When Zoneland was devastated by a DDS nuclear attack (which included cobalt-60 warheads) the planet was thought to be uninhabitable for millennia. However a Clone science team has begun experimental geo-engineering techniques on the planet (similiar to terraforming) which it is hoped could render Zoneland at least marginally habitable within a few decades.
Zoneland has rich mineral deposits but is so irradiated that mining operations are very hazardous and expensive. The Clones are keen to reduce the radiation threat to help them exploit Zoneland's wealth which was ceded to the Clone Star Empire in return for the Clones giving refuge to the bulk of the surviving Zone population. Several million Zones still live on Colom in camps.
While most Zones are fairly peaceful an extremist faction known as New Zoneland Now (NZN) is threatening to take over Colom and make it "New Zoneland". NZN vow to kill all humans and any aliens linked to the DDS if they gain control of Colom (Clones would be allowed to leave unharmed). The Clone authorities are hoping that the prospect of Zoneland being habitable again (even if remote) could weaken NZN which is growing in strength in the Zone camps.
