Infinity Inc/Hybrid Alpha Series
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
Contents |
Hybrid Alpha Series Concept
The genetic sequence of a human base is cracked at certain key weak points, and selected bits of animal (mammallian) DNA are grafted into place. A very limited amount of metahuman ability is added to provide durability, after which the resultant unit is sent to Training.
The original goal with the Hybrid Alpha series was to create a preprogrammed, restricted population of self-sustaining combat troops. In latter stages of development, such a broad implementation has been discarded for its sheer impracticable scale. (The disagreement among developers as to a compatible end result may have had as much to do with abandonment of this goal as the extreme long buildup before any return on investment would be realized.)
Instead, Hybrid Alpha Series prototypes are designed and crafted to form basic combat roles, for solo work and for minion-team actions. The Hybrid Alphas are taught a unified code of commanded functions, a wide series of puzzle-solving routines, and certain infallible responses to specific stimuli. By proprietary means, certain self-sustaining mental functions are also implanted early in the training period.
Most Hybrid Alphas do fairly well singly. All are capable of significant tasks when operating in teams, especially a team with which it initially trained. In particular, the Hyena Trio work best as a unit; they perform poorly when separated, becoming either belligerent or mopey despite external prodding.
Brochures and demonstrations are available upon request. Alternatively, contact an Infinity Incorporated representative to discuss a particular need, and the most effective means to fill it.
Alpha Names
The new identity of the freshly-created Hybrid Series minion was determined before the first treatment to implant segments of DNA into the chosen human template. Typically it was chosen before the living body was acquired; Acquisitions may only have a blueprint number to go with their search parameters, but the Physical and Behavioral Design personnel attached to the project have a clear picture already of what should result from their work. The new name is part of the behavioral programming, which in turn is founded in the physical design.
Alpha Hybrid names come in as many languages as do amorally brilliant scientists. They are all artistically named for descriptive traits of the Hybrid's animal side, imagined as a totemic symbol. The jaguar Hybrid named Viscere, for example, evoked the deepest, most instinctive sense of tightly-contained ferocity. Scusarzi, a highly experimental grey squirrel Hybrid, is a slight alteration of the Italian verb scusarsi, "to regret". (In fact, many Alpha names are deliberately given a slight misspelling, partially to make certain the Alpha name will not be translated when a brochure is processed into another language.) Alpha names may be a single word or a two-word phrase.
Hybrid Series Interactions
Deltas are, at the most fundamental study, standard human bodies with superpowers artificially imbued. Since the form did not naturally grow into this state, a Hybrid Delta Series minion's body does not have the inherent build-up and relaxation of power around use of power. A Delta's body generates high amounts of energy at almost all times, requiring strict metabolism control and dietary oversight ... and also requiring opportunities for controlled release of excess energy when not actively engaged in power usage!
Michael Arkangel specifically altered the core process of Alpha creation, the process that combines mammalian DNA seamlessly with the host human, so that Alpha Hybrids can safely absorb a Delta Hybrid's built-up energy through firm skin contact. In return for relieving pressure on the Delta's system, the Alpha's pain receptors are temporarily numbed -- making medical treatment a far more straightforward prospect.
Alphas are not actually subordinate to Deltas, from the Training and Behavioral Design points of view. Alphas are deceptively more unified in overall design, they are designed to be stress-tolerant to some degree, and they often carry a lower individual leasing price because they are less expensive to create. Alphas have more sensory data to process at any given time, which can overwhelm their higher cognitive processes to blot out of abstract reasoning; in some situations, they best contribute to a team effort by focusing on a small portion of the task at hand, plus maintaining area awareness, while available Deltas coordinate simultaneous work in order to accomplish their task.
Caution:
Infinity, Inc. will not be accountable for damage or complications sustained by users, associates, property, or bystanders if user instructions are ignored.
DO NOT touch any Hybrid Alpha Series subject at any time, as physical contact is an automatic "Kill" trigger.
DO NOT attempt to place physical restraints directly upon the body of any Hybrid Alpha Series subject; consult your manual to determine whether one of the Infinity, Inc. minions included in your lease is qualified to administer restraints upon the other subjects. If no Hybrid Delta Series control-enabled minions are available, order Hybrid Alpha Series minions into their portable cage during long stretches of idle time. Hybrid Series minions may be stored in a single portable cage (of sufficient horizontal dimension) unless specifically noted otherwise. DO NOT enter the portable cage under any circumstance. DO NOT place valuables or personnel in the Hybrid Alpha Series cage unless it will not be wanted back in any condition.
Provide only approved high-protein food, in recommended dosages, to Hybrid Alpha Series subjects. Do NOT permit Hybrid Alpha Series subjects to access food for other Hybrid Series minions, as undisciplined behaviors invariably result.
WE RECOMMEND immediate correction for unruly behavior, generally of the applied pain variety, to the point of brief screaming or extended cowering. For markedly pleasing results above and beyond expectations, the lessee might consider the gift of a small interactive toy or an item of clothing, or (if suitable to current plans) an extended rest period in a quiet, contained location.
