Republic Engineering
Artificial Intelligence
Designer's Note: Despite the wording of this submission, the damage taken in RolePlay is - as always - determined by the opposing writer.
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: To create a potent Xenotoxin Nanovirus for use against a seemingly unstoppable enemy.
- Image Source: Not Applicable.
- Canon Links: See Below.
- Permissions: Not Applicable.
- Primary Source: Repurposed Canon Articles, Wrath of the Sun - Anti-Khonsu Clone Nanovirus, FG36 Anti-Clone Nanovirus, Xenotoxin, Xenotoxic Torpedo, Xenotoxic Flechette, Bioweapon, Chemical Weapon(s), Xenophage, Etc.
- Name: REC/SPD-BW01 Xenotoxin Nanovirus: Project: Xenophage 2.0.
- Manufacturer:
- Republic Engineering Corporation - Special Projects Division.
- The Trade Federation - Special Projects Division.
- Affiliation:
- Select Clientele.
- The Death Watch Crusade - “Stolen” Shipments.
- Market Status: Closed-market.
- Modularity:
- Chemical and Genetic Composition of the Nanovirus? No.
- Delivery Methods? Yes.
- Production: Minor-scale Production.
- Material:
- Selective Viral Agents.
- Various Viral Carriers.
- Harvested Graug Genetic Markers and Material.
- Classification: Xenotoxin | Nanovirus.
- Method of Consumption: Inhalation, Ingestion, Epidermal Osmosis.
- Average Life: Indefinitely - Dormant State | Near-Instantaneous Consumption - Active State.
- Nutritional Value: None.
- Allergies: None.
- Side Effects:
- Graug: Extremely and Selectively Lethal.
- Stage One: Possible Recovery, Lasting Psychological Effects.
- Stage Two: Terminal.
- Non-Graug: [NO ADVERSE EFFECTS.]
- Possible Itchy Throat or Minor Skin Rashes.
- Graug: Extremely and Selectively Lethal.
- Purpose: Anti-Graug Bioweapon.
- Initial Stage: (RNA Insertion and Cellular Bonding) [0.5 PPM to 1.5 PPM.]
- The Xenophage is deployed through various means; see Chemical Load Grenades, Xenotoxic Torpedoes, etc, and infects the Host species by Inhalation, Ingestion, or Epidermal Osmosis. Although there are Three distinct “Races” within the Graug Species, there is very little diversity in their Baseline Genepool, as all Three “Races’ share common Genetic Ancestors. Thus, the Xenophage doesn’t discriminate between the Three and “Infects” each of them equally. While Graug physiology is noted to be extremely resilient to infection, even against some of the most deadly diseases - traditional viral agents proved to be ineffective. To counteract this resilience, the tailored Nanovirus takes advantage of the natural countermeasures found within the Gruag’s twinned immune system. It was designed to operate as a near-flawless facsimile of the Graug’s anti-bodies and their scale mites, sans the micro-burst of Darkside energies in the former method of protection. Because of their similar nature, the “Infected” Individual’s immune system wouldn’t trigger as it would be essentially tricked into believing that the Nanovirus wasn’t a foreign agent. From there, these false anti-bodies would be rapidly distributed throughout the Individual’s body via the bloodstream, thanks in part to their twinned-hearts.
- Graug Captives experienced Higher than Normal Body Temperatures at the Time(s) and Point(s) of Infection.
- The Xenophage is deployed through various means; see Chemical Load Grenades, Xenotoxic Torpedoes, etc, and infects the Host species by Inhalation, Ingestion, or Epidermal Osmosis. Although there are Three distinct “Races” within the Graug Species, there is very little diversity in their Baseline Genepool, as all Three “Races’ share common Genetic Ancestors. Thus, the Xenophage doesn’t discriminate between the Three and “Infects” each of them equally. While Graug physiology is noted to be extremely resilient to infection, even against some of the most deadly diseases - traditional viral agents proved to be ineffective. To counteract this resilience, the tailored Nanovirus takes advantage of the natural countermeasures found within the Gruag’s twinned immune system. It was designed to operate as a near-flawless facsimile of the Graug’s anti-bodies and their scale mites, sans the micro-burst of Darkside energies in the former method of protection. Because of their similar nature, the “Infected” Individual’s immune system wouldn’t trigger as it would be essentially tricked into believing that the Nanovirus wasn’t a foreign agent. From there, these false anti-bodies would be rapidly distributed throughout the Individual’s body via the bloodstream, thanks in part to their twinned-hearts.
- Stage One: (Time of Infection + One Ten Minute Interval, Galactic Standard) [1.5 PPM to 2.5 PPM.]
- Example Deployment Methods: Small Arms Munitions, Chemical Load Grenades, Vehicle-grade Munitions, Starfighter-grade Munitions.
- Notable Effects on Daghul-Hai: Increased Body Temperature. Marginal Atopic Dermatitis (Rashes in the Secondary Layer of Skin; Known as “Grey Flesh,”) Decreased Vascular Mucus Excretion (Coupled with Highly Acidic Blood; Capable of Damaging Internal Organs and Vascular Networks,) Increased Moisture Excretion (Increased Scale Mite population; Capable of triggering the onset of “Soft Hide.”)
- Notable Effects on Hansnok-Hai: Increased Body Temperature. Marginal Atopic Dermatitis (Rashes in the Secondary Layer of Skin; Known as “Grey Flesh,”) Decreased Vascular Mucus Excretion (Coupled with Highly Acidic Blood; Capable of Damaging Internal Organs and Vascular Networks,) Increased Moisture Excretion (Increased Scale Mite population; Capable of triggering the onset of “Soft Hide.”)
- Notable Effects on Baarann-Hai: Increased Body Temperature. Marginal Atopic Dermatitis (Rashes in the Secondary Layer of Skin; Known as “Grey Flesh,”) Decreased Vascular Mucus Excretion (Coupled with Highly Acidic Blood; Capable of Damaging Internal Organs and Vascular Networks,) Increased Moisture Excretion (Increased Scale Mite population; Capable of triggering the onset of “Soft Hide.”)
- Possible Treatments: Due to the Graug’s innate resilience against all forms of viral infection, and foreign agents, they are highly resistant to all forms of modern medicine and conventional stimulants. Thus, once infected, there is no known treatment aside from waiting for the body's natural restoration process to begin. However, several theoretical(s) exist in regards to antiquated medicines combined with the evils of Sith Alchemy; due to their extensive genetic tampering and enforced evolution.
- Stage Two: (Time of Infection, + One Thirty Minute Interval, Galactic Standard and Continued Exposure) [2.5 PPM to 5.0 PPM.]
- Example Deployment Methods: Small Arms Munitions, Chemical Load Grenades, Vehicle-grade Munitions, Starfighter-grade Munitions.
- Notable Effects on Daghul-Hai: Hyper-Increased Body Temperature. Rampant Atopic Dermatitis (Rashes in the Secondary Layer of Skin; Known as “Grey Flesh,”) Drastically Decreased Vascular Mucus Excretion (Coupled with Highly Acidic Blood; Capable of Damaging Internal Organs and Vascular Networks,) Rampant Moisture Excretion (Increased Scale Mite population; Capable of triggering the onset of “Scale Rot.”)
- Notable Effects on Hansnok-Hai: Hyper-Increased Body Temperature. Rampant Atopic Dermatitis (Rashes in the Secondary Layer of Skin; Known as “Grey Flesh,”) Drastically Decreased Vascular Mucus Excretion (Coupled with Highly Acidic Blood; Capable of Damaging Internal Organs and Vascular Networks,) Rampant Moisture Excretion (Increased Scale Mite population; Capable of triggering the onset of “Scale Rot.”)
- Notable Effects on Baarann-Hai: Hyper-Increased Body Temperature. Rampant Atopic Dermatitis (Rashes in the Secondary Layer of Skin; Known as “Grey Flesh,”) Drastically Decreased Vascular Mucus Excretion (Coupled with Highly Acidic Blood; Capable of Damaging Internal Organs and Vascular Networks,) Rampant Moisture Excretion (Increased Scale Mite population; Capable of triggering the onset of “Scale Rot.”)
- Possible Treatments: Due to the Graug’s innate resilience against all forms of viral infection, and foreign agents, they are highly resistant to all forms of modern medicine and conventional stimulants. Thus, once infected, there is no known treatment. However, several theoretical(s) exist in regards to antiquated medicines combined with the evils of Sith Alchemy; due to their extensive genetic tampering and enforced evolution. But, at this point in time, it would be considered too late for the recovery, as the Individual would be eaten alive by their own genetic safeguards.
- Genetically Engineered, and Hybridized Nanovirus.
- Mite Pheromone-based Membrane; Sheds on Absorption.
- Anti-body Facsimile.
- Multiple States - Gaseous Vapour, Infested Liquid, Etc.
- Various Reactions - Dependent on the Infected Subject (See table(s) above.)
- Genetically-engineered Bacterial Pharmaceuticals Resistance, Including Kolto and Bacta.
- Midchlorian Corruption - Restriction on Force-based Healing.
- Extremely Lethal to Targeted Species and Subraces.
- Genetically Tailored Nanovirus - No Known Vaccine, and Cure. Extremely resistant to Anti-virals and Bacterial Pharmaceuticals.
- Adaptable Deployment Methods - Variable Chemical Load Munitions; See lists above.
- More Effective in Enclosed Spaces; I.E. Graug Tunnels, Urban Environments, Pressurized Starships, Etc.
- Ineffective to Non-Targeted Species and Subraces.
- Harsh Atmospheric Conditions; Strong winds can spread the dispersed nanovirus, making it ineffective against Targeted Species and Subraces.
- Vacuum Deployment; Incapable of spreading effectively in a Vacuum, best deployed within a Type III or Type IV atmosphere, artificial or otherwise, due to sufficient atmospheric pressure(s.)
- Continued Exposure; While initially harmful, the longer the Target Species and Subraces are exposed to the Nanovirus, the more Lethal it becomes.
- Extremely High Temperatures; Rapid Pathogen Deterioration leading to Viral Decomposition (Temperatures above 80'C to 95'C.)
- Advanced Environmental Filtration - Personal or Otherwise; Capable of funnelling the Nanovirus into a buffer zone, where it remains in a dormant state. If removed for any reason, the Viral Agent will reactivate and carry out its intended purpose.
For decades, the Galaxy had been asking one generation-defining question. How does one fight back against the Graug? They were renowned abominations twisted by dark magics, which made them all but immune to the most conventional weapons. This biological benefit proved to be most troublesome, as it took years - and countless lives - to devise weaponry that would be marginally effective against such creatures. Even then, that marginal effectiveness wasn’t enough to stem the proverbial tide. But, in recent months, there was a spark of hope aroused from the most unlikely places.
Having previously developed a nanovirus capable of stemming the threat from the Bryn’adul and the Drael, Republic Engineering saw fit to retask their efforts to create something similar to handle the Graug. At first, their successes were almost non-existent. The physiological differences between the Drael and the Graug were exceedingly different, despite many similarities. With both species having hardened carapace’s and twinned hearts, many of the researchers believed that their tailored viral agent would be highly effective against such alchemical horrors. However, there was something that they initially failed to take into consideration.
The Dark Side of the Force was woven into the very fabric of the Graug’s physiology. They were enhanced by dark magics, and their bodies benefited from having an overly aggressive immune system. That made it difficult to test any viral agents on captured subjects, as their Force-enriched systems would destroy the administered samples before any results could be determined. Thus, time and time again, the research team was sent back to the drawing board to figure out how they could defeat this menace without resorting to large-scale weaponry or orbital bombardment.
It wasn’t until later, just before the project was dismissed for being a waste of valuable personnel and resources, that a discovery was made. The Graug’s immune system wasn’t triggered by its own cells, which meant that if the team could replicate their body’s defences, they could easily trigger the desired result. These near-perfect facsimiles of Graug Anti-bodies would then be free to traverse through the entirety of the Sithspawn’s body, as their internal defences wouldn’t activate. The immune system would see them as part of the collective and not follow through with their aggressive behaviour, as noted with other viral agents and infectious diseases. With that passive acceptance of these “foreign” genetically-tailored microbes, the viral agent would activate - and wreak havoc within the Graug’s body.
While there were many suggestions and ideas about how this viral agent would exterminate the targeted species, the only route that seemed viable was to utilize the Graug’s own resilient body against itself. Their vascular system was coated in some form of biological mucus, which protected their cardiovascular system against the high acidity of the Graug’s blood. The way that this Nanovirus was engineered, these false-anti-bodies would surge through the bloodstream and attack the mucus-producing glands and membranes. In attacking these glands and membranes, the Nanovirus would redirect the flow of vascular mucus away from the veins, arteries and capillaries. Such an act forced the Graug’s body to excrete this once-protective substance through the soft flesh - located beneath the hardened exterior.
But, there was a setback to this design. While the virus was effective once injected into the Graug’s body, the issue that often arose was the microscopic mites that lived between the hardened carapace’s fissures. Like the anti-bodies within the alchemical abomination, they were just as aggressive to any foreign bodies, which rendered any conventional methods of deployment ineffective. If these mites destroyed the virus before it could be absorbed, there would be little point in developing this viral agent. Again, the research team went back to the drawing board to see how they could adapt their virus to cooperate with the Graug’s unnatural physiological traits. It wasn’t until a few days later, and hundreds of recycled ReCaf containers later, that a breakthrough was made.
To avoid the grisly fate of being consumed by the scale-mites, the research team believed that their best method of progression was to initially “disguise” the virus as a mite during the initial stages of infection. With a pheromone-based membrane coating the viral agent and acting as the disguise, the nanovirus would be able to proceed through the first line of biological defence unharmed. The virus would then shed the pheromone-based membrane as it was absorbed through the Graug’s flesh, allowing the viral agent to then carry out its intended and genetically-engineered purpose.
With these artificial countermeasures, the effects on the targeted species would wholly depend on how much of the viral agent they were infected with. A small measure would see that their body’s defences were weakened, as portions of their vascular mucus would be excreted outwards - bringing about a near-rapid onset of “Soft Hide.” With the increased moisture between the first and second layer of flesh, those very same mites would find themselves in a breeding and feeding frenzy. This explosive life-cycle would see the mites begin to not only eat away at the dead flesh and scale flakes, but they would also start eating away at the hardened carapace as well. Over time, and through the mucus’ natural evaporation, these mites would die off and restore the Graug to proper fighting form.
With the diverted mucus, there was a chance that the blood - being highly acidic - could rupture a portion of the vascular system. A burst vein would undoubtedly cause problems with internal organs or muscle tissue. A ruptured artery would likely mean something more fatal was in the works. With time and minimal exposure to the virus - it was likely that the Graug would be able to recover from the infection. Still, there would always be the lasting impression that their bodies weren’t entirely immune to chemical warfare. In a way, it was almost an effective psychological tactic as well, since it was likely that the survivors would desperately seek new methods in which to defend themselves from this new “sickness.”
The true and insidious nature of the nanovirus would reveal itself when the subject was exposed to a larger dose and wasn’t able to immediately extract themselves from the affected area. With additional viral agents, the previously mentioned effects would be supercharged, leading to extremely fatal results. Not only would the mucus membranes and glands be attacked, but the nanovirus would seek to wholly strip the vascular system of its natural defences - leaving every vein, artery and capillary at the mercy of the Graug’s own acidic blood. As one can imagine, a ruptured vascular system would lead towards a cascade of catastrophic organ failure, as the acidic blood would eat away at organs and muscle tissue alike.
Not only would they be “eaten alive” from the inside, but the mites between the scale fissures would bring about a rapid onset of “Scale Rot.” As it was defined, this rot would see the massive population of mites eat away at the scales that once protected the Graug - leaving them utterly defenceless in the face of hostile forces. But, that factor mattered little when their own body was being torn asunder by the very nature of their own blood and the twinned-hearts that governed the circulatory system.
Thus, with this nanovirus on hand, those that found themselves pitted against the Graug would finally have a weapon that would balance the scales. No more should the Galaxy fear the Horde, nor the Sith that guided their countless atrocities.
Having previously developed a nanovirus capable of stemming the threat from the Bryn’adul and the Drael, Republic Engineering saw fit to retask their efforts to create something similar to handle the Graug. At first, their successes were almost non-existent. The physiological differences between the Drael and the Graug were exceedingly different, despite many similarities. With both species having hardened carapace’s and twinned hearts, many of the researchers believed that their tailored viral agent would be highly effective against such alchemical horrors. However, there was something that they initially failed to take into consideration.
The Dark Side of the Force was woven into the very fabric of the Graug’s physiology. They were enhanced by dark magics, and their bodies benefited from having an overly aggressive immune system. That made it difficult to test any viral agents on captured subjects, as their Force-enriched systems would destroy the administered samples before any results could be determined. Thus, time and time again, the research team was sent back to the drawing board to figure out how they could defeat this menace without resorting to large-scale weaponry or orbital bombardment.
It wasn’t until later, just before the project was dismissed for being a waste of valuable personnel and resources, that a discovery was made. The Graug’s immune system wasn’t triggered by its own cells, which meant that if the team could replicate their body’s defences, they could easily trigger the desired result. These near-perfect facsimiles of Graug Anti-bodies would then be free to traverse through the entirety of the Sithspawn’s body, as their internal defences wouldn’t activate. The immune system would see them as part of the collective and not follow through with their aggressive behaviour, as noted with other viral agents and infectious diseases. With that passive acceptance of these “foreign” genetically-tailored microbes, the viral agent would activate - and wreak havoc within the Graug’s body.
While there were many suggestions and ideas about how this viral agent would exterminate the targeted species, the only route that seemed viable was to utilize the Graug’s own resilient body against itself. Their vascular system was coated in some form of biological mucus, which protected their cardiovascular system against the high acidity of the Graug’s blood. The way that this Nanovirus was engineered, these false-anti-bodies would surge through the bloodstream and attack the mucus-producing glands and membranes. In attacking these glands and membranes, the Nanovirus would redirect the flow of vascular mucus away from the veins, arteries and capillaries. Such an act forced the Graug’s body to excrete this once-protective substance through the soft flesh - located beneath the hardened exterior.
But, there was a setback to this design. While the virus was effective once injected into the Graug’s body, the issue that often arose was the microscopic mites that lived between the hardened carapace’s fissures. Like the anti-bodies within the alchemical abomination, they were just as aggressive to any foreign bodies, which rendered any conventional methods of deployment ineffective. If these mites destroyed the virus before it could be absorbed, there would be little point in developing this viral agent. Again, the research team went back to the drawing board to see how they could adapt their virus to cooperate with the Graug’s unnatural physiological traits. It wasn’t until a few days later, and hundreds of recycled ReCaf containers later, that a breakthrough was made.
To avoid the grisly fate of being consumed by the scale-mites, the research team believed that their best method of progression was to initially “disguise” the virus as a mite during the initial stages of infection. With a pheromone-based membrane coating the viral agent and acting as the disguise, the nanovirus would be able to proceed through the first line of biological defence unharmed. The virus would then shed the pheromone-based membrane as it was absorbed through the Graug’s flesh, allowing the viral agent to then carry out its intended and genetically-engineered purpose.
With these artificial countermeasures, the effects on the targeted species would wholly depend on how much of the viral agent they were infected with. A small measure would see that their body’s defences were weakened, as portions of their vascular mucus would be excreted outwards - bringing about a near-rapid onset of “Soft Hide.” With the increased moisture between the first and second layer of flesh, those very same mites would find themselves in a breeding and feeding frenzy. This explosive life-cycle would see the mites begin to not only eat away at the dead flesh and scale flakes, but they would also start eating away at the hardened carapace as well. Over time, and through the mucus’ natural evaporation, these mites would die off and restore the Graug to proper fighting form.
With the diverted mucus, there was a chance that the blood - being highly acidic - could rupture a portion of the vascular system. A burst vein would undoubtedly cause problems with internal organs or muscle tissue. A ruptured artery would likely mean something more fatal was in the works. With time and minimal exposure to the virus - it was likely that the Graug would be able to recover from the infection. Still, there would always be the lasting impression that their bodies weren’t entirely immune to chemical warfare. In a way, it was almost an effective psychological tactic as well, since it was likely that the survivors would desperately seek new methods in which to defend themselves from this new “sickness.”
The true and insidious nature of the nanovirus would reveal itself when the subject was exposed to a larger dose and wasn’t able to immediately extract themselves from the affected area. With additional viral agents, the previously mentioned effects would be supercharged, leading to extremely fatal results. Not only would the mucus membranes and glands be attacked, but the nanovirus would seek to wholly strip the vascular system of its natural defences - leaving every vein, artery and capillary at the mercy of the Graug’s own acidic blood. As one can imagine, a ruptured vascular system would lead towards a cascade of catastrophic organ failure, as the acidic blood would eat away at organs and muscle tissue alike.
Not only would they be “eaten alive” from the inside, but the mites between the scale fissures would bring about a rapid onset of “Scale Rot.” As it was defined, this rot would see the massive population of mites eat away at the scales that once protected the Graug - leaving them utterly defenceless in the face of hostile forces. But, that factor mattered little when their own body was being torn asunder by the very nature of their own blood and the twinned-hearts that governed the circulatory system.
Thus, with this nanovirus on hand, those that found themselves pitted against the Graug would finally have a weapon that would balance the scales. No more should the Galaxy fear the Horde, nor the Sith that guided their countless atrocities.
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