OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
SYMPTOMS & EFFECTS
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
Strengths:
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The Synaptic Integration Retrovirus, commonly known as the Synapse Virus, represents the Universal Analysis Group's efforts to push the boundaries of biotechnological engineering. This retrovirus is engineered to alter Chiss soldiers' genetic makeup, granting the UAG's most elite units with natural telepathic abilities similar to those of the Umbarans, Anzati, and many of the hive minds of the Galaxy
The aim was clear: to provide GEIST operatives with unmatched coordination capabilities. The ability to silently communicate is invaluable in covert operations, but the added feature of sharing senses takes it a step further. A soldier in a vantage position can relay not just information but their very perception to their comrades.
However, such profound genetic alterations come with their own set of challenges and risks. The potential for sensory overload, coupled with the mental fatigue from prolonged telepathic interactions, are factors that operatives need to manage; and great care, alongside genetic screening, are necessary to avoid rejection illness or unintended mutations. Yet, for GEIST and the Universal Analysis Group, the Synapse Virus remains a revolutionary tool in their arsenal.
- Intent: introduce a retroviral gene therapy that provides one of Lareina's GEIST Teams with unique telepathic abilities.
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- Scientific Name: Synaptic Integration Retrovirus
- Abbreviation: SIR
- Common Name: Project Synapse
- Virus Family: Synapsidae
- Origins: Developed by a bioengineering lab in the Universal Analysis Group
- Other Locations: Exclusive to GEIST operatives and UAG labs
- Description: A genetically engineered retrovirus designed to bestow (non-force-related) telepathic capabilities and shared sensory experiences on special operatives
- Morphology: Helical
- Size: 230 nanometres
- Color: Bluish hue under electron microscopy
- Distinctions: Unique helical structure with a bio-luminescent core, denoting its synthetic origins.
- Source: Synthetic
- Host Species: Chiss
- Host Range: Narrow (Chiss)
- Viability: Requires a cold, sterile environment for storage.
- Lethality: Non-Lethal
- Severity: Moderate (due to the genetic alterations it induces.)
- Infectivity: Very Low
- Modes of Transmission: Injection
- Incubation Period: 24-48 hours
- Re-Infection: Immunity after first exposure
- Vaccine/Cure: none, but effects can be countered by an antiviral during the initial stages of the virus.
SYMPTOMS & EFFECTS
- Initial flu-like symptoms post-injection.
- Gradual onset of telepathic abilities and shared sensory experiences.
- Enhanced neural connectivity, facilitating silent communication and shared perceptions among soldiers.
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
Strengths:
- Telepathic Communication: Provides the ability to communicate silently, offering an edge in covert operations.
- Shared Sensory Experience: Grants the ability to perceive through the senses of fellow soldiers, enhancing reconnaissance and situational awareness.
- Enhanced Team Cohesion: Fosters a heightened sense of unity and mutual understanding, leading to more synchronized operations.
- Emotional Noise: Risk of emotional bleed-through during telepathic communication, potentially distracting during crucial moments.
- Sensory Overload: The shared sensory experience can lead to overload, especially in chaotic situations, making focus challenging.
- Mental Fatigue: Prolonged telepathic communication or sensory sharing can lead to mental exhaustion.
- Range Limitation: The telepathic and shared sensory experiences have a limited effective range.
- Unintended Genetic Mutations: While the retrovirus is designed for precise genetic alterations, there's a risk of unintended mutations which can result in physical or cognitive anomalies.
- Rejection: In rare cases, the host body might reject the genetic modifications, leading to immune responses, inflammation, or even organ failure.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The Synaptic Integration Retrovirus, commonly known as the Synapse Virus, represents the Universal Analysis Group's efforts to push the boundaries of biotechnological engineering. This retrovirus is engineered to alter Chiss soldiers' genetic makeup, granting the UAG's most elite units with natural telepathic abilities similar to those of the Umbarans, Anzati, and many of the hive minds of the Galaxy
The aim was clear: to provide GEIST operatives with unmatched coordination capabilities. The ability to silently communicate is invaluable in covert operations, but the added feature of sharing senses takes it a step further. A soldier in a vantage position can relay not just information but their very perception to their comrades.
However, such profound genetic alterations come with their own set of challenges and risks. The potential for sensory overload, coupled with the mental fatigue from prolonged telepathic interactions, are factors that operatives need to manage; and great care, alongside genetic screening, are necessary to avoid rejection illness or unintended mutations. Yet, for GEIST and the Universal Analysis Group, the Synapse Virus remains a revolutionary tool in their arsenal.
