Chapter Eight-Two (1/2)
UNIFIED GENETIC COUNCIL REPORT
FOURTH MOST HIGH AND ABOVE ONLY
NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
Examination of Terran biological sample obtained through espionage or battle-field examination has proceeded somewhat slowly. However, we are now confident enough in our knowledge of the Terran genome to make a preliminary report.
First of all, it cannot be understated: This species evolved without supervision or constraint on a world that suffered multiple extinction events. The timing of the last extinction event, which wiped out feathered reptilians, is suspicious as it roughly corresponds with the Mantid Excursion of Known Space at the end of the Intelligent Machine War. While their own data and that of the Mantids estimate that their extinction event took place some time after the Mantids moved through their spacial location the coincidence is too strong not to take into account.
Second of all: Their genome is both extraordinarily complex and over-simplified. It is easily mutable, quite easy to manipulate and adjust, to the point where the Terrans have engaged in the practice in complete genetic rehabilitation and rebuild for personal gratification. Gene-splicing and chimeraism is quite common in Terran society.
Third of all: Their genome has been altered. Records easily obtained from their medical banks show that they eliminated a host of genetic related birth defects as well as other genetic diseases. While they keep the original templates on file, for the most part even so called ”Pure Strain Humans” (which refers to the fact that their genome is 'base human standard') have had genome manipulation in order to remove birth defects and provide certain benefits.
Fourth Point: With that taken into account, it appears that due to the use of atomic, nuclear, radiation, nanite, and 'gene-cracker', and mutagen weapons in their history has made Terrans very careful to observe the status of their genome. Their own datalinks are designed to warn them of genetic damage from outside or inside sources. Examination of the hardware of the datalinks have shown this to be firmware updated and hardware applied.
Fifth Point: The Terran genome is quite hardy. The previous 'junk strands' have been repurposed in such a way that they provide additional benefits as well as 'auto-sequencing repair and checks' within the DNA itself. The telomeres were artificially lengthened as well as natural shortening decreased with error checking and rebuilding taking place. This is one of the aspects of Terran long life, the same as Lanaktallan. The genome is robust and, unlike most Civilized Races, contains a self-destruct sequence to prevent cancerous growth or cell replication errors.
Sixth Point: Where genetic manipulation and genome cracking is illegal, with assorted and applicable technologies forbidden from research, by the Unified Science Council, the Terrans had no such stricture and because of this they are quite aware of their genome, what each strand does, and how it all fits together, unlike every race but the Lanaktallan.
Seventh Point: Unlike every race but the Lanaktallan, the Terrans have sequestered away their gene sequence in many different sites and points in order to ensure they have recovery copies. Evidence points that not only are the genetic sequences stored but the technology and science to repair any damaged genomes.
Eighth Point: Most primarily Terran cities have something called 'the soup' in the atmosphere. Further examination shows that 'the soup' is a dense cloud of nanite smaller than cells, that are non-toxic and able to be inhaled and move through the bloodstream without harm. A section of the 'the soup' is designed to identify any genome attacking biological or technological construct. This makes it very difficult to perform genetic warfare on any primarily Terran planet.
Ninth Point: The humans have also stored the genome of their allied races. Records hint that even species that were wiped out had their genome stored 'in hopes they can be restored'.
Tenth Point: For all their genetic manipulation knowledge and technology they have been unable to repair a simple virus that destroyed the Terran domesticated species of feline and canine. The virus attacks the nucleus and quickly spreads throughout the genome. The virus is parasitic in nature, creating and endoparasite viral structure able to metabolize on it's own. While the disease can live on it's own and a trick of Carnivora genome allowed it to integrate itself, infecting even samples of DNA but only expressed in mesenchyme and endochym cell with neural tissue merely carrying the parasitic virus. This is within standard genetic warfare weaponry within the Unified Science Council. Interestingly enough, the virus, while apparently contracted from a nearby system only 4.1 light years from Terra, the virus bears traits of viral warfare.
Eleventh Point: Humans are capable of social distancing and isolation in times of hardship that outstrips all but the most xenophobic species. This makes viral and genome warfare difficult as spread would be quickly halted. Terrans are even willing to go so far as to use atomic weaponry on an interdicted planet to eradicate a virulent enough disease or viral-genome warfare vector.
Twelfth Point: Terrans are extremely war-like. Unlike other civilized races they did not have the luxury of large populations spread across many systems in their early development as their early development was extremely rushed. The Terran propensity for violence cannot be understated. While some claim that the Terran propensity for violence is merely cultural examination of their genome shows that it is actually wired into their genome and controlled by several organs beyond the reach of standard meditative or intellectual control. Their wired xenophobia even extends to other members of their species, which leads us to:
Thirteenth Point: Terrans have genetic damage that is largely repaired but still in evidence that shows at one time Terrans were nearly wiped out by a viral contagion that attacked their respiratory system. Evidence of foreign viral DNA within their genome shows that survivors of this plague, which may have been as little as 20% of their species at the time, shows that survivors developed a condition knows as ”asthma” which involves an auto-immune reaction in their respiratory system. Whether or not this was a viral attack on their primitive species is unknown at this time.
While the Terran gene sequence can be adjusted, simulations of applying standard neo-sapient pacification genome adjustment have all failed. All simulations have shown the following:
Condition One: Death. Massive DNA sequencing failures resulting in cell death.
Condition Two: Death. Subject becomes unmotivated and no longer engages in activities, including survival activities. Subjects lay down and eventually cease life functions. Simulations showed that Terrans undergoing this condition will refuse to eat or drink even if offered, just remaining immobile.
Condition Three: Death. Subject becomes extremely aggressive to the point of absolute insanity. They only sleep standing up, they engage in cannibalism, torture, murder, self-disfiguring practices, high risk behavior and extreme xenophobia toward all not so effected.
Condition Four: Death. The subject becomes obsessed with self-termination, usually by forcing others to kill them. They become highly enraged, nearly immune to pain, hyper-aggressive. This is most common in the females of the species.
Condition Five: Death & Animation: For unknown reasons Type Seven Pacification results in a widespread malady that quickly results in death. However, brain activity restarts in the lower brain structures and the corpse becomes animated. The reanimated human is immune to all physical damage except for a blow to the head with enough force to destroy the brain stem. The corpse seeks out living intelligent creatures with the goal of doing violence upon them until the creature is disabled and then devouring them. Worse, somehow the genome change is transmittable to other species through bites. This was not discovered in simulations, only upon prisoners at Camp 738, resulting in the loss of the entire planet within a short period of time. That's right, and entire planet of the self-propelled deceased. See: ”Project Biohazard Apocalypse”
Condition Six: Aggressive Mutation: Another unknown status effect. Type Twelve through Fifteen Genetic Pacification Adjustments results in massive mutation to the human genome far outside the scope of the GPA. At times multiple members of the Terran xenospecies display widely disparate and completely contradictory aggressive mutations to the same GPA. NOT RECOMMENDED! To put it in unscientific terms: This is very very bad and will result in everyone on the planet dead. Do not do this. It is not good. See: ”Project Aya Brea”
Condition Seven: No effect: Over three quarters of the Genetic Pacification Adjustments have no apparent effect in simulations and after the loss of multiple research and experimentation stations, indeed, whole planets, science teams have determined that any more research would be counter-productive and dangerous to the Primary Species as a whole.
Standard Genetic Warfare Protocols are not recommended against the Terran xenospecies. The chances of being successful are severely diminished due to genomic anomalies, Terran xenospecies spread, as well as safeguards against viral/genetic warfare due to their species history.
While a genomic attack may work against a single or even small set of worlds, it would likely be countered quickly. With the speed of Terran technological adaptation, progression, and ingenuity there is little doubt the Terran xenospecies would counter any genomic attack much faster than the attack itself could be developed, barring any disaster to the attempt.