Looking over the various suggestions, I have tried to create an "updated" version of the prologue/introduction to the game. This is written "in character," as it were, from the perspective of the beginning of the game when the player still doesn't know much about the aliens (such as why they come). As such, it is primarily concerned with the history of the alien threat and Phalanx. I fully expect that this will have to be shortened, changed, and so forth, but hopefully it is an acceptable start from which we can start adding elements of how humans discover more information about the aliens and their relationship with humanity (and, in turn, how humanity will deal with the aliens).
Just an ambitious,
Thought
***
Good evening, Commander. I will be your briefing officer. Until we reach home base, we are under level three security lock down. You cannot know my name, I cannot know yours, and until we land this meeting does not exist.
My duty is to bring you up to speed on the history of the present threat before we land. Please keep in mind that I am only authorized to speak; I am not authorized to hear your questions and you are not authorized to ask any, at this time.
On February 24th 2027 a radar telescope array, under control of the under-funded United Nations research organization known as Hoplite, near the Tigris River detected an unusually ordered energy emission at 0335 hours. Other arrays began picking up the signal, but only those within a longitude variance of thirty degrees. The highly structured nature of this energy emission classified it as a priority two signal, while the limited range of detection pushed it to priority one. Up until this date, no signal detected by Hoplite or any predecessor organization was ever classified as high as a priority three signal.
With this signal, the world became curious and the best scientists began working on the data. Once it was established that the energy emission was the result of Tachyon particles decaying upon entering the solar system, the United Nations began discussing in earnest the possibilities of a communication from an Extra-terrestrial intelligence. Various Hawkish members of the general assembly and the Security Council urged the adoption of worst case scenario protocols, though France vetoed any attempt to pass such a resolution.
The following year another signal of a similar nature was detected by the deep space probe, Voyager II. After careful analysis, it was determined that the signal originated from Earth, not from outer space. With two sets of data to work with, the signal was slowly decoded over the next twenty years. The original signal was never meant for biological ears, as it contained what appeared to be a basic inquiry of a computer system, though of a design that continues to elude earth scientists. The second signal was then determined to be a reply indicating several pre-programmed parameters were in unacceptable ranges. These parameters and their significance have not yet been determined, nor has the device that sent the reply signal ever been found.
In the intervening twenty years between when the signal was detected and when it was decoded, the United Nations was reorganized into the United Nations II, to better reflect the changing political structure of the world. Increasing tensions between the Mega-Nations of the world produced a period of intense military uncertainty, which led to the alien signal being viewed in a more pessimistic manner. UN II resolution 101, 2048 – Concerning Phalanx: Protocols for the Defense and Response to Military or Terrorists Attacks on Human Organizations as Originating from an Extraterrestrial Source was passed on June 24th, 2048. This resolution quickly became known as “the Phalanx Protocols†and it called for the re-organization of Hoplite into a dual function organization capable of monitoring and researching alien threats as well as responding to isolated alien incursions. The protocols were never implemented and Hoplite, after having experienced a brief surge in funding, eventually began to decline again and fade from public favor over the next forty years. Without more indications of alien life, extraterrestrial research floundered as a field of academic study and practical applications and Hoplite itself was seen as an unnecessary financial liability, much less so than the larger structure that the Phalanx protocols called for.
By 2084, Hoplite was a closet organization whose continued existed was largely due to the fact that no politician could be bothered with its final eradication. On March 9th once again Hoplite detected an energy signal that was the result of decaying Tachyon particles. Accompanying the signal were several other energy spikes, ranging from electromagnetic disturbance disabling outer-solar satellites to increased galactic radiation storms in the area. A report was immediately filed with the UN II; however, it was also immediately ignored. On March 12th several unidentified craft appeared over Mumbai, the city with the densest and the largest population on Earth. The exact circumstances of the attack are still unknown, but the city was overrun in under an hour. All satellite feed and reconnaissance of the city was interrupted by the aliens. The Asian Commonwealth mobilized a retaliatory force in less than twelve hours, however after a day of intense fighting and unparalleled losses, the AC requested UN aid. With the combined military might of the most powerful Mega-nations on Earth, the alien forces were slowly forced from the city.
Though Mumbai was once again in human hands, media outlets began broadcasting eye witness accounts that disheartened the population. Human losses were staggering; the streets were quite literally littered with pieces of human bodies and entire buildings were painted in blood. Historical monuments were destroyed, modern wonders disappeared, and through it all not a single alien corpse was found. A thorough search of the city revealed not a single drop of alien blood and not a single alien bolt or screw. Military analysts were quick to propose the idea that the aliens never intended to keep the city but that it was a show of their undeniable might. The body count is still rising, and through it all the aliens were not even scratched. This incident has become to be known as the Phantom Invasion.
On March 30th the UN II accessed and implemented the Phalanx Protocols. Humanity desperately needed even the semblance of a victory, or else our morale might utterly collapse. Thus far, Phalanx has been able to chase away a few small UFOs, but every force that has been sent to actively engage the aliens has been destroyed. The original commander of Phalanx, your predecessor, was relieved from command for failing to produce results. Unless you can provide the UN with a victory to show to the public, you too will be nixed.
Currently, Phalanx is operating out of the military bases of whatever nation is most convenient for a given location. Our first base is under construction now, in fact we should be landing there shortly. You do not have the time to mobilize an army; indeed if the Phantom invasion is any indication an army will do you no good. The best soldiers, scientists, scholars, and equipment have been put at the disposal of Phalanx, use those to hurt the aliens in any way that you can. It doesn’t matter if all you do is sting them, humanity needs even something as small as that. However, please keep in mind that the UN still believes that negotiations with the aliens may be possible. As an indication of humanity’s good will and desire to reach a civil end to this conflict, you are to extend basic human rights to the aliens. If you take any of them captive, they are to be treated like any other human POW. This order stands until further notice.
Ah, I see we are about to land. Very well then, commander. Good luck and give those monsters hell.
