"Within the multiverse exists countless worlds or timelines, depending on how you look at it, which are connected to our own. The Rifts are the gates to these worlds. These other worlds are called Planes. Most are feral places to which humans are but aliens. Some are devoid of life. Others are teeming with… something else.
But those of most interest are those that do contain humans. We have found civilizations with histories so similar to our own it is… Unsettling… Yes, a matter a fact you could encounter alternate versions of yourself… We even found relics with the purpose to do so. I heard of some Associates who managed to confiscate such a relic from a carnival… No, I would not advise doing such a thing.
For secrecy and administrative purposes with giving each explored world a number, like Plane 54 or Plane 127. Boring I know, but really how many different names can you make up for a timeline was the Napoleonic Empire is still standing or where humanity didn't advance past the Iron Age. If these Plane, or rather its inhabitants, pose a threat or contain items of interest. If these Plane, or rather its inhabitants, pose a threat or contain items of interest however we do give them names for practical purposes. And no, I won't tell you why."
-Dr. Sherry
Overview of Planes which are of particular interest to The Association
'Atlas' (Plane-0): Codename used by the Association to refer to their Plane of Origin.
'Eden': A hypothetical plane that is being sought after by members of various religions and cults. Apart from personal testimonies and scriptures the Association cannot confirm nor deny its existence.
'Elysium': A massive object in the orbit of 'Atlas' (and only Atlas as far as The Association is aware). The origins, age, or even if this object is created by humans is unknown. Archaeologists have discovered references and drawings dating back to the age of the Hunter-Gatherers. Regardless, It inspired religions and scientists to reach for the heavens. Napoleon Bonaparte created the Academy D'Aéronautique (1805) for the development of aircraft and even ordered the construction of a canon to fire manned shells at the structure, unfortunately, this project was destroyed after his defeat at Leipzig in 1814 and the plans were never recovered. In 1825 the Comet II was launched, from the Tower of Babel Launch-platform in the Atlantic Ocean, but it disappeared mid-flight. Many believe this to be the cause of the appearance of the Rifts. whether there is a relationship between the Rifts and Elysium is considered unlikely. But its otherworldly qualities can not be denied.
'Hades' (Plane-54): The Plane is considered an Alpha-threat Biohazard due to the presence of P-54. For now, it is believed only small pockets of uninfected humans remain in special shelters in some of this world's capitals. Surviving infected is probably insane and extremely dangerous. The Rift to Plane-54 is permanently guarded by volunteers with decontaminating- and other safety-equipment. Despite the risks, Plane-054 contains a vast knowledge of contagions, genetics, and Biological Warfare. The few books recovered inspired new fields of study and might advance the Medical Sciences on Atlas by close to a century.
[[module Comments hide="true"]]
The Special Committees and RA
As a concept, a 'Special Committee' can be a bit confusing. This is in part intentional. Originally it was a colloquial term for teams of Doctors or Associates occupied with a specific task, or who were specialists of sorts. Examples of these groups are Special Committee Antiquarians and Special Committee Icarus
However, the term also refers to third parties with skills and equipment that are beyond the Association's scope or abilities, especially military force projection. The Regulatory Board on Rift Related Activities (RA) has agreed with the formation of various organizations who are occupied with 'Rift Containment' or 'Rif Management'. In this context, they are allowed to use military force under certain conditions. One of these is Project Bellerophon, aka Special Committee Hussars, and The International Penal Legion, aka Special Committee Entomologists.
As Intelligence and Counter-Intelligence organizations, the Association always been the proverbial spider on the web and has a mandate to deploy these Special Committees, as long they can justify their actions to RA.
[[module Comments hide="true"]]
