Bikairé Atoll
The places where the Cold War runs hot
Bikairé Atoll is the FNC’s principal atomic testing ground. Its turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches house facilities for testing warheads, classified weapons, experimental EVERYMAN Vats, and failed replicas of Cores. Its isolation and absence from maps facilitate clandestine operations.
Origins and occupation
Bikairé once belonged to Imperial Japan’s Pacific colonies. When it passed into FNC hands, the indigenous population was displaced and replaced by Columbian soldiers and scientists. Since then, the atoll and its surrounding waters have been used to develop and test the FNC’s atomic arsenal.
Communities on nearby islands have suffered the consequences of these experiments for decades. Their complaints and requests for help have received little international response.
The testing ground
The testing perimeter extends for kilometers around the atoll. The FNC intercepts signals in the region and broadcasts radio warnings ordering ships to keep away under threat of being sunk. Ghost ships and nuclear test debris remain scattered throughout the restricted waters.
Military surveillance protects the surface facilities, but Columbian control does not extend into the depths. Mutant marine life makes underwater operations especially dangerous.
Point Blue Scientific Base
Point Blue occupies the center of the atoll. Watchtowers and bunkers stand on the surface; underwater, a labyrinthine complex extends into the depths. Sonic-frequency emitters keep away any marine creature that might pose a threat.
The base coordinates experiments and studies the effects of radiation on the ecosystem and the human body. Some of this research uses indigenous people as experimental subjects.
Contamination and mutations
The detonations have caused deformities in fish, the disappearance of wildlife, and the appearance of black, iridescent waters. Hundreds of cases of cancer and mutations granting abilities similar to those of Everymen have been recorded among affected populations.
Experiments have also shown that these effects can be reproduced in animals. Creatures of extraordinary size, aggression, and danger inhabit the depths, limiting submarine operations even for the forces controlling the atoll.
Espionage and public exposure
The IURR has spent years sending submarines to spy on Columbian tests, accepting the loss of vessels and crews considered expendable. VKKB spies form part of this intelligence activity.
The indigenous population continues to oppose the experiments, and the region attracts international journalists. White Flag International actively condemns the atomic tests, the use of indigenous people as research subjects, and the consequences for surrounding populations.