Starlight Dome

They stood for many years, standing over the surrounding terrain, a pair of metal monoliths somewhat sheltering an area from the wild radiation storms that swept in from the south. In the lee of the largest structure hardy plants eked out a life as best as they could. Beneath the surface, welling from an aquifer deep within the earth, seeped water enriched with nutrients, untouched by the radiation of the scorched earth above. And so it was that hardy trees, that sunk their roots far down, drank deeply and grew over many years, even to tower over their once stoic metal caregivers. Over time a section of ground subsided and the fresh spring waters formed a pool, and the area became a place to pause and rest for those hardy souls that ventured out seeking secrets and salvage of the past. Until unscrupulous miscreants polluted the water with barrels of foul radiation, seeking to force travellers onwards to be waylayed in the dark.
One such traveller, both in time and distance, walked down the Northern road. Forgotten memories of evenings gazing at flickering lights, and steamy windows filled their mind. This was a special place from long ago. Striding on to the flat and looking around, more images of the past came flooding back. Revelry was broken by a swarm of grotesque subterranean creatures bursting from the ground. Victorious after a brief tussle, the traveller’s attachment to the place filled them with a resolve to make it a place of happiness again. An exploration of the immediate area, they recognised the need find a place safe from the burrowing creatures. A plan began to formulate in their mind as they return back the road from which they had arrived.


Foundation level

The days past, rain fell, and the wind blew and spun dust in tight swirls, until the Northern road once again saw movement as several figures pulling carts descended to the site. Soon after pick axes were hefted and began to hew into the face of the Northeastern rock face. Axes bit into the trunks of tall trees that were used to support platforms under the excavated rock. A small crop was planted and walls were erected to protect the group from roving predators. Cars from a forgotten age were salvaged for resources and piled up to form the southern barrier. Fortune smiled further upon them as excavations also revealed a rich vein of iron ore, which, combined with charcoal in a smelter, would enable the production of steel. Workshops were created along with a facility to share resources with nearby settlements. A sense of safety & hope filled the settlers.


Level 1

Time went on and the traveller from the past journeyed further into the wilds, always returning to share their experiences and finds with the inhabitants. One day they returned, filled with excitement, clutching a number of books and scientific journals recovered from the wreckage of past buildings. Plans were made, diagrams were drawn and resources were assessed and acquired. Upon the eastern wing of the nearby building began the construction of a laser, not a mere hand held weapon but a supersized cannon that would ensure defence of the settlement going forward. A communication centre was built to enable speedy contact with allies nearby, and new work on additional buildings began. Within the bundle of documents, a single, double side page, with a few paragraphs and diagram of a small dome peaked interest... an experiment!


Level 2

It works, the experiment works! Shielded from the ambient radiation, plant life could flourish when supplied by the fresh spring waters. New ambitious plans were created, why stop as a mere tiny geodesic dome, when with the abundance of steel, one of such massive proportions could be constructed. Work began on a ring of metal to act as a base. The traveller, visited by memories of the past, proposed a new idea... Entertainment, the performance arts, where folk could gather within safety, and enjoy a range of performances. Perhaps visitors could also undergo treatment to heal aliments while there. Inspired, work began on realising the vision.


Level 3

Time flowed on, and the dome grew like a protective blanket, filling the skyline, a homage to belief and effort. The once detrimental ambient radiation was also harnessed, tamed like wild animal, it’s vast store of energy converted to an electrical charge linked to a system wires to be distributed to settlements nearby. The geodesic dome, a triumph in science, shielded all beneath. Plants thrived as green leaves wave wistfully in the breeze and buds burst forth colourful flowers. People journey from far to experience the flourishing plants and enjoy the unique performances of singers, actors and artists at the theatre. New and revived strains of herbs provide a new resource for food and medicinal treatments, which could in turn offer to visitors. Sitting in a chair, above the settlement, looking down upon the bustling place, sat the traveller from the past. This was not as it had been. But in it’s own way, this place now vastly exceeded what it once was. For inhabitants and visitors could experience health, wellness, peace, nature, and enjoyment. An escape from the wilds beyond the walls, beyond Starlight Dome.