Welcome back. As promised, I have the updated backstory ready for your viewing pleasure. It has a few more details just to make the Black Dragon universe seem a little more interesting. Please, post any feedback you may have about it. Thanks and enjoy:

It Begins:

The beginning of 2030 saw the world at a very turbulent time. Countries were at each other's throats and the world economy was falling drastically. With the UN disappearing by 2040, countries made their own alliances. Largely based on landmass, two main governments were created. One was the mixture of Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia (Joint Eastern Confederation). The other was comprised of the North and South America, as well as Antarctica (Unity Coalition). This division of the world only spread more flames and eventually triggered what became known as World War III. As it was predicted, the third of the world wars would be the most costly. The launch of four separate nuclear missiles, two by each side, meant the death of 30% of the world's population. Not only did a harsh nuclear winter follow, but certain areas of the globe became unable to support life for hundreds of years.

Time to Rebuild:

After this catastrophe some common ground was achieved between the two parties. A treaty was signed which established that no more wars will be fought on Earth. This was the agreement that forever established Earth as a neutral ground.

By the year 2120, humanity began to rebuild itself. The populations were rising again and advances in science were continuing to make life better for everyone. The limited space gave birth to the use of “Mega Cities”, which were layered vertically, rather then horizontally. Additionally, a better understanding of solar energy allowed humans to harness the power of the Sun more efficiently then ever.

The New Frontier:

Though disputes still arose between the JEC and Unity, the treaty regulations were upheld and not a shot was ever fired. Eventually, space travel became a common technology. It was achieved through the dawn of Schneider Gates, named after their founder, Dr. Igor Schneider. These gates have the ability to stabilize wormholes, making them safe for interstellar travel. The energy field created by them is so strong, that it has the ability to “solidify” the wormhole tunnel on both ends. Essentially, this created a one way trip. The only way to get back would be by creating another gate.

This new technology gave both parties the ability to spread their roots into the galaxy. Both groups sent their own teams to find planet’s that shared characteristics with Earth. JEC sent a group they called the Peace Makers searching for such a planet. Unity sent in the Pilgrims. Both groups located what would forever be known as Gaia II. This planet resembled earth in great detail. Both groups landed, and both claimed the planet for their own. No one is sure who fired the first shot, but an all out war began between the two parties for control of the planet. Funny enough, no matter what happened on that distant planet, Earth remained peaceful; the treaty was upheld.

New technologies in warfare made this a constant struggle for advancement, each group trying to out power the other. Eventually, Unity won the rights. The battles didn't end there. Another planet, Gaia III, was located by 2160. JEC took that one. This brings us to today, 2190, and Gaia IV.

The Black Dragon:

The player takes the role of a Unity soldier sent to help secure Gaia IV. His name is James Henderson, son of David Henderson, Gaia III hero. The strong military influence present at home made James an excellent student in the Unity Academy. He graduated with honors, and received recognition for his excellent tactical expertise and handling of fire arms. His first assignment was at a campaign to secure a Trinomite asteroid. Trinomite is the primary resource used in the production of space crafts for both groups.

James’s excellent performance during that campaign got him named to the Black Dragons, an elite group of soldiers able to handle any situation. His first assignment as a Black Dragon is to help secure Gaia IV, a newly discovered Earth-like planet.