In the years of the Renaissance, an inventor, architect, and seer named Milo Rambaldi made a prediction which, when discovered centuries later, would have violent repercussions in the history of the world. Discovered in the late 20th century, it was kept a secret from the public while all the Intelligence in the world tried to figure it out, to stop its fulfillment, or to be the ones to fulfill it.

          A worn leather-bound manuscript was found in the ruins of a small chapel in a European country. From then on, world Intelligence agencies set off on frantic searches for clues to the seer's puzzle. In 2001, the sketch of a woman was discovered to be hidden in page 47 of the manuscript.

          It wasn't until 2497 that the prophecy was finally decoded by the United States of America. The President was informed, and he decided that immediate action was necessary. Knowing that other world agencies would try to see the prophecy to its very end, his tactics were both logical and strategic: to conquer as many countries as they could, and to do so through peaceful means. The plan was a complete success: North and South America became one America, with each nation keeping its official language and all sharing English as their means of interstate communication.

          Unfortunately, the movement caused immense international tension between the nations outside America, and many new ideologies were born. Nations attached primarily to five, and thus were formed the other five nations of the world. What was once a peaceful world was filled with much turmoil for over two centuries. In 2723, a peace accord was reached and business thrived once again. But that did not mean slight tension would cease. It was a sort of second Cold War, where governments pushed and pulled — albeit subtly — in peace meetings and other such gatherings. Intelligence agencies still worked with the Rambaldi prophecy.

          Now we reach the beginning 31st century. The American government has been keeping track of birth records since the decoding of the prophecy (2497) for individuals who fit the prediction's requirements. These people are known as "subjects" or "Agents." When contacted they are informed of the situation and are asked to join the Front Lines. All Agents in Front Lines have come of their own will. They are not, however, told of their part in the prophecy — they are simply told they are very special individuals who will do well in serving their country.

          The Front Lines - location, purpose, relevant names

          The Front Lines operate in a large four-building compound known as Trillium Complex, which takes up what would be commonly known as four blocks per building. They are, in fact, very much like a small city. Here there are apartments, colleges, businesses, stores, recreation centers, research facilities, libraries, even a fully-equipped hospital wing. The buildings are connected from various points by halls and walkways on certain stories. Front Lines pose as a respectable bank (American National) taking up several floors of Building 3 on its own. The great majority of the people who work or attend classes at the Trillium also reside there. Building 1 is mostly residential, with 60 floors devoted solely to living areas. The Front Lines' actual training and ops facility is another multi-floor occupier near the top of Building 3.

          It seems hardly necessary to say that secrecy is a very big issue with all real Front Lines workers, agents, and subjects. Measures are always taken to ensure the safety of everyone — participants and those close to them alike. Director Arvin Sloane is among the highest ranking officials currently with the Front Lines. Sub-Director and subject/Agent Jack Bristow is the one in whom he confides. Both have been made aware of the true purpose of Front Lines' Project Deciphre, and both are aware of the director's own true intentions — to be the one to fulfill the Rambaldi prophecy. Jack pretends to work alongside him, pretending to support him in his quest, but in reality he is working with the American government itself. Jack Bristow's superior is Director Kendall, who is also aware of both Front Lines' and Arvin Sloane's goals.

          Recent Events - what's been happening?

          The following are news clippings from the Trillium Daily.

          "Upon arriving home yesterday evening, American National employee Sydney Bristow was met by a most tragic sight — her fiancée, Daniel Hecht, was found brutally murdered. […] Police investigation continues to turn up with nothing."

          "A robbery attempt at the American National Bank locale in Building 3 occurred last night. The culprit was caught and brought into custody, but almost immediately after managed to escape. However, police officials caught the criminal and have placed him in a maximum security area. Officials refuse to give any more information concerning these occurrences, only telling us that there is no danger and we should not be worried."

          The events told in these clippings are less than a mere two weeks apart. The reason nothing more was ever found out about either case is because it involved the Front Lines and Project Deciphre. The real stories are as follows:

          [Clipping one] Daniel Hecht proposed to Sydney Bristow several weeks before the murder. Bristow, feeling guilty about having to lie to him for so long, told him what she really did at American National — the reasons for her constant traveling, her special ability, and how she felt about it all. When Hecht left a message on the answering machine in which he mentioned Front Lines and Project Deciphre, Director Sloane saw to it that he was killed.

          [Clipping two] Shortly after the death of Daniel Hecht, Sydney Bristow found out the truth about Project Deciphre and Director Sloane — and wanted out. So out she went. In a very unwise move, she raced down an enormous amount of stairs and was finally on the ground floor and on her way out the door when the officials in pursuit tackled her down. She was then returned to Front Lines for disciplinary procedures. She was unheard of for four days after the incident.

          Syd Has a "Special Ability"? What's That About?

          The Rambaldi prophecy spoke of powers. All subjects/Agents in the Front Lines have a certain power. (Other people in the world also have powers, but they are, clearly, out of America's hands.) [Note: The actual powers will only be revealed to journal readers and players. This may be changed later on and a list may be placed here, but Gata must check with Angel for confirmation.]

          And so we enter Project Deciphre…