In the near future, Middle East turmoil compromises oil production. The
United States achieve energy independence and withdraw from
NATO. Europe is suffering an energy crisis. A catastrophic hurricane, Hurricane Maria, fuelled by
climate change, devastates Norway, leading to the rise of the
Norwegian Green Party. Prime Minister Jesper Berg, an idealistic politician with bold plans for
thorium-based nuclear power, cuts off all fossil fuel production. The
EU, in desperation, asks Russia to initiate a velvet glove
invasion of Norway.
Russian special forces kidnap Berg, insisting that he submit to EU demands or face a full-scale invasion. Berg at first refuses, but after his kidnappers execute a random civilian, Berg submits, reasoning that nobody deserves to die. Berg is released and is picked up by his
PSTbodyguard Hans Martin Djupvik. To conceal the nature of the
occupation, Berg promises the Norwegian people that the occupation is a temporary measure until Norway's oil and gas production is restored by Russian working crews. This intention unravels as a series of events complicate Norwegian–Russian interactions over the ensuing months.
