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Scientific reports on the ExMortis - Corsair - 10-08-2012
Foreword / Table of Contents:
1) Introduction
2) What are the ExMortis?
3) Present Goals and Diplomacy
4) Scientific Report on the "Speaker"
5) Scientific Report on the "Core"
6) Engineering Report on the "Katanfreia"
7) Military Report on ExMortis troops
Section One: Introduction
The ExMortis are impossible to put into simple words. I have learned this as I have studied them in greater detail. My name is unimportant, but all of this data has been saved on Sabah's computer banks. In the following reports I shall cover all aspects of ExMortis physiology and psychology in vivid and often grotesque detail. They are not beautiful in the traditional sense. But when you get down to what they really are, you discover a whole new world, an entire dimension of biology that has thus far only been covered in realms of fantasy and nightmare.
Section Two: What are the ExMortis?
The ExMortis are genetically 87% human. Then again, that doesn't say much as we share over half of our DNA with almost every other living thing. But the ExMortis are similar to the parts that count, and that is because they've had literally thousands of generations to copy and modify themselves to us.
The basic biology of an ExMortis takes place on two tiers- the ExMortis' body, which we can see and interact with, and the nanovirus, which exists below the surface. The nanovirus is actually two separate parts that have come together to form a whole: it is the ExMortis virus itself, and a nanobot which the virus is attached to.
The virus is approximately 400nm tall and 65nm across. Its head grows depending on what it has consumed recently. Its tendrils wrap around the top of the nanobot, on its central processor. The base of the virus is buried inside the electronics, and organic synapses control the actions of the nanobot.
The nanovirus can modify parts of the body by consuming- literally- portions of flesh and bone, then transporting them to other parts of the body for reconstruction. The virus acts as storage for the ingested materials, until it eventually regurgitates the material back through the nanobot to be used. Given this extremely effective method of modification, a body can be radically altered in the span of days or weeks. A notable example is the Exo, an ExMortis soldier to be covered later.
The virus can not only modify body composition, but also the genetics of its host. Through a series of fatal mistakes, the virus has finally streamlined the DNA of their hosts by eradicating the useless 'junk' DNA which pollutes over 90% of human genetics. This means that the viruses don't need to search very hard for the specific genetic sequence to change. We have recorded such 'adjustments' as an increase in neuron development for faster cognitive processes, and a reduction in white blood cell production so the nanoviruses encounter less resistance.
The viruses cannot work these feats of biological wizardry without some form of fuel: Cardamine is their poison of choice. The complex, gene-altering molecules provide excellent sustenance for the nanoviruses, who must ingest it regularly or die off. The mathematics in keeping the ExMortis alive as a species is rather interesting.
An average ExMortis crewman has anywhere between 1.5 trillion and 2 trillion nanoviruses in their body at any one time. Each nanovirus needs 1 molecule of Cardamine every 6 hours. This would mean that a crewman would need anywhere between 9 and 12 trillion molecules of Cardamine every six hours, or 36-48 trillion daily. While this may sound like a large number, in terms of the large scale of Cardamine produced, one standard shipping unit of Cardamine could supply the present ExMortis community for decades.
While I've gone into the biology of an ExMortis, I haven't really explained what it is. Well, honestly they're still trying to figure it out. They're driven by a very basic urge to reproduce, which has been perverted by the virus to mean infect. Given the virulent nature of infection, a ship can be completely subverted in a matter of hours if not dealt with promptly.
These things are essentially walking, thinking plagues. While the virus is not airborne, they can transmit it through any bodily fluid, be it blood or saliva. At least they're more obvious than the Nomads.
Which brings me to my next, and hopefully final point. Their genetic code contains integrated and hybridized sections of Nomad genetic sequence. According to them, they have consumed and assimilated several Nomad remains during their development. This gives them their most ostensible power, telepathy. While not powerful enough to affect non-ExMortis, it allows them to communicate with each other instantaneously while they are within the same solar system.
It is unknown if this similarity with the Nomads will lead to their becoming allied, or if the Nomads will reject them as freaks. All that is certain is that there is a connection between them and only time will tell how that will play out.
That ends this 'cover letter'. Now we're getting into the hard science gathered in conjunction with Colonial scientists and the ExMortis themselves, who seem just as eager to learn about their own biology now that their labs on board the Jelkanar are gone. More reports will follow shortly.
Section Three: Present Goals and Diplomacy
So what do they want? Well, I've already mentioned it: They want to spread their virus to as many living things as possible, therefore ensuring the survival of their species. Of course, they realize they can't infect Sirius' 1 trillion plus population entirely. So from what little details they have given up so far, I have come to the conclusion that they are going to attempt to establish a miniature empire until they have gathered sufficient strength, then leave Sirius entirely. That end goal is centuries away, however. That essentially means that they're going to be around for a while, unless they're destroyed first.
As for diplomacy, they have thus far allied themselves with the Hellfire Legion, who took them in and repaired them many months ago, and the Colonial Republic. The Republic calls them more of an ally in combat, as the ExMortis tend to lurk in the Tau systems, attacking Gallic supply convoys to build up a supply of crew. They mentioned contacting the BAF, but apparently that didn't go over well. They'll be trying again when they have something to catch the BAF's attention.
Obviously, they have stated hostility to Gallia. Not for political reasons, but because they are an enemy of convenience. Fighting the Gallics will earn them favor among Sirians in addition to the loot they get normally.
But that doesn't mean they're sticking to Gallia. Any trade vessel not allied with Bretonia or the Remnant is targeted. Military vessels are only engaged as a last resort, as they don't want to get themselves killed too early.
Section Four: Scientific Report on the "Speaker"
Out of all the ExMortis, the Speaker is certainly the most well-known. 'She' is their face, taking care of everything from diplomacy to captaining the Katanfreia. 'She' does the talking, 'She' decides what road the ExMortis travel down.
I say 'She' only because constantly calling her 'It' would get confusing. The Speaker was a woman before she was infected, even if she doesn't look it now. We have a rough digital reconstruction of her body, recovered from the Katanfreia's brief security logs. She never consented to being studied on Sabah long enough for us to get detailed pictures.
The Speaker's biology is constantly changing; even that footage is now out of date. Keep that image open while you are reading this report; I shall make constant reference to it.
Starting with the head: In the image, her head is round and smooth. Now, a cranial cybernetic overlay covers her scalp, similar to Cyborg Commando Special Issue gear. The only difference being, the Speaker does not have the central eye prosthetic.
Moving down to the two extra 'arms' that grow from the Speaker's back and reach over her shoulders. They are now shod in metal, using metal scavenged from a Liberty Siege Cruiser that was destroyed while the Speaker was under the Hellfire Legion's protection. They provide extra cutting power and have a reach of four feet. The Speaker uses these arms to attack multiple enemies or even stab through starship hulls.
Next, to the Speaker's torso. A large supply of Kusarian weapons and armor were on board the Katanfreia when it was initially taken over. The Speaker has ingested some of this armor and used it to grow an exoskeleton that covers her ribcage, abdomen, upper legs and arms, and part of her neck. The armor is slightly tougher than a suit of infantry armor due to the fact that she's consumed quite a lot of metal in her life, but still flexible enough to move freely. The armor renders her essentially immune to pistol and light rifle fire. It would take armor-piercing armor to be able to punch through.
Her regular arms are also covered by the exoskeleton, though her clawed hands are shod in metal. Due to the recent integration of a hacking probe to her right index claw, she is able to upload the AAAI personality into almost any computer. The Artificial Intelligence will then go about stealing all of the data and money it can.
The Speaker's legs are angled backwards, as opposed to human legs which go forwards. This allows her to get a lot of power from each step as they propel her forward. Each foot now ends in a curved, metal-covered claw.
The Speaker is a terrifying thing to encounter in a closed hallway. Every part of its body is designed for killing, and it regularly goes about its grisly work, targeting Gallic transports primarily. The video feeds recovered from these ships before they're harvested and scuttled is chilling.
The final piece to the Speaker is her telepathy. She is the secondary telepathic node for the entire ExMortis species, the Core being the primary node. What this means is that the Speaker is ultimately a relay for the Core's telepathic signals. While the Speaker makes the decisions, the Core is the one who sends the messages. She acts as the control device, delivering messages to their targets. Without the Core, there's no telepathy. Without the Speaker, the Core would be shouting orders without any direction. They need each other to function properly.
That concludes this section; appendices may be added later on if updated information is made available.
Section Five: Scientific Report on the "Core"
The Core is patient zero. The progenitor of the entire ExMortis species. It was originally grown in the shattered head cavities of two of the Jelkanar's crew, and gradually consumed and assimilated the brainmatter, attempting to mimic the structure of the human nervous system.
As it grew and developed, it began to spread a red biomass throughout the ship's interior, which is used to deploy pheromones to control the ExMortis drones. As it consumed more bodies, it's structure became more complex.
Pheromones were inefficient and soon the Core ran into significant issues with controlling the drones. It needed a better solution. It dispatched its favored agent, the Speaker, to acquire some materials locked in the Jelkanar's high-security lab.
These materials were Nomad Battleship remains. When the Core consumed and assimilated it, several dramatic changes occurred within the Core's biomass. Visibly, it changed to grow a sort of hybrid between the red spongy material and the purple Nomad flesh. The result was a dark red/purple material that looked like gel but was firm to the touch.
But the most significant change was the Core's development of telepathy. It copied the Nomad's psychic abilities and adapted them for its own use. While not nearly as strong as K'Hara telepathy, the ExMortis could suddenly communicate and direct their movements from longer ranges. Currently this range is limited to the current solar system they are in, which makes any sort of long-range infection impossible.
The skin of the Core now covers the entire interior of the Katanfreia- corridors, chambers, vents, and piping. It acts as an internal sensor system of sorts, as the Core can detect movement and heat changes nearby it.
In terms of immediate importance, the Core is less dramatic than, say, the Speaker. But it is just as critical to the survival of the species, as without them they would be completely without guidance. As a test, a single ExMortis drone was taken out of the system. Within forty-five minutes, the drone was dead. The nanoviruses within it went beserk, destroying its body from the inside out.
Until the Core can find some way to amplify its telepathic control signal, there is no risk of outside infection. But when that happens, we must be -very- cautious.
Section Six: Engineering Report on the "Katanfreia"
The Katanfreia is a Kusari Destroyer commissioned two years ago in the Hiroshima shipyards. About a year ago, the ExMortis took it and called it home. Since then it has undergone extensive changes from its original design.
The ship's exterior is a patchwork of color, as three different faction's hull plating have been used to patch the numerous wounds the ship has incurred during its lifetime. A majority of the exterior is still of Kusarian make, though plating from the Hellfire Legion and Colonial Republic can be seen; in fact, the Legion has its logo plastered on one of these patches.
The ship has been completely drained of atmosphere, no lights are on, and the internal gravity has been disabled. This would be an issue for a human crew, but the ExMortis are perfectly at home in this environment.
To make things even more uncomfortable for human visitors, the corridors are lined with jagged spikes, jutting out of the wall from all angles and directions. The ExMortis weave through the spikes with no issues, but invaders would need to be careful not to snag and tear their suits.
With power not going to life support, gravity or light, extra power can be forwarded to the weapons and shields. Not enough to be too obvious, but it does give them a slight edge.
Overall, the Katanfreia is no better or worse than a typical destroyer in terms of ship-to-ship combat; however, attempting to board the Katanfreia is in no way a good idea.
Section Seven: Military Report on ExMortis troops
The ExMortis' goal is to infect and control as many people as possible. To that end, they have developed several classes of soldier to board enemy ships and take the crew- after all, you can't get breathing bodies after you blow up a ship.
The run-of-the-mill ExMortis drone is what is used to do the actual capturing. They stand, walk and run like a normal human and carry either rifles or stun pulses. Typically clad in light armor, they are the core of any raiding party.
On ships that have fortifications such as blast doors or turrets, heavier armaments are needed. To that end, the Breachers are a class of ExMortis where body modification begins to be apparent. They are short, around 4' tall, and incredibly stocky. Their necks are nonexistent, making their square heads meld right into their shoulders. Their helmet covers their entire face, save their mouth. This helmet transmits a HUD display to their vision centers to better aim their weapon.
Originally of Hellfire design, the Breacher launcher (for which this ExMortis is named) is a modular explosive deployment tool. This means that you can load up several explosive varieties and deploy them quickly. It can fire unguided rockets for clearing out a hallway, grenades for going through gaps or corners, and explosive charges for opening doors and hatches. The ExMortis only have three Breachers, so they are only deployed when enemy opposition has been cleared.
Next is the Bomber. An ExMortis with a thick vest on. Its purpose is to charge enemy positions and detonate the explosives within the vest. Crude, yet effective as the Bomber wears a thick helmet to make headshots difficult without armor piercing ammunition. Until either the brain or the spinal column is destroyed, the Bomber will continue to run, walk or crawl towards their target.
One of the most terrifying things you can see coming at you is an Exo. Currently the ExMortis do not have one available, though they are building it. The Exo is a walking tank, capable of spearheading invasions into military ships.
It stands 7' tall and walks on two legs. Four arms grow from it, each with a heavy weapon grafted directly on. Its body is plated with battleship-grade armor and it even has a shield generator on its back. More machine than human, the Exo is a test of ExMortis control over machinery. Presently they are gathering the materials to construct such a beast.
The heavy weapons mentioned earlier are as follows:
2x Heavy Gatling Solaris Cannons
2x Guided 'Flechette' Anti-Armor Shaped Missile
The Exo is meant to be in the front of the charge, using the Gatling guns to suppress enemy movement and the shaped missiles are used to blast through their hiding places. The missiles do not feature conventional explosives, but rather act more as incendiary flechette, propelling hundreds of spinning blades through cover and flesh. The projectiles pass through all but the heaviest armor, and initial tests show that it can even be used on unshielded mechanical targets.
If the ExMortis can get an Exo functioning, they could theoretically invade and destroy military warships. The amount of firepower it would take to bring down an Exo would cause massive damage to the interior of the ship, giving the battle on the outside the time and opportunity to finish the job.
So concludes these reports. I have no doubt that the ExMortis will continue to grow and evolve, and these reports may very well become obsolete in the coming years. But until then, let me leave you with this:
Do not make them think you distrust them. Their paranoia will likely result in your subsequent death. Be careful. Be alert. Be prepared.