Combine

**The Combine**, sometimes referred to as the **Super Soldier Program,** were a since defeated faction of super soldiers created by the government who had gone rogue. They were a commonly encountered enemy in the series, usually seen in large numbers as soldiers, hunters, or striders. Their main force, however, was made up of biologically enhanced super soldiers, likely former military personnel. They possessed lots of advanced technology, which they use to impose their agenda on others. Their ultimate goal had been world domination, by eliminating all other factions. They are based off the main antagonists for Half-Life 2, The Combine, who are somewhat similar in nature. They are lead by Doctor Breen.

## Pre-Apocalypse

The Combine were initially created by the government for some sort of scenario such as World War 3 as said by David. However, it is likely that The Combine never saw combat prior to the outbreak, as they were still simply supplementing the military. It is possible the Combine were also involved in law enforcement, as Rob mentions that he used to raid houses and search for illegal substance when part of the Combine. It is unknown if they were meant to replace the military, but the program never got far enough for this to become a reality. The Combine went along with the government, hiding their true agenda- which was starting part outbreak, which would lead to the breaking down of society, and also weaken the power of their only competitor- the military. This plan worked, and they engineered the headcrab, which would set the stage for the virus.

## Post-Apocalypse

The Combine used their headcrabs and loaded them into artillery pods, unleashing them on the country. After the virus began to spiral out of control, the Combine abandoned humanity, and remained in the safety of their advanced bases while the world crumbled around them. For a long time, they remained secluded to their bases, waiting patiently for the time to strike.

Eventually, they came back into the ruins of society, using their advanced technology against the infected. They captured a number of citizens, and brought them back to various camps to hold them prisoner to perform their sadistic experiments. The Combine undertook an operation to capture David Hawkings, a man who not only had the cure for the virus inside him but also had caused much trouble for the Combine in the past. This operation succeeded, and he was taken to one of these camps. The camp was overrun, however, and David escaped. The Combine had since tried to hunt David down, with little results other than their own casualties.

It was also shown in New Beginning the Combine hunted for Nathan Rogers as well. This was less due to reasons as vital as him having a cure, as the team sent to dispatch him was much less than that sent for David, but it is presumed because Nathan had shot at a Combine soldier. The operation was not as successful as their capture of Hawkings, besides the death of Nathan's companion Jeremy.

## Conflicts Involved In

### Combine War

The Combine and the military had been at edge ever since the outbreak started, however, it likely never came to any sort of conflict due to the fact that the majority of the military had pulled back to secluded bases and safezones after they were mostly overrun by the outbreak. However, starting from around Season 5, conflict between the Combine and the military began to brew. The Combine increased their troop movement, notably across a bridge near Victory Mine, using some sort of portal technology. The Combine started to reveal their true agenda, assaulting many military outposts with their advanced technology. Both parties were involved in small skirmishes, such as that at Ineu Passage. These conflicts, however, never escalated to full scale war, until, the war at Big City. The Combine crushed the military forces with their might, although with the help of the rebels, the military managed to beat the Combine back.

## Current Status

After their colossal defeat at Big City, and the death of their leader, Doctor Breen, it is unknown what happened to the Combine. They have not been seen, however, they are briefly referenced by General Robertson. This reference provides little insight on their current status however. Based off the lack of appearances from them in New Beginning, set 4 years after the outbreak, it is safe to say that they have mostly been wiped out, or at the very least have retreated to their bases. Despite David killing Breen, it is entirely possible that there are more clones of him.

## Known Members

* Doctor Breen (Deceased)
* Rob (abandoned) (Deceased)
* Various unnamed Combine soldiers