In the year 2013, the earth is systematically attacked by a group of aliens known as "the Others". They exist in an unknown form and attack through a series of "waves" as their mothership orbits the planet:
The First Wave: "Lights Out"
A powerful electromagnetic pulse is emitted by the Others, causing the immediate failure of all technology. Planes crash, cellphones go out, and automobiles cease function. The estimated death toll is about 500,000.
The Second Wave: "Surf's Up"
Due to the large concentration of the human population within close proximity to coastlines, the Others drop large metal rods "twice as tall as the Empire State Building and three times as heavy" onto the earth's major fault lines. The resulting tsunamis obliterate every ocean front and raise sea levels dramatically. The estimated death toll is roughly 40% of the surviving population.
The Third Wave: "Pestilence"
Using the earth's birds as carriers, the Others spread a deadly virus thought to be a modified strain of Ebola. As the virus progresses, symptoms slowly deteriorate from a fever and cough to profuse bleeding from every orifice. The Pestilence claims an estimated 97% of the remaining survivors.
The Fourth Wave: "Silencers"
After being "implanted" by the Others prior to the Arrival, people infested with alien consciousnesses are tasked with killing the remaining humans.
After the first four waves decimate the human population, those who remain are terrified and desperately clinging to hope. As humanity awaits the arrival of a new Fifth Wave, one that will supposedly wipe the human race off the planet, distrust is sown as people realize the existence of fifth column imposters in their midst, imposters intent on thwarting any possible plan for human retaliation.
