Humanity's attempt to colonize Mars in the 21st century involved sending algae and genetically modified cockroaches to terraform the planet. The cockroaches, however, proved highly adaptable and eventually gave rise to humanoid creatures known as Terraformars, which now dominate Mars. By the 26th century, the Alien Engine Virus has devastated Earth, and a cure is believed to be found on Mars. The Annex I team, comprising a hundred genetically enhanced individuals, has been dispatched to Mars in a bid to find the virus's cause and a potential cure.