Document A: Introduction
Year: 243 After Touch-down
Little is known about Earth before the Hives. Most records of any time before the Hives were destroyed. Almost all important knowledge was able to be saved, but a large portion of human history was lost forever. Information about dangerous technology has been kept from the general public, and history is not a common study.
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The fall of humanity was not war, disease, or of any natural cause. The Hives led to a quick and efficient downfall, unexpected and unprepared for.
The Hives came from an alien mother-ship that appeared in low Earth orbit spontaneously. Following this, it began to descend towards Earth after an estimated two-day period. The ship showed capability to withstand re-entry, and landed on the surface directly on top of Washington D.C., the capital of the United States of America. On impact, it obliterated the entire city.
Even though there were concentrated efforts to neutralize this threat, the ship was able to withstand or avoid all offense. Several hours after touch-down, it deployed twenty-four land vehicles, all equipped with advanced combat capabilities. Each targeted near-by important areas. After the downfall of these areas, the vehicles began to anchor themselves to the ground. Mining operations were secured by each, enabling the expansion of these bases.
Each "Hive" deployed attack vehicles. All humans within reach of these vehicles were executed, and several major resources were seized, increasing the capabilities of the Hives even more. In hours, half of the U.S. was captured.
Ever since touch-down, scientist have been greatly confused by the actions of the Hives. They clearly had the capability to destroy humanity easily, but were seemingly "preserving" the rest of the world. It has been recently concluded that perhaps their motivation was a primal need for killing. If they came from a highly aggressive planet, there is a chance that they evolved to be satisfied by killing other species, much like how humans enjoy beauty.
Each of the Hives soon began deploying more Hives, and so the infection spread. Humanity could only wait as their obliteration came ever closer.
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Even in impending doom, several countries set up a large, mostly underground fortress, named Preservation, in the western mountains of the U.S. Cutting technology was developed for the defense of humanities' last hope.
Shortly after the complete consumption of the planet, a group simply dubbed "The Knights" began to appear. It existed to try to free humanity by entering into the depths of the Hives and ripping out their hearts, one by one. Even though it was the strongest military force (though genetic modification and sheer will) ever to exist, their numbers have remained minute. Most people weren't willing to sacrifice themselves for a doomed cause.
"The Knights" have ruled over Preservation, the last fortress of the human race, for decades. People admire their bravery, so they have given them jurisdiction over Preservation.
Despite all efforts, not a single Hive has ever been defeated, and no breakthroughs in the war effort have occurred.
The future of the world is uncertain.
THE GREATEST STRENGTH OF HUMANITY IS OUR WILL
WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN
-The motto of the cult group "The Knights"