth

Over the following centuries, the face of planet Earth changes in a way that would have required millennia under normal circumstances. The North American continent appears to drift eastward, while Europe moves away from Asia. Africa and South America have mostly sunk beneath the ocean waves.

The few survivors of the war, radiation, and resulting natural disasters form a new type of human race. Small groups and tribes gather across the slowly calming planet.

Some tribes begin trading with each other. In regions with lower radiation, tribes practice agriculture and animal husbandry. Metal processing trades thrive in still heavily contaminated regions.

Few people draw electricity from water and wind power, using high-level primitive technical installations.

The total population of Earth now amounts to approximately 800,000 human beings. 75 percent of them live in the Northern Hemisphere. The memory of the Third World War has found its place in the rites and customs of tribes.

Two warrior tribes with powerful leaders are remarkably known: the Crahn tribe and the Thor tribe. These two tribes roam the contaminated land in search of wealth and power.

The Discovery of the Psi Monks

While searching for minerals, a patrol from the Crahn tribe discovers the entrance to a cave buried by rocks. They discover that these people have been living inside the mountain for generations. These cave dwellers possess telekinetic psi powers and are called Psi Monks.

The Thor tribe and the Crahn tribe meet at the Sea of Silence in the center of the new continent. A dark battle is won by Crahn's people, with the help of the Psi Monks.

Foundation of Neocron

Crahn follows Thor's troops and reaches Jeriko, the hometown of Thor's people. The Psi Monks suggest to Crahn to build a mighty fortress on the ruins of Jeriko. Crahn declares that the construction of this fortress marks the beginning of a new era and therefore calls the fortress Neocron (Greek: neo = new, cronos = time).

Six years later, Jeriko has disappeared. Where Thor's people once lived, the mighty fortress of the new age is located: Neocron. It is ruled by Crahn and the Psi Monks.

The Arrival of Mecando

The hermit Mecando, an experienced traveler, reaches an outpost of the Ceres tribe. He meets Thor and Ceres and tells them of his travels, notably Neocron, the immense fortress where no one wanted to offer him refuge.

The Discovery of the Ceres Project

Thor, Mecando, and twenty tribe members travel to the northern land to find a mysterious tomb. They discover that it is not a tomb but the Ceres Project - all of humanity's knowledge from the 22nd century stored on holographic disks.

The discovery of the Ceres disks cannot be kept secret for long. Crahn's monks establish an excellent intelligence service and succeed in acquiring much of the Ceres Project knowledge through espionage.

Ceres decides to begin construction of an immense city in a closed valley. He wants to realize all the theoretical knowledge acquired from the Ceres disks in this city. The Dome of York thus becomes a legend well before the first stone is laid.

The Battle of Neocron

In the spring, Thor trains his men equipped with plasma weapons to take Neocron. The battle doesn't last long. After Crahn and his Psi Monk bodyguards manage to escape, the remaining Psi Monks quickly surrender. Thor frees his people and takes control of Neocron.

After seven years of growth under Thor's rule, he considers himself too old to continue ruling Neocron. He passes his power to his son, Regant.

Despite the magnetic shield, Neocron's population still suffers from a disease attributed to radiation. Regant asks Ceres to give him a copy of the Ceres disks, but he refuses.

A deadly viral infection kills thousands of Neocron residents. Regant pleads for access to the disks to find medicines against the plague, but Ceres refuses again.

Regant orders the Psi Monks to use their knowledge in genetic engineering to breed a stronger type of warrior called Tank. Tanks are genetically modified warriors with enhanced capabilities.

Regant gives Ceres an ultimatum to make the disks accessible. If Ceres does not react, he will forcefully ensure that the knowledge from the disks can be disseminated to everyone.

The War of the Disks

What was intended as a short strike becomes the longest military conflict in the history of the new world. Regant's Tanks face Ceres' WarBots in a bloody war that lasts for years. Eventually, Tanks equipped with special armor defeat Ceres' forces and invade the Dome of York. Ceres is executed and Regant seizes all the disks.

Period of Relative Peace

The radiation in the zone between the Dome of York and Neocron creates a natural barrier called the Wastelands. The two cities develop in isolation. It is a peaceful period that favors research and financial growth.

Rise to Power of the Psi Monks

Regant dies. His successor is found assassinated shortly after. The Psi Monks immediately take control of Neocron and introduce strict laws.

The Red Terra colony is put back into service. Construction of a vast communication space begins.

After a powerful explosion in the Wastelands, rumors accumulate about secret laboratories where research on secret weapons is being conducted.

The crime rate reaches new heights in Neocron. Lioon Reza, an eloquent former member of the secret services, founds a group of terrorists whose goal is to overthrow the government.

Lioon Reza's Revolution

After an unsuccessful attempt, Lioon's troops manage to take the Psi Monk government by surprise. Lioon becomes the new dictator of Neocron.

Lioon presents the CopBot system to the city. CopBots are both police and judges, capable of taking strict measures against violence and crime.

The Avenger arrives at Irata III. Red Terra 2 establishes contact with Irata III. The travelers have found a paradise on the planet and have erected a city called Typherra.

News of the paradise-like situation on Irata III spreads quickly through Neocron. Lioon Reza decides to populate Irata III and promises a prosperous life to citizens who join his troops.

For unexplained reasons, contact with Irata III suddenly breaks off. The plan for the great trek nevertheless continues to exist.

The Great Trek

The great trek begins. Forty spaceships launch on their journey to Irata III with 320,000 people. Many other ships follow daily.

The Era of Trevor Denton

The void left by emigrants opens new opportunities for criminal elements. Trevor Denton organizes raids on abandoned properties but is eventually killed. His children Xav and Zeke are used as guinea pigs for scientific experiments.

The treks have left their mark on Neocron. Lioon increases CopBot presence, but interest in Irata III diminishes when contact is still not restored.

Return of the Ceres Cyborgs

Ceres Cyborgs are suddenly observed in the Wastelands. The Dome of York attempts to transmit WarBot plans to spies deployed in Neocron. Hagen Yager, leader of the Twilight Guardian, learns he suffers from an incurable disease and forges an alliance with the Dome of York.

New Weapons Technology

Scientists at the Dome of York develop new weapons technology based on neutron emitters. The Dome conquers the northern sectors of the Wastelands. CityAdmin develops radiation protection armor, but it proves insufficient.

Escalation and the Neutron Bomb

The Dome of York develops a bomb based on neutron emitter technology. The Canyon is used as a test ground, completely destroying the region and contaminating everything with radiation. This demonstration of power shocks the world.

Factions prepare for the final confrontation. CityAdmin attempts to improve Neocron's energy shield but realizes it will not be sufficient against the bomb.

In a last-minute effort, all of Neocron's factions conquer the last uplink station and access the Dome of York's communication network. The detonation codes are seized and the bomb explodes on the launch pad, annihilating all life in the Dome.

Occupation of the Dome of York

Alliance forces storm the tunnels of the destroyed Dome. Over the following weeks, the city is slowly decontaminated by Fallen Angels scientists, thus making life in the city possible again. The different factions divide the Dome's sectors among themselves.

Emergence of New Dangers

Neocron military camps are installed around the destroyed Canyon sector. A hacker calling himself H.I.O.B. uses the Hacknet to penetrate different communication channels with educational messages about peace.

Mutants from Regant's ruins sectors attack outer zones. A new charity organization called Neocore attempts to help Neocron's poor, but its political influence grows rapidly in a suspicious manner.

The Brotherhood of Crahn discovers that Regant is not working for them and has escaped from his prison. They understand that a new powerful player has entered the game.

Death of Lioon Reza

Lioon Reza is found dead by his secretary. Investigations reveal that the body appears much younger than it should be. Jack Red becomes the acting head of Neocron and accuses the Dome Alliance of Reza's death.

The Revelation of Regant

The new armies of Neocron and the Dome clash in the Wastelands. They discover that a huge army of mutants is approaching, composed partly of missing corpses from previous battles. Regant is revealed as responsible for all these events.

H.I.O.B. reveals that he is an AI and sets a trap for Regant at TechHaven. Regant is eventually trapped in the Gaya mine, controlled by CopBots reprogrammed by H.I.O.B.

H.I.O.B. attempts to take control of both cities to bring peace, but humanity resists. The AI then decides to eliminate the bellicose humans. A counterattack using a specially designed virus eventually reduces H.I.O.B. to its main processing unit in the Gaya mines.

Revelations and Tragedies

Hagen Yager reveals in an article that he was once a friend of Lioon Reza when they formed a revolutionary group. They separated when Reza became dictator instead of keeping his reform promises. Yager dies by suicide shortly after this revelation.

Robert Rodriguez publicly declares that he will achieve the Twilight Guardian's goals of freedom and equality.

New Conflicts

John Davis is promoted to NSD and organizes civilian defense in Neocron. Robert Rodriguez disappears during an attack on a convoy. Alex Mendez, his lieutenant, suspects CityAdmin and organizes several attacks against Neocron to obtain information.

Davis sends a team to occupy the Canyon and capture Alex Mendez, but fails. Tension rises between the two leaders.

Alex Mendez leads a major offensive and occupies Neocron sector by sector. On the Plaza, Jack Red is captured and executed by Alex Mendez. Davis arrives just in time to attack Mendez, who is seriously wounded but manages to escape.