2004: Scientists discover an asteroid spiralling in deep space. It is predicted to collide with the earth sometime in 2035. The Asteroid is dubbed 99024 Apophis.

2028: Apophis is privately assigned a Torino rating of 7; the highest ever on the scale of an object likely to impact earth.

2029: Scientists begin construction of the Ark project. It is designed to preserve the remnants of humanity by burying them deep in the earth.

2035: The public is made aware of the asteroid. The Ark project is initiated. People are buried in ark capsules deep underground. Apophis impacts earth. Impact radiation causes mass evolution among the very few remaining equine species.