16 years before the dome was broken...
Joe sat in the third row, arms crossed. He was forty-nine, but he felt older. Maybe because of the constant lectures. Maybe because he knew most of what was being said would be propaganda.
Lecturer: "The Outerdome people are those who have never known the order provided by the Dome. They were born and raised in chaos. Their society is fragmented, their technology primitive, their laws almost nonexistent."
Joe scoffed but said nothing. No one in the room would dare argue.
Lecturer: "Historical records show that after the Great Separation, the Dome became the only civilization capable of sustaining human progress. We ensured survival, resource control, and order. Those who remained outside chose the path of degradation."
"Or they were just left to die, Joe thought."
He remembered the stories from the elders. When the Dome sealed itself, millions were left outside. Some survived. Some adapted. They were called savages, barbarians, and now—Outerdome people.
Lecturer: "Studies show that the intelligence levels of Outerdome people are below the Dome's average. Their speech is crude, their traditions rooted in superstition and fear of technology."
Joe glanced at the screen displaying blurry images of filthy settlements. Huts, bonfires, people in ragged clothes. Dark eyes staring straight into the camera.
"What if they're just different?"
Lecturer: "This is why all contact with them is strictly limited. Any interactions must go through official channels to prevent their ideas from influencing our culture."
Joe leaned forward.
"Or to prevent our ideas from influencing them?"
But he stayed silent. Because in the Dome, asking the wrong questions could earn you something worse than an answer.
Lecturer: "Now, let's talk about the so-called Outerdome clans. After the Great Separation and the collapse of central authority, they formed independent groups based on blood, tradition, and power. Some of them pose a real threat."
The images on the screen changed. Symbols, signs, old maps.
Lecturer: "The Ootsoro Clan. An ancient group claiming their knowledge dates back to the origins of the Dome itself. They are dangerous because they have preserved pre-Dome technology. Their leaders are fanatics who believe the Dome must be destroyed and its resources distributed among the 'true people'"
Lecturer: "The Sevar Clan. One of the most mysterious. They avoid direct conflict, yet their traces appear in the most unexpected places. Rumors suggest they have connections even within the Dome. Their goals remain unclear, but their knowledge of geography and hidden routes makes them one of the most dangerous Outerdome groups."
Joe frowned. He had heard that name before. Sevar. Sometimes it appeared in classified reports. Sometimes in news, as a vague whisper.
Lecturer: "The Fulchiva Clan. The least organized but the most numerous. They live in a state of constant war over resources. In essence, they are not a clan in the traditional sense, but rather a collection of scattered groups united by one thing—hatred for the Dome. They have no clear goal beyond survival, but their chaos is a threat."
...
Joe knew as well as anyone that the Ootsoro and Fulchiva clans had been fighting each other for a long time. The Fulchiva clan is more active in tradition, while the Ootsoro clan is active in the long-term integration of its clan.
He could name the leaders among the Fulchiva clan by name, but he doesn't even know the leaders of the Ootsoro clan.
There are other clans. Sevar, Argent, Hugo, but now K. L. has announced that he will create his own clan and turn the circle system around. The clan of K. L. And his sons. At the moment, he has a three-year-old son and newborn twins who are about a month old or less.
The Ootsoro clan did not appreciate his idea and agreed with the circle to eliminate him. Circle did just that. But in an unusual way.
...
Joe: K.L. "What are you doing? How could you miss Alexander?"
He just looked at Joe with a cold look and left. But soon he stopped.
K. L.: "I am... I'm going to be Captain Alpha. And I will do everything for that. Because I'm K.L.!"
Joe: "Do you even realize how bad it's going to be for you? The Circle will destroy you alive."
He just grunted and walked away.
...
Rose: "Alexander knows more about the Fulchiva clan than we thought. Maybe he's half-full?"
Adrian: " I can't give an exception for this theory. "
Zach Rose rolled his eyes.
Rose: "I couldn't have done it without your permission!"
K. L. bursts into the room.
K. L.: "Where is he?"
Adrian: "Who?"
Rose: "the left coast of Yosonia. Not jasonia."
K. L ran out of the room through the balcony.
Adrian: "Can you read minds?"