Null-Space is the plane of existence that is not bound by any physical laws of space and, as some believe, even time. This “space” is pure void that is filled, if one can call it that, with energy which O.I. scientists call “Raw Chaos”.

Null-Space has many names that have been used both before and after the Event. Official scientific name for this dimension, as used by O.I., is 0-Space. In the Old World media, this place was called Crocopolous's Space.

Some call it the Primordial Chaos or simply the Chaos for its formless and chaotic nature, referring to the concept of the same name from ancient mythologies. Others call this realm the Void Between the Worlds (V.B.T.W.), believing in the hypothetical possibility of the existence of parallel universes and dimensions in this place.

Religious groups collectively known as the Cults of The One call this space the Realm of Creation (R.o.C.), the All-Source and the Word of The One. Other mystics use such names as The Great Unknown and Agnos (from ancient greek “a-gnosis”, meaning “without knowledge”).

Scavengers use simple slang names such as: No-Space, Unspace, Quagi-Space, Damn-Space, Hack-Space, Abyss of Damnation, Abyss, Null, Hell, Void, Quagi, Outside and etc.

The true nature of Null-Space was unclear to both the greatest minds at O.I. and the most cunning post-Event scavengers. On this account, two hypotheses were created to explain the essence of the Abyss.

The first, Peterson's solution (or Appolonian hypothesis), describes Null-Space as a sea of chaotic energy, and our space-time continuum as fixed and ordered formation made of the same energy. Simply put, the Raw Chaos is water, and our universe is ice.

The second, Crocopolous's solution (or Dionysian hypothesis), describes Null-Space as a realm of infinite possible mathematical states. From this it can be concluded that any fictional reality as a set of abstract logical states is just as real as our universe, which is the same abstraction.

There are other hypotheses, but these two are dominant both then and now. It is not known which of the solutions is correct, but both options are equally frightening.

Null-Space can be used to manipulate our universe and partially bypass the laws of physics. The complex of methods of interaction with this realm is called Null-Engineering.

This is achieved with the help of special formations of the Raw Chaos called Null-Fields. Their nature is as unclear as Null-Space itself, but a popular theory states that this force is formed when this dimension comes into some sort of “contact” with the continuum of the material universe. Supporters of Peterson's solution compare it to boiling water. For Crocopolous's solution, it's the power of creation itself.

In Null-Engineering, Null-Fields are divided into three categories based on openness. The 0α-Field is what from the point of view of spatial physics can be called a field or medium, and from the point of view of mathematics is an open set. The 0β-Field is easiest to use in Null-Space itself, because it is half field and half particle, and as math construct, it's a half-open set. The 0γ-field, as a closed set, is a kind of particle that is easiest to manipulate in Null-Engineering.

Under certain conditions, Null-Fields can be replicated. Unless there are some limitations, the conservation law does not apply to them, because such things are meaningless in Null-Space. As the scientist's saying goes, “Null is not zero, but the Null-Field could be”.

These fields are capable of changing not only the primary universe, but also Null-Space itself, in particular, creating full-fledged micro-continua and, in some cases, matter. Such a discipline is the most unexplored, incomprehensible and expensive, therefore it doesn't make O.I. scientists gods, and even the power that is available to them is very difficult.

Spacetime continua as Null-Space formations are scientifically called 1-Spaces and also divided into three categories.

1α-Spaces are hypothetical full-fledged universes, “parallel” to each other (again, Null-Space has no geometry other than that specified by Null-Engineers, hence the word “parallel” in quotation marks). Only one such continuum is officially known - our primary universe, called 1α:PRIME_0-Space.

1β-Spaces, also called Null-Pockets, are closed spacetime continua that are in fact micro-universes, pocket empty dimensions in which, if complex and demanding conditions are met, matter can be created from nothing.

1γ-Spaces, also called Null-Paths, aren't considered to be full-fledged spaces, but rather power carriers, portal paths that carry something from one place to another. These formations are the easiest to master, and were used even before Dr. Crocopolous discovered Null-Space.

All 1-Spaces and 0-Fields can be united into any construct at the Null-Engineer's will. The creation, unification and programming of such formations is a very delicate and precise matter. The process itself is sometimes more like hacking the universe. There was nothing to fear then, because before the Event the world was more orderly and “stronger”.

There are unconfirmed rumors that O.I. studied time travel and alternate timelines. This is likely a myth, as time may be the only constant in Null-Space, but who knows?

Null-Engineering was used by O.I. even before Null-Space was discovered. At that time, this discipline was in a primitive state and was mostly limited to portals (later called Null-Paths). Back then it was called Quantum Engineering.

Its first rudiments were discovered by Mr. History when he studied a special version of 0γ-fields, which he called Materialized Null-Particles (M.N.P.). Where he got them from is still unclear. Apologists of the cults of The One usually prove in this way that Mr. History was a god, while skeptics consider him either too lucky or cunning. Others believe that he is an alien, a visitor from the future, or even a demon. There were even funnier options. But no one denies his genius, considering that he created The Huggatron at a time when it was technologically impossible.

Everyone then believed that Quantum Engineering was just a branch of traditional quantum mechanics studied in universities, nothing more. Some scientists guessed about the external source of this force, but no one could prove or disprove it.

The first full-fledged developments in the field of Quantum Engineering were teleportation beacons that delivered foodstuffs to poor countries for a certain price. Then came T.V.s beacons specifically for O.I. robotics. Both types of crates appeared from O.I. special storages, from where they were delivered to the designated place according to the coordinates of the beacon.

Similar techniques were used to create a full-fledged “In-The-Box” system. The Antenna parts were the first such development that used the primitive reintegration of matter from parts stored in warehouses. Later it became the basis for the construction of Antenna Facilities.

Even the Quantum Engineering of that time, according to scientists, helped to see the world more clearly. In fact, this means that thanks to it, technological progress accelerated in some cases. This was especially evident after the flight to the Moon, when it was necessary to invent the first thermonuclear reactor based on He-3. And the workers at O.I. did it relatively instantly.

Quantum Engineering came in handy when creating the H.I.V.E. Previously, O.I. hadn't thought about using this discipline in the construction of bunkers, but when fear for the future gripped the world, when demand greatly exceeded supply, then they decided to speed up the process.

And then one day, O.I. scientist Dr. Mark Peterson, while searching for a solution, accidentally created a replicating field, something that would later be classified as a 0β-field. This force is capable of absorbing matter and replacing it with bunker metal plating, which was stored in the O.I. storage facilities. The point is that it was not spent, but doubled.

That the doubling was quantum in nature was the only known fact about this invention. Given the accidental nature of its discovery, all further experiments were unsuccessful. Afraid of losing this power, O.I. scientists carefully and methodically created from it the Matter-Reintegrating Goo (M.R.G.), which, when fed with energy, could “transform” rock into fortified bunkers. Fortunately, thanks to the resources of the Moon, there was plenty of energy.

Given that O.I. barely understood the true nature of the M.R.G., changing its programming behavior was prohibited so as not to accidentally damage the only semblance of a replicator. To do this, special limiters were needed that would not harm the M.R.G. and prevent it from reaching Earth's core.

Nothing that scientists proposed was suitable for such a sensitive quantum structure until Dr. Crocopolous solved the problem. He came up with a special field that spread and changed matter, but changed it rather than absorbed it. Firstly, the spread was perpendicular to the gravity vector. Secondly, this substance, called Null Reinforced Fabric, according to the laws of conventional physics was an absolutely solid body that could only be changed using Quantum Engineering. Thirdly, its physical and mathematical properties allowed M.R.G. to be arbitrarily close to it, but not touch it due to the infinite distance between the two fields.

With the creation of the Null Reinforced Fabric, Dr. Crocopolous explained how it worked, thus announcing the existence of Null-Space. Null Reinforced Fabric served as a resonator for “Raw Chaos”, primal “energy” of this dimension. His discoveries and works laid the foundation for true Null-Engineering, and he himself became the chief of development in O.I.

The process of matter replication has haunted O.I. ever since M.R.G. was accidentally created. The solution to this seemingly impossible problem was undertaken by Dr. Peterson with the help of Dr. Crocopolous. Their common research formed the basis of Peterson-Crocopolous genesis theory concerning the creation of small continua, 1β-spaces. Their actions subsequently created the 1β:PRIME_0.RC-space, which would become the future Reintegration Center.

Dr. Crocopolous distanced himself from Peterson's research by creating his own project, Croc Co., to further study the properties of Null-Space. This was achieved by mutual agreement, for the framework of this micro-universe had already been laid.

Over the years, the Reintegration Center itself eventually became a giant, distant replica of the large vacuum tube computers built before O.I. Initially, a 0α-field was connected to it, called 0α:PRIME_0.RC.CLEANER. “Vacuum cleaner tubes”, consisting of 1γ-Space and 0β-Field each, were connected to this field, which absorbed the useless matter of dead creatures (so as not to rot in the ground). Then, the Reintegration Center turned it into useful stuff such as supplies.

Later, due to the secret of replication being solved, the “vacuum cleaner” was no longer needed, but was left in case. Now, instead of the objects themselves that need to be replicated, the Reintegration Center contains their templates, which, if energy is available, can be “manifested” in the real world according to the principle of “ex nihilo”.

The only thing that prevents O.I. from feeling like gods creating from nothing is the huge and sometimes tangible costs of maintenance and service, especially when it comes to power supply. Still, the Reintegration Center is a cumbersome and unwieldy mechanism, more like a house of cards that can collapse. As they say in such a case, it is easier to destroy than to build. However, when did that ever stop them?

This idyll, where O.I. puts its research above the prosperity of humanity, is over. The Event occurred, the destruction of the Moon, whose fragments fell on Earth, which seriously damaged the planet. The official version of O.I. states that the cause was a chain reaction of nuclear weapons and helium-3 deposits, but there is an additional theory, supported by some scientists, that the Event was caused by a portal experiment between Earth and the Moon that went wrong. However, those who managed to get to the bottom of the true cause are unlikely to become the same, because the truth is so scary.

As it turns out, the root cause of all this was Dr. Crocopolous. The true purpose of his project, Croc Co., was to ascend the mad scientist to godlike status, and to do so, in part, he created his own pocket dimension in which he was the ruler. Even before this, he was not the kind of scientist who cared about ethics, but this was attributed to the upheavals of his life. No one expected the true scale of the atrocities.

The dimension, called 1β:PRIME_0.ROM-space or the Realm of Madness by scientists, was hidden from everyone by a veil. The Event was probably caused by some failed experiment of Dr. Crocopolous on ascension. The result was, so to speak, a “blast wave” that broke the Reintegration Center and distorted the portals between Earth and the Moon, creating the very Event known to people.

The Reintegration Center itself was heavily damaged by the “blast wave” and was difficult, if not impossible, to repair. In addition, its “vacuum cleaner” was turned on again and was partially absorbing not only living beings, but also robots.

After the Event, this dimension was discovered, but no one could pass through the veil, nor find the entrances themselves. Considering that O.I. already had the worst reputation due to their actions, all knowledge of the Realm of Madness was classified, only the most trusted were allowed to study everything that Dr. Crocopolous had cooked up, as well as to search for methods of capturing and punishing him for his deeds.

Both the chaos created by Dr. Crocopolous and the Last War are making their presence felt. Radiation, mutants and rogue robots are not the only dangers that await the remnants of humanity.

The anomalies created by chaotic 0-fields and the broken Reintegration Center pose a less serious, but still a threat. Based on all this, many existential philosophical questions arise. The main one is: was playing God really worth it? Did O.I. really employ such pompous idiots?

Those who dig deeper ask other questions: is man really so cruel and vicious that in the name of power over existence he is ready to become a monster?

At the same time, Null-Space was perceived by people on a subconscious level as the Primordial Chaos, the chthonic realm of the unknown. This fear is identical to that of ancient people regarding witches and sorcerers. It is no coincidence that the slang term “quagic” means Null-Engineering. People of the New World have different attitudes towards the so-called “quages”, from love to hate. But the current reality is different from the Middle Ages, because “magic” is more than real. And it is frightening.

Superstitions and fears have become the basis of many people’s lives, because it's not known who will jump out of the corner. The childhood fear of monsters under the bed has grown into something more frightening. The main fear concerns the so-called “Last Days” of humanity, as if people are punished by fate to live out their short lives until they die.

People looked for consolation wherever they could. Both in ancient times, beginning with cavemen, and in the New World, the answer to their suffering was obvious: superstition, religion and faith. Some limited themselves to referring to the Mad Dragon with capitalized pronouns. Others tirelessly prayed to The One that He would somehow ease their suffering and forgive them for all their sins. Madness from radiation or truly sincere faith that saves from horrors? It doesn't matter, because anything is better than going through an existential crisis and thinking about HIM, the devil who brings destruction to everything.