This was The Norma

The history of the bio-domes dates back to the late 21st century, when a monumental scientific breakthrough gave humanity a glimmer of hope in the face of impending environmental catastrophe. In 2078, lunar miners uncovered vast reserves of what would come to be known as "Moon Oil" - an energy source with near-limitless potential that jumpstarted a technological renaissance[1].

Armed with this new font of power and innovation, the world's brightest minds joined forces to tackle the mounting crises of climate change, resource depletion[2], and ecological collapse[3]. A radical proposal soon emerged: the creation of massive, self-sustaining bio-domes capable of providing a controlled, hospitable environment for human civilization to endure.

The concept was equal parts ambitious and audacious[4], but as the situation on Earth grew increasingly dire, more and more people rallied behind this bold vision for the future. By the year 2090, the first bio-dome prototype was under construction, a colossal feat of engineering and international cooperation.

Over the next decade, immense resources and brain power were poured into the bio-dome project as the planet's ecosystems teetered on the brink of collapse. Through sheer determination and cutting-edge Moon Oil technology, the scientists and engineers persevered, and in 2102, the first fully functional bio-dome was completed - a marvel of human ingenuity and the key to the species' very survival.

It was a marvel of technology and innovation, a vast, self-contained ecosystem that could support thousands of people in complete isolation from the outside world. The bio-dome was equipped with state-of-the-art[5] life support systems, renewable energy sources, and advanced recycling technologies that allowed it to function indefinitely without any external input.

As news of the bio-dome's success spread, more and more people clamored[6] to be a part of this bold new experiment in human survival. The demand was so great that construction of additional bio-domes began almost immediately, and within a few decades, a network of these incredible structures had sprung up across the globe, each one a shining beacon of hope in a world gone mad[7].

Yet even as the bio-domes flourished and humanity adapted to this new way of life, a small group of individuals began to question the increasing reliance on technology and the erosion[8] of traditional skills and knowledge. These people, who would later become known as the Normas, believed that the bio-domes were stripping away the very essence of what it meant to be human.

At first, the Normas were seen as little more than eccentric[9] Luddites[10], clinging to outdated notions of self-sufficiency and natural living. But as time went on and the bio-domes became increasingly homogenized[11] and tech-dependent, more and more people began to see the wisdom in the Normas' philosophy.

As the bio-domes became increasingly reliant on technology and artificial environments, the ideals of the Norma community began to resonate with a growing number of people. Through grassroots[12] efforts and word-of-mouth, their philosophy of self-sufficiency, natural living, and preservation of traditional skills slowly gained traction.

Instead of a single, charismatic leader, the Norma movement was driven by a collective desire to maintain a connection to the earth and the practical knowledge of humanity's ancestors. Families and like-minded individuals began to coalesce[13], forming small, tightly-knit communities dedicated to living off the grid and rejecting unnecessary technology.

These Norma enclaves thrived within the bio-domes, growing their own food, crafting their own goods, and passing down ancient techniques from one generation to the next. They believed that true self-reliance and harmony with nature were the keys to preserving the essence of human identity in an increasingly artificial world.

At first, the bio-dome authorities turned a blind eye[14] to these unconventional communities, viewing them as little more than eccentrics clinging to the past. However, as the Norma population swelled and their values gained popularity, the authorities could no longer ignore their presence.

Despite their reservations, the bio-dome authorities eventually realized that the Normas posed no real threat to the established order. In fact, their commitment to sustainable living practices and preservation of traditional skills could actually benefit the larger society in unexpected ways.

As a result, a tentative[15] arrangement was struck – the Normas would be granted a degree of autonomy and protection within designated zones of the bio-domes. They would also be provided with basic resources like water and emergency supplies to support their self-reliant lifestyle. In exchange, they would share their expertise in areas like agriculture, natural medicine, and low-tech engineering solutions.

This mutually beneficial accord allowed the close-knit Norma clan to flourish while also providing valuable resources and knowledge to the bio-dome population at large. In Hydro's household, the skills of the extended Norma family members complemented one another perfectly.

Thoro, a master herbalist, worked alongside Hydro in cultivating the lush gardens, imparting his vast knowledge of medicinal plants and natural remedies. Mirin, a skilled beekeeper, tended to the hives that provided sweet honey and beeswax for candles and other household needs.

Ned, a rugged smith and metalworker, crafted sturdy tools and implements from repurposed[16] materials, ensuring the Normas always had the right instruments for any task. Lumen specialized in textile arts, spinning yarn, weaving cloth, and even dabbling in natural dyes derived from plants cultivated by Hydro.

Young Lune, though only ten years old, showed remarkable promise as a woodworker, carving intricate pieces from fallen branches and trimmed limbs under the tutelage[17] of his uncle Rowan, the master craftsman.

The Normas' diverse array of skills created a harmonious, self-sustaining micro-economy[18] within the bio-dome. Their mastery of ancient techniques provided food, medicine, clothing, tools and enabled them to thrive with minimal reliance on the dome's technological systems.

While most citizens leaned heavily on AI assistants and automated fabrication, the industrious Normas took pride in the hands-on labor and problem-solving abilities passed down through generations. As odd as their ways seemed to the tech-savvy masses, the Norma clan had become a vital part of the bio-dome's cultural fabric - a living, breathing link to humanity's roots.

As the Norma clan's presence persisted within the bio-domes, their unconventional ways inevitably drew a certain amount of curiosity and attention from the outside world. However, rather than attaining any sort of widespread popularity, the Normas and their adherents[19] remained very much on the fringes of bio-dome society.

A small, tightknit group began to coalesce around the clan's ideals – eschewing[20] mainstream tech obsession in favor of a more grounded, nature-centric existence. These "Norma Appreciators" were viewed as peculiar outcasts by the general population, their embrace of the old ways seen as antiquated[21] and slightly unhinged[22].

Rather than trendy boutiques or virtual tours, the Appreciators sought out the Normas through word-of-mouth within their own insular[23] communities. They would venture into the Norma enclaves, wide-eyed and full of romantic notions about living off the land. More often than not, they left with dirt under their nails, disillusioned[24] by the harsh realities of self-sufficient living.

Footnotes

[1] Renaissance - A revival or rebirth, in this context referring to a new era of technological advancement.

[2] Resource depletion - The consumption or overuse of natural resources to the point of diminishing reserves.

[3] Ecological collapse - The catastrophic failure or disintegration of an ecosystem due to environmental degradation. 

[4] Audacious - Daring, bold, and courageous, often in a way that seems recklessly defiant or impudent.

[5] State-of-the-art - The most modern, advanced, and newly developed in a particular area.

[6] Clamored - To make a loud, insistent demand or outcry.

[7] Gone mad - Descended into chaos, frenzy or irrationality. 

[8] Erosion - The gradual destruction or diminution of something.

[9] Eccentric - Unconventional, strange or bizarre in behavior or appearance. [10] Luddites - A person opposed to new technology or ways of working. [11] Homogenized - Made uniform or identical.

[12] Grassroots - The most basic level of an organization or movement.

[13] Coalesce - To unite or join into a whole; combine.

[14] Turned a blind eye - To deliberately ignore or refuse to acknowledge something.

[15] Tentative - Unsure, hesitant or provisional.

[16] Repurposed - To reuse or reinvent something for a new purpose or application.

[17] Tutelage - Instruction or guidance from a tutor or teacher.

[18] Micro-economy - A very small, self-contained economic system or market.

[19] Adherents - Followers or supporters of a particular doctrine or practice.

[20] Eschewing - Deliberately avoiding or rejecting.

[21] Antiquated - Obsolete, old-fashioned or outdated.

[22] Unhinged - Mentally unstable or deranged.

[23] Insular - Isolated, detached from other groups.

[24] Disillusioned - Having lost one's ideals, disenchanted.