Progenitors  
The Progenitors are a highly advanced race of starfaring creatures, whose technological sophistication is evident in the artifacts and monoliths they left behind on Planet. Research into these structures, or direct contact with the Progenitors should they return, can yield new technologies, weapons, and base facilities.

In recent millenia, the Progenitors have split into two warring camps: the Manifold Caretakers and the Manifold Usurpers. These factions conflict over the uses of the Manifolds, which include Planet. The Caretakers wish to leave the Manifolds in their original, pristine state, while the Usurpers wish to initiate and control an Ascent to Transcendence. If either faction is successful in their quest, it most likely means an end to humanity's presence on Planet.