SUBLIME: Initial Recruits (Unabridged‪)‬

SUBLIME examines the journey of two couples who find themselves inside a planned utopian community on the cusp of society’s implosion. Newly engaged Cole and Carly are just setting forth on a getaway when they’re abducted by SUBLIME—an underground group seeking Cole’s engineering skills. Mindy and Kacee, the parents of young children, are also kidnapped while embarking on a weekend camping trip. They’re knowledgeable in the realm of health and fitness, another set of skills desperately needed by SUBLIME.

As the story progresses, it’s revealed that there are twelve underground communities situated around the world, all under the care of the Founder—the mysterious, fabulously rich leader—and his AI assistant, the Analyst. Together, the Founder and the Analyst have created a machine-enriched world free of crime, suffering, and want, at least in their hidden bases, known to but a select few. 

The two couples find their every need anticipated, and a personal staff is on hand to prepare their meals, care for their bodies, and free up their minds for the most challenging creative undertakings. Both entertainment and work are VR-enhanced (using advanced simulations and euphoric states produced by drugs and hypnosis). Everything that happens inside SUBLIME is meticulously scheduled and surveilled. Moreover, everyone in SUBLIME serves a critical purpose. Yet, efficiency notwithstanding, there exists a dark side to this domain.

With the onset of the Event, a world economic crash is prompted by evil forces intent on capturing global power. The New World Order is orchestrated by a disturbed dictator named Mr. Chen, who’s hellbent on reducing the population and forcing mass compliance. As such, SUBLIME must remain hidden to prevent a confrontation, but there are still countless people to help escape the demonic Dictator.