Currently, the item has been subject to a series of tests and experiments that will cause a genetic enhancement of the object and a change in its structure and life cycle. Insurgency geneticists and pathologists are studying the pathogen to better understand its potential and danger, and to increase the chance of a successful contagion during deployments.
As of now, the report on the item has been classified due to the change in description. Please view the below cover file for the time being. Thank you!
- Abraham Woods, Information and Records Administration
| Item: | Sporal Contagion |
| Type: | Fungus |
| Usage Precautions: | Do not attempt contact with infectious strains |
| Handling Precautions: | Personnel in close vicinity of object or its storage units must wear Type-II biologically sterile suits |
Proposal for Usage
As a medium-to-wide-scale cause of epidemic to cause disruption to enemy operations and cause diversion of funding from their more important functions.
Report
Item is a contagious fungus of unknown origin. The fungus is normally red to gray in color, propagates through running tendrils, and is durable and capable of growing in sterile environments. The fungus has a 24-hour cycle from spore to maturity. Primary vectors of the fungus are dust particles, spores and infected water. The fungus' growth is similar to mold. It derives sustenance from decaying material and bacteria. The fungus' main predator is the common whippoorwill, which preys on spores and mature instances of the item. Analysis also indicates that heat slows down and kills the fungus.
The fungus releases spores on a regular diurnal basis, releasing about 1,000 spores every day. These spores are 1 mm in size and encased inside a small waterproof cellular shell1. Organisms that have contacted the spores are considered infected, and will exhibit four stages of infection:
- Stage One happens 10-12 seconds after initial infection, and is marked by nausea, dizziness, increased appetite and the spore's excretion of a chemical which increases appetite and gut flora in the subject, and the subject's compulsion to seek out cold, moist areas. The increase of gut flora allows the fungus to consume and reproduce in a rapid state. Spores made inside the subject target the internal organs.
- Stage Two is marked with the appearance of small tendrils protruding from the eyes, nose, mouth and ears and wounds. Internal analysis suggests the growth of the fungus near the organs.
- Stage Three is a worsening of Stage Two symptoms. The fungus freely grows on infected subjects. Subjects report the compulsion to remain dormant, and root themselves to their current location. This is theorized to be a compulsory effect by the fungus in order to find a place to grow.
- Stage Four is marked by death of subject from failure of the organs. At this stage, fungi that grew on the subject will develop small, fleshy bulbs on the subject that release infectious gases.
Infected individuals usually suffer from circulatory or respiratory impediments due to the tendrils' obstruction of the blood vessels, alveoli and lungs. Coughing, sneezing and contact with infected blood are all vectors of the disease.
As of April 4, 2014, Insurgency scientists have developed a strain of the fungus that is resistant to most anti-fungals and has a maturity period of four hours. Furthermore, controlled experimentation with the new strain indicates it is far more lethal, and excretes pheromones that repel its predator, the whippoorwill.
Although the evolution to repel its predators is a setback, Insurgency scientists are currently working to locate and destroy the pheromone properties, and creating a resistant version of the whippoorwill through controlled natural selection. The Insurgency hopes that all of this will lead to a better understanding of the evolutionary cycles of both species and its use for the world.
Due to the erratic evolution and unstable characteristics the fungus has developed, the Insurgency will be accepting human and animal experimentation. Analysis of the item suggests that the item has recently developed the capability to excrete pheromones that attract whippoorwills to it in order for it to be consumed. Unbeknownst to us at the time, spores of the fungus that enter the bird are not digested like before, but compromise the brain tissue of the bird, forcing it to seek out others, including humans, and infecting them through the bird.
Other tests show that another strain of the fungus has significantly deviated from the original and has lost its lethal and infectious properties. This strain is purple and dark green in color, and is edible, giving a salty, crispy taste. This strain is incredibly prolific and is easily controlled with the common aphid. As of now, Pyongyang and Brazzaville have expressed their interest in cultivating this strain to bolster the civilian food supply. Orders, as of now, have been accepted. Public information on this strain is minimal, but will be monitored.
Extensive testing and gene modification with the fungus has succeeded in introducing a resistant version of the whippoorwill. However, further analysis from other tests have yielded a few human test subjects with antibodies that combat spores that enter their bodies. Geneticists have began focusing a fraction of their research to properly analyze and extract the gene and give it to CI personnel on their request. The fungus itself continues to create more dangerous pathogens within itself, and one sample was found with a limited ability to survive on water.
Meanwhile, the memo to mass-produce and distribute 370 and 500 crates of the edible variety to Brazzaville and Pyongyang, respectively, have been approved. Both nations have invested a combined total of $460,000,000 to house, conceal and cultivate the variety in CI-protected farms. Initial reaction to the food suggests that it was met with mostly positive reaction, being regarded more as a 'salad' vegetable or a snack food. The nutritional details of the food is somehow healthy, but with a considerably large amount of sodium. People who include the fungus in their daily diet show no significant changes to their health and lifestyle.
Alpha Research has given CI the authorization for authorized, albeit limited, access to consume samples of the item. It is also currently served as a snack food at on-site cafe facilities. Methods on cooking the item range from boiling to smoking, but can be eaten raw.
