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Registered Phenomena Code: 727
Object Class: Beta-Red (Utility)
Hazard Types: Ballistic, Visual, Memory Alteration, Climatological (?)
Containment Protocols: OL-Site-727 has been set up within the Falklands region of Port Stanley in conjunction with MI13 personnel. Both agencies are permitted to perform studies on RPC-727, but primary containment is the Authority's responsibility. OL-Site-727 is to be staffed by no less than: two cryptologists from the Bureau Of Acquisition, three ASF personnel, three members of the Engineering Component and two CSD personnel.1
Personnel stationed within OL-Site-727 are to perform research into the manufacturing of synthetic “Extergito Glyphs”,2 as well as their possible utilization by Authority personnel world-wide. Personnel are also to perform EG studies near RPC-727 every time the region of Port Stanley is subject to a lighting storm of sufficient magnitude to trigger the anomalous properties of RPC-727.3
Prototype MFC, circa 1983.
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Personnel performing these tests are to wear visual-protective gear as a safeguard from the memetic effects of RPC-727, as well as being encased within an MFC.4
BOA Personnel - Research Division
BOA personnel are tasked with the analysis and production of Extergito Glyphs. Primary research focus is the development of devices and associated methodology to be applied to the Authority as a whole for the ultimate purpose of replacing anomalous chemicals in as many regards as possible. Animal and CSD testing has been permitted to facilitate research, and OL-Site-727 personnel are authorized to request Videric substances for use within the primary objectives of this project.
Secondary research regarding the historical significance of glyphs found in RPC-727 are collected in the resume for Projects EG5 and EG6, found within the addenda section of this article.
Personnel from the Viderics, Cryptology, and Anti-Memetics Departments are the majority of Research Division efforts regarding RPC-727.
ASF/Engineering Component Personnel - Containment Division
ASF personnel are tasked with the safeguarding of any animal or human being from RPC-727 during Storm Events. Outside Storm Events, ASF personnel will function as normal perimeter guards. Non-authorized individuals approaching RPC-727 are to be detained for questioning, and in the case that it may occur during a Storm Event, shot on sight.
For security measures during Storm Event guard duties, ASF personnel are to wear advanced anti-memetic eye protective gear. Should any given member of the ASF guard fall victim to the properties of RPC-727 and turn hostile, nearby personnel are allowed to retaliate with the intent of termination.
Engineering Component personnel are tasked with the upkeep of OL-Site-727 as well as the construction of a permanent research outpost around RPC-727. An array of lightning rods are to be built around this research outpost in the hopes of controlling the occurrence of Storm Events. Methods to manually activate them via high voltage tesla coils are under investigation in conjunction with the Office of Analysis and Science.
Operation of OL-Site-727’s digital archive is under the jurisdiction of this department, as are all other spendings related to Extergito Glyphs. Unauthorized manufacturing of them will result in severe sanctioning and immediate transfer from OL-Site-727.
In addition, and in accordance to C&D’s requests, all tests with CSD personnel are prohibited from using EGs of levels greater than 3. Should testing with EGs of level 4 or 5 be needed, personnel are allowed to utilize artificial simulations of the human brain synapses.5
Approved testing with Extergito Glyphs on CSD personnel is limited to 5 separate iterations, at which point CSD personnel will be cycled out, with the former returning to their Site of origin. Refusal to follow this directive, or cause the death of a CSD personnel as a result of repeated or unauthorized testing will result in punishment and scrutiny of character by SOUTHCOM Command.
Repeated animal testing is allowed, provided that the animals in question are amnesticized and given a period of rest as to prevent psychological cross-contamination.
MI13 personnel, while cooperative, act independently from the Authority. Their base of operations can be found 4km east of OL-Site-727. For the purpose of political safekeeping, MI13 personnel may perform independent studies of RPC-727, although cooperation with the Authority is allowed as long as both parties agree to disclose all findings.
Glyph designs that have been certified and peer-reviewed to function as intended will be sent to Site-074 for mass-manufacturing and deployment to Authority Sites and personnel all over the world.6 Study of glyphs that have been found to be potentially harmful to human health and/or psyche have been thoroughly banned at request from the Board of Global Directors. Personnel found to break this rule may be subject to demotion or varying forms of punishment deemed necessary.
Description: RPC-727 is a monolithic construct in the shape of a square prism, composed entirely by an unidentified type of rock of black coloration, visually and structurally similar to basalt. RPC-727 is located in an isolated area of Port Stanley, in the Falkland Islands.
The formation of electrically charged storms is abnormally frequent near RPC-727, being significantly more common within a 400km radius around the Falkland Islands than they are outside of it.7 It is not certain whether this constitutes an anomalous property of RPC-727 or is an independent anomaly, but both phenomena frequently interact; RPC-727 is highly conductive and is in a permanent state of low electric charge, thus being prone to electrostatic discharge and subsequently lightning strikes.
RPC-727 is engraved with a series of curvilinear glyphs across its entire surface, collectively designated RPC-727-1. These glyphs are abnormally hard to visually perceive while RPC-727 is in an inactive state; subjects observing RPC-727 instead see it as having a “rough” or “wrinkled” surface. RPC-727-1 may instead be perceived via tactile interaction with RPC-727.
When RPC-727 is struck by lightning, RPC-727-1 instances become fully perceivable and begin to glow intensely in a variety of colors. This is designated a "Storm Event." RPC-727-1 instances possess a variety of cognito-hazardous effects while in this state, making RPC-727 a threat to operational secrecy, as its proximity to Port Stanley makes civilians potentially vulnerable to exposure. During Storm Events, RPC-727 will shoot arcs of electricity to any unprotected biological beings that come within a 10m radius of it. Should any entity be terminated by this method, RPC-727 will undergo a surge of intensity in the effects and visibility of the glyphs, with recorded instances being able to surpass memetic protection. The reason behind this defensive mechanism is unknown, but more intense lightning activity has been shown to have a similar effect.
See “Extergito Glyphs: Properties and Levels” in the addenda section for more information.
Discovery: RPC-727 was initially discovered in 1833, following the reassertion of British rule over the Falkland Islands. At this point, the properties of RPC-727-1 proved sufficient to keep knowledge of the anomaly self-contained; inhabitants of the island would seldom approach RPC-727, and if they did, they were likely to be subject to amnestic or lethal cognitive effects.
RPC-727 became better known to the British administration of East Falkland early in the 20th century, becoming the object of research for a number of paranormal investigation societies throughout the first quarter of the century. In the aftermath of World War I, RPC-727 came under the attention of Military Intelligence Section XIII (MI13), who underwent further investigation regarding its anomalous properties.
RPC-727 would come under the control of the Authority in April of 1964, following the reorganization of MI13 into Monarch Security; budgetary constraints provoked by the end of World War II, the overexertion of British assets in the subsequent wave of independence movements throughout the Commonwealth, and organizational unrest linked to the aforementioned reorganization forced Monarch Security to relinquish a limited number of particularly difficult to contain anomalies to the Authority. While both organizations have taken a more collaborative stance since, RPC-727 is still primarily being contained by the Authority.
Monarch Security liaisons have repeatedly demanded that RPC-727 be returned to them in the wake of the Falklands War. Similar demands were briefly received from the Argentinian military junta prior to the conflict. All of them have been and are promptly rejected as soon as they are received on the grounds of unethical use of anomalies.
Knowledge of RPC-727-1 and their properties appears to be largely limited to the Authority; neither the aforementioned paranormal societies of Monarch Security are known to have made significant progress in their own investigations prior to Authority takeover, nor after it.
General Overview
Extergito Glyphs, a term coined by Dr. Huxley Vastile, lead researcher of RPC-727 during initial discovery, are a group of specific designs found across RPC-███8 and RPC-727 during its active state. These designs, when combined with specific color hues or varying intensity (such as those that occur during the aforementioned events) and flashing frequency, result in a different array of induced effects on the subject’s brain. The size of the glyphs is also a factor in their intensity, with 20cmx10cm designs being the most versatile.
The main benefit of EGs over other cognitive inoculation agents is their level of versatility due to the modular nature of individual glyphs and combinations, and their immense range of effects over subjects. The properties of EGs are known to increase and vary as their color changes, being largely classifiable within 5 or more "levels" of intensity. Currently, there are only 4 known levels of EG intensity9 authorized for wide-spread use by Authority personnel, as higher levels have properties too intense for civilian inoculation. Personnel may request the use of certain Level 4 and 5 EGs to their Regional Director under research purposes or specific circumstances.
The effects of EGs may be combined when flashed in specific frequencies10, creating unique properties and hazards of varying utility. Slight deviations from the correct hue or changes in frequency can result in combinations causing undesired effects, or simply not working at all.11 EGs are not to be utilized in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy.12
The use of RPC-727-1 as general-purpose amnestics and cognitive agents was considered between 1967 and 1971, but the level of precision required to manufacture and apply EGs was highly inconvenient and hard to achieve with available technology. Instead, the choice was made to reinforce usage of chemical amnestics, which are significantly easier, if more expensive, to produce and more convenient to apply. In later years, EG-related projects became largely dormant.
A complete list of all currently available glyphs follows;
Required Clearance: Level 2 (EG: 1 - 2), Level 3 (EG: 3 - 4)
Purpose: General Purpose Amnestic
Overview: TERS-Class Glyphs are the most common and widespread class of EGs in Authority research projects, being also the most simple ones to manufacture. They have been proposed for usage by Protectorate, ASF and MST personnel as an all-purpose amnestic.
EG:1: Level 1 TERS-Class Glyphs have the ability to erase short term memory from 3 to 5 hours prior to administration. Their usage is limited to quick-response missions or immediate sighting of infringing subjects, as they are inefficient against extended exposure to classified information. Their color scheme is #FFCD05 with an intensity of 800 Lumens.
EG:2: Level 2 TERS-Class Glyphs have the ability to erase most of a subject’s short term memory (total hours change from subject to subject) with a 90% rate of success. Commonly utilized for individuals being released from Authority capture after extended periods of interrogation, as well as those that managed to evade early-stage amnestic raids. Their color scheme is #26F53A with an intensity of 900 Lumens.
EG:3: Level 3 TERS-Class Glyphs allow for long term memory erasure, ranging from 3 weeks to 2 months. It is at this point that the success rate drops to 70%, with certain gaps of memory being left in the subject’s brain even after repeated usage. Due to this, Level 3 TERS glyphs are only recommended when the use of MUTA glyphs is unavailable. Their color scheme is #684FE6 with an intensity of 1015 Lumens.
EG:4: Level 4 TERS-Class Glyphs can erase up to 1 year of a subject’s memory with an overall success rate of 50%. Usage of these glyphs has shown to cause permanent neurological damage to the subject as well the eventual return of erased memories following a 5 month period. Their color scheme is #49FAFC with an intensity of 1300 Lumens.
Combinations
TERS-M:13 A combination of TERS-Class (1) and MUTA-Class (2) Glyphs. TERS-M functions on a 5-Digit (1 - 1 - 2 - 1 - 2) symbol alternation cycle between both glyphs. This cycling allows for the precise erasure of any memory in a period of 3 to 72 hours while leaving the rest intact. It also allows personnel to fill in the memory gap with false information.
TERS-I:14 A simple combination of TERS-Class (1) and INAN-Class (2) Glyphs. Working on a 2-Digit (1 - 2) symbol alternation cycle, it allows for the short term erasure of a subject’s memory before knocking them unconcious for upwards of 6 hours. This combination can also include a Level 2 MUTA-Class in between to implant false memories before the effects take place.
Required Clearance: Level 2 (EG:1), Level 3 (EG: 2 - 3), Level 4 (EG: 4)
Purpose: Physical Inhibitor
Overview: INAN-Class glyphs, unlike all other EGs, produce different effects on one’s body rather than one’s brain.15 The type of effects an INAN glyph may have depends on the brightness of the color16 as well as the duration of the exposure, with the effect’s potency increasing as does the latter. They are commonly used as non-lethal defense by ASF personnel.
EG:1: Level 1 INAN-Class Glyphs are the most simple instances, producing an immediate reaction on the subject’s body, that being unconsciousness. The effect has been described as a sudden weakening of the limbs topped with an immense weight all over one’s body. The effect lasts up to 2 hours. Their color scheme is #339967 with an intensity of 600 Lumens.
EG:2: Level 2 INAN-Class Glyphs work in a similar manner to the previous level, but with a higher intensity. Individuals subject to this level can stay unconscious for upwards of 18 hours. Subjects reporting mild headaches following their awakening, with weaker-bodied subjects reporting nausea. Their color scheme is #05993B with an intensity of 1000 Lumens.
EG:3: Level 3 INAN-Class Glyphs have a more prolonged effect on a subject’s body, leaving them in a state of semi-consciousness. Subjects under this effect have trouble walking and performing simple tasks, as well as an increased level of aggression towards other individuals. The effect lasts from 3 to 7 hours, although some subjects are able to recover in less than an hour. Their color scheme is #F59F93 with an intensity of 800 Lumens.
EG:4: Level 4 INAN-Class Glyphs have an effect that only lasts as long as the subject is viewing it. Upon sight, subjects will attempt to reach the symbol while disregarding anyone or anything they may have been previously interacting with, and will remain in this state until they are removed by a third-party. Subjects become highly susceptible to commands by whomever may be holding the symbol.17 Subjects do not seem to recall any actions conducted by them during this state. Their color scheme is #B589E6 with an intensity of 400 Lumens.18
Combinations
INAN-M:19 A combination of INAN-Class (1) and MUTA-Class (2) Glyphs. INAN-M functions on a 2-Digit (1 - 2) symbol alternation cycle that allows subjects to remain under the effects of INAN 4 after it has been removed from their sight, lasting upwards to an hour. During this state, subjects can be given a task that they will attempt to complete as well as creating false memories for its purpose.
INAN-QM:20 A variation of the previous combination that includes MUTA-Class (3) Glyphs. INAN-QM functions on a 4-Digit (1 - 2 - 3 - 3) symbol alternation cycle that allows Authority personnel to perform short and simple actions within memetically hazardous areas without retaining any memories from it. This combination is commonly used by Protectorate personnel and Exploration Teams as a last resort when trapped or entering high cognito-hazardous spaces.
Required Clearance: Level 3 (EG: 1 - 2), Level 4 (EG: 3 - 4)
Purpose: Gaslighting Mechanism
Overview: MUTA-Class Glyphs allow for the manipulating of existing memories within a subject’s brain as well as the implantation of new ones. This process can be achieved by talking to the subject while under the effects from MUTA or by incorporating pre-fabricated memories within the design itself. Most instances of MUTA glyphs are utilized by Authority personnel during large scale gaslighting campaigns.
EG:1: Level 1 MUTA-Class Glyphs are most widely-used by Authority personnel, as they allow for the implementation or replacement of memories within a subject’s short term memory. Only specialized personnel are allowed to utilize them, as non-believable information implanted to a subject can be discovered and replaced by its original versions. Their color scheme is #362063 with an intensity of 300 Lumens.
EG:2: Level 2 MUTA-Class Glyphs work similarly to Level 1, but allow for the implantation of memories deep within a subject’s long-term memory. They also allow personnel to inject a certain idea or memory to a subject short-term memory, allowing them to guide their actions without direct contact. Personnel need to be extremely specific with these core ideas, as slight variances may result in undesired outcomes. Their color scheme is #3058E6 with an intensity of 300 Lumens.
EG:3: Level 3 MUTA-Class Glyphs allow for the creation of future memories within a subject’s memory. Any actions carried out by the subject following application will be replaced by the suggested memories. Due to the volatility of human interaction, this can lead the subject to extreme confusion, but it has shown useful in allowing personnel to conduct actions that may require memory erasure during or after the fact, but that also require full autonomy and efficiency. Their color scheme is #E66F33 with an intensity of 500 Lumens.
EG:4: Level 4 MUTA-Class Glyphs are a recently discovered form of MUTA Glyphs, allowing for the reconfiguration of a subject’s deep long term memory or personal values. However, this has not shown great success, and more often than not causes the subject to acquire two conflicting sets of memories. Studies into further applications of this level are undergoing. Their color scheme is #9E906A with an intensity of 400 Lumens.
Combinations
MUTA-T:21 A combination of MUTA-Class (1) and TERS-Class (2) Glyphs. MUTA-T is a highly experimental combination that functions on a 6-Digit (2 - 1 - 1- 2 - 2 - 1) symbol alternation cycle that could, theoretically, allow for one to completely replace more than 80% of a subject’s long term memory for fabricated events, as well as changing their personality. No human trials have been authorized yet, but suggestions for its use when firing personnel has been discussed, although its results may prove fatal.
MUTA-N:22 A combination of MUTA-Class (1) and NITO-Class (2) Glyphs. MUTA-N is a combination that functions on a 4-Digit (1 - 2 - 1 - 2) symbol alternation cycle that allows a subject to cease all non-major bodily functions, outwardly appearing to have expired. Subjects will return to a normal state 3 hours following its use. This combination has been commonly used by captured Authority personnel to be released as waste due to an apparent expiration, allowing them, in some cases, to safely return to a nearby site.
Required Clearance: Level 2 (EG: 1 - 2), Level 3 (EG: 3 - 4)
Purpose: Memetic Protection
Overview: QUIE-Class Glyphs, in contrast to all other classes, aids in the protection from cognito-hazardous threats such as memetic anomalies instead of producing them. Due to their safe nature, QUIE-Based equipment can be found all throughout facilities at the disposal of personnel who may require it, although not without certain restrictions. This class is most commonly utilized by Protection personnel when facing unknown anomalies that may prove memetically dangerous, as well as during rescue missions.
EG:1: Level 1 QUIE-Class Glyphs are the most common type of QUIE glyphs. They allow a subject’s brain to become inoculated from most low-level cognito-hazardous threats for a period of around 2 hours. They can be commonly found as self-applicable devices across several sites and external laboratories. Their color scheme is #ED1B68 with an intensity of 100 Lumens.
EG:2: Level 2 QUIE-Class Glyphs function in the same manner as the previous level but with a higher resistance to medium-level hazards. However, Level 2 and onwards possess the side-effect of also preventing certain neuron connections from triggering on the brain, leaving personnel feeling light-headed for hours following repeated usage. Their color scheme is #F54B39 with an intensity of 100 Lumens.
EG:3: Level 3 QUIE-Class Glyphs allow for near-perfect inoculation against memetic hazards, but leaves personnel in a state of severe confusion and light-headness for the duration of it (commonly 2 hours). Level 3 glyphs are not recommended for use unless strictly necessary. Repeated usage can lead to permanent psychological damage and in some cases, partial paralysis. Their color scheme is #B87F79 with an intensity of 100 Lumens.
EG:4: Level 4 QUIE-Class Glyphs completely nullify any types of anomalous, or non-anomalous, effects that may target the brain, which results in Level 4 glyphs having similar effects to Videric drugs. However, certain neural connections responsible for basic biological functions such as breathing may be turned off, causing the death of the subject. Their color scheme is #F5B649 with an intensity of 200 Lumens.
Combinations
QUIE-T:23 Commonly called “Brainaid'' or “Quiet” by Trauma Team personnel, it uses a mix of QUIE-Class (1) and TERS-Class (2) Glyphs. QUIE-T functions on a 2-Digit (1 - 2) symbol alternation cycle that allows for both the erasure and inoculation of oneself after suffering the effects of a memetic hazard. Usage of QUIE-T has proved more efficient than current practices, leaving no lasting effects in personnel suffering from memetic damage in contrast to previous methods.
QUIE-N:24 A combination of QUIE-Class (1) and NITO-Class (2) Glyphs. QUIE-N is a combination that functions on a 3-Digit (1 - 1 - 2) symbol alternation cycle that mitigates the negative effects of Level 2 NITO glyphs while retaining those that are beneficial. Although useful for research, personnel are encouraged to use it sparingly, as it may develop into an addiction.
Required Clearance: Level 4 (EG: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4)
Purpose: Varied Cohesive Manipulator
Overview: NITO-Class Glyphs are the only ones not currently allowed for wide-spread usage due to their overall harmful effects on the brain. Most usage of NITO Glyphs comes in the form of study, or isolated testing with Level 2 instances. Combinations with other classes, excluding those already mentioned, will not be included due to their inefficiency or danger to personnel health.
EG:1: Level 1 NITO-Class Glyphs are known to produce mild headaches to all those that witness it. Constant exposure to this level will result in increasing head pain, which may evolve into nausea and dizziness. Their color scheme is #679A99 with an intensity of 400 Lumens.
EG:2: Level 2 NITO-Class Glyphs are, in all that it can be considered, the most useful type of NITO glyphs. Exposure to Level 2 will result in elevated brain activity and neural connections, similar to those experienced with psychedelic drugs, allowing for increased productivity. However, personnel will experience severe headaches and disorientation during this period. Research into isolating its beneficial effects are underway. Their color scheme is #F52238 with an intensity of 300 Lumens.
EG:3: Level 3 NITO-Class Glyphs are capable of causing seizures in individuals that do not possess any record of epileptic seizures or related conditions. Further exposure may result in permanent brain damage and the loss of major motor skills. Their color scheme is #F5EA8D with an intensity of 1000 Lumens.
EG:4: Level 4 NITO-Class Glyphs are capable of causing a complete breakdown of the nervous system with a near 100% success rate. Exposure needed for this effect to take is 4 seconds, and will always result in the termination of the subject. Usage of this level is strictly prohibited from use by any personnel regardless of clearance. Their color scheme is #F0D6F3 with an intensity of 800 Lumens.
Combinations
N/A
TESTING INTO LEVEL 5+ GLYPHS IS CURRENTLY PROHIBITED BY THE BOARD OF GLOBAL DIRECTORS
Level 5+ Glyphs are the ones found directly in RPC-727 during Lightning Activity Levels of level 5 and higher or after it has terminated a being of sufficient size. They are generally labeled "Level 5", as their properties are uniform and do not vary with increasing intensity.
All of these glyphs are extremely dangerous to human life, and attempts to replicate them are both material demanding and highly hazardous. Personnel stationed in OL-Site-727 are advised to stay within closed doors during events such as this. All personnel who venture outside are to be considered lost.
EG:5 TERS: Level 5 TERS-Class Glyphs possess the ability to leave 90% of personnel who witness it in a permanent comatose or vegetative state. Personnel who survive suffer a massive amount of memory loss, and in most cases, contract severe cases of dementia and Alzheimer's. Use of QUIE-T has shown no success in reverting these effects.
EG:5 INAN: Level 5 INAN-Class Glyphs work in a similar manner to Level 4, although in this case, subjects will also begin to fiercely defend RPC-727 from all individuals in the area as they approach it. Unless stopped, affected subjects will enter its 10m radius and be terminated, further increasing the effects of all other glyphs.
EG:5 MUTA: Level 5 MUTA-Class Glyphs are arguably the least dangerous of them all, as sighting them will result in the subject’s memory of RPC-727 being replaced by non-consequential events. Attempts to make affected subjects remember RPC-727 has failed, even when brought directly in front of it, commonly citing that “there is nothing there”.
EG:5 QUIE: Level 5 QUIE-Class Glyphs will, upon sight, cause the subject’s brain to isolate itself from any outside information, including the five senses. Subjects that have recovered describe this state as being trapped within one’s own brain. Currently, there is no known trigger for subjects to leave such a state, appearing to be completely random.
EG:5 NITO: Level 5 NITO-Class Glyphs are the most common cause of termination when working around RPC-727, as sight of them will cause a complete breakdown of the brain, nervous system, cramping of the muscles, amongst others. No subject has been found to survive a direct exposure to this level.
EQUIPMENT
While usage of EGs never became widespread, a number of prototypes and concepts were developed in the years following the acquisition of RPC-727. These prototypes have been conserved in Wing C of OL-Site-727, which has been repurposed to serve as an archival/museum sector dedicated to the short-lived research initiatives related to Extergito Glyphs.25
Equipment designed for application of EGs falls into two broad categories; internal and external usage. The first relates to voluntary inoculation of EG agents in Authority personnel, and the second to forcible inoculation to other parties, either civilian or hostile. The history of both categories is resumed below.
Early external use EG inoculator design, circa 1967.
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Internal:
Throughout the decades, at least a dozen iterative designs have been registered to exist, most of these relegated to design documents rather than functional prototypes.
All designs of this category were produced to provide a hand-held projector that could be easily carried and weighed little, for the purpose of quick inoculation of MST or Protectorate agents under deployment. Almost all function under the principle of the "magic lantern" or slide projector, in that the device consisted of a light source and a translucent slide with a colored image to be projected. Three prototypes were built in 1965, but human testing invariably resulted in seizure and other unintended effects, later discovered to be provoked by minor imperfections in glyph copies and color hues.
Future designs attempted to remedy this issue by creating "projecting rods" that could be placed over the eye and were intended to minimize the effects external conditions on the desired EG. Each of these designs failed to be approved by the Office of Ethics and Review for further consideration and development, as practical issues went unsolved, among them the inability to perform glyph combinations at the necessary frequencies.
Two iterations were considered for full-scale development in 1987 and 2012; the first was a simplified projector that could be attached to a standard MST lantern for usage in low-ACS environments, and the second a device inspired by the "Google Glass" — a minimal head-mounted display intended for quick inoculation of amnestic agents or physical inhibitors while working with info-hazardous or memetic anomalies. Both of these projects were scrapped after it was discovered that neither were capable of achieving the level of detail and precision required for successful inoculation.
External:
This category is significantly better documented and further explored than the former; the seemingly perfect amnestic properties of TERS-Class glyphs would constantly remain in the horizon of amnestic R&D initiatives until the early 2010s, becoming increasingly aware of the limitations and side effects of Lethium-based amnestics as the necessity for easier to use methods increased.
TERS glyphs were particularly attractive in that their existence would limit the necessity for amnestic inoculation training usually necessary for most field agents, remove all evidence of amnestic treatment from affected subjects, and reduce the effects of repeated intake of amnestics while being significantly cheaper.
This interest materialized in 2001, after the repeated failure of gas-based amnestics and disappointing performance of Class-R (Remote) non-chemical info-hazardous agents, in the form of the "A-Visor" prototype. This design was remarkably similar to modern Virtual Reality headsets. It provided a trivial method of inoculation, but was considered unwieldy, unreliable and inefficient when compared to the Lh77Br2 compound, which had a half-life of less than 48 hours that made it ideal for spiking water supplies. Furthermore, the expense of producing each device was such that it negated the price advantage of EGs over chemical amnestics.
A short-lived successor project proposed using a device akin to a marksman rifle (officially named "XQ-107 Remote Projector") for remote inoculation of lethal and amnestic EGs; this proposal was considered disparate and technologically unfeasible, and was discarded despite insistence from GD-CMDR.
NOTICE
As of 29/01/2021, Extergito Glyph-adjacent projects have been reactivated as part of the ongoing project reevaluations.
Mass-production of EG configurations and devices necessary for application has been authorized by GD-SCHL and the Office of Ethics and Review at the interest of GD-ARCH and GD-CMDR, for the primary usage of Containment and Protection Divisions during emergency circumstances, field deployments, and sensitive projects. Interested personnel may contact a Office of Human Resources liaison for transfer to OL-Site-727.
Requirements for transference are listed below - items marked with an asterisk (*) are deemed optional, but preferable.
REQUIREMENTS:
- No genetic antecedents of epilepsy
- No epilepsy diagnosis
- No antecedents of vulnerability to info or cognito-hazardous agents of the visual kind
- No macular degeneration, glaucoma, or other untreatable/irreparable eyesight conditions
- Level 3 or higher clearance
- Written confirmation of willingness to work with experimental cognito-hazardous agents, and acknowledgement of ancillary effects associated with exposure
- Experience with application and handling of Videric agents, as well as understanding of ancillary effects associated with usage
- Experience with production, handling, and reparation of LED, microLED, and LCD display technology*
- Resistance to hypothermia and frostbite in work environment*
- Authority-verified Videric studies*
- Info/Cognitohazard Resistance Coefficient of +0.5 or higher*
- Outstanding or better calligraphic performance*
Appendix A: OL-Site-727 (Wing A) Ongoing Projects [14/02/2021]
TESTING AREA(S) |
---|
Wing B (Videric Storage), Room 05 (Storage of Products), Desk Chamber (EG Production), Room 03 (Product Testing) |
Recent developments in EG inoculation techniques has allowed personnel to discover that certain parts of their design consist of “High-Level” Celantur26 anomalies; they cannot be perceived without intake of Videric27 drugs. These anomalies are meta-physical, and naturally created by near-perfect replication of EGs from their original instance, but can also be manipulated and independently replicated by skilled calligraphers. The proper functioning of EGs appears to depend entirely on their presence.
These anomalies have been nick-named “Active Extergito Components”, or simply “components”. Each functional EG has between 3 and 20 components, increasing in quantity as their level increases.
These discoveries have opened to the Authority the possibility of designing unique EGs and combining them, at the risk of creating powerful kill-agents that are hard to dispose of safely. The process of EG production is detailed below.
Preparation & Design
A qualified calligrapher is exposed to 5-10 seconds of QUIE-T EG combination, potentially protecting them in the event they accidentally produce a harmful EG. Then, they ingest 100mgc of Oniritryptin28 or applies two eye-drops of Neo-Opticin29 to each eye.
The calligrapher is then positioned inside an available production desk, each of which is prepared with a graphics tablet and a suitable pen. Freeform design sessions are discouraged; instead, the EG1 team prepares a list of component combinations they desire to test for a single production session. Unique EG components may be proposed and tested by calligraphers after the list is exhausted. Sessions can last no longer than 6 hours, after which the effects of QUIE-T begin to fade. New EG designs produced this way are named “Neo-Glyphs”, in order to differentiate them from “natural” instances.
Viewing of EGs under the influence of Viderics has often been compared to interaction with four-dimensional objects; personnel often describe the process of production as “grasping a larger machine” in a manner that is characterized as clumsy and exceedingly difficult. Particularly difficult design sessions can last up to 5 hours without a single successful product.
Personnel who accidentally discover hazardous EGs notice so by experiencing lost time — abruptly realizing that a portion of their short-term memory is missing. For these cases, they have been supplied with an emergency deletion button adjacent to the production desk, which also stores the design in its internal memory. Each desk is capable of warning personnel when their design is approaching one that has been previously deleted during an emergency.
In case QUIE-T protection is insufficient, and the calligrapher is killed or suffers from visibly harmful effects, the site’s ASF guard may activate the emergency deletion remotely or lock down the desk chamber for manual disposal.
Testing:
Once a batch of unique EG designs has been produced, they are forwarded to testing, which is divided in two phases.
OL-Site-727’s Room 03 is stocked with a large quantity of Mus Musculus (house mouse) for phase one of testing. This phase primarily exists to filter EG designs that possess harmful properties with no further effects; individual mice are manually cycled into an observation chamber in groups of three, where they are strapped and forced to view a suitable display, then replaced by another group. Each group is then moved into isolation and observed for two weeks. Should they display minimal or no harmful effects, the corresponding glyph moves to phase two of testing.
Phase two of testing requires a CSD to describe the immediate perceptual effects of inoculation, then undergo a specialized interrogation battery. Further information is available at the request of Level 5 personnel.
Archival:
Once testing is finished, glyph designs are stored in a specialized digital format signaled by the .glyph extension. This format is designed to offer details regarding the effects of the EG in question when opened as a .txt file, and display the glyph if opened with specialized testing software, available on OL-Site-727 and Site-074.
One EG archive is maintained in both of these Sites, in the event OL-Site-727 is destroyed by RPC-727's properties, overrun by Monarch Security, or falls into the hands of a third party, possibly as a result of armed conflict. Should this come to pass, OL-Site-727's archive can be remotely detonated from Site-074.
TESTING AREA(S) |
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Room 03 (Device Testing), Workshop (Device Construction), Archival Office (Retrieval of Relevant Documents) |
Following significant evolution of microLED technology, development of inoculation equipment for both internal and external purposes has been reactivated. Early human and virtual precision testing has shown promising results; test subjects respond as expected, and both machine and Viderics-enhanced human verification has been successful. A limited number of prototypes is available for field use, most of which are kept throughout NORTHCOM Sites and Site-074.
Project EG2 has produced two inoculation device designs, as listed below.
XQ-109 Short-Distance Projector:
A reimagining of the disparate marksman EG projector, XQ-109 conceptual designs are similar in shape to a handgun. Current prototypes cannibalize the frame of a M1911, replacing its firing mechanism for a dial-operated, miniaturized microLED display, and using the magazine well as battery storage. It is similar in outline to a LED hand spotlight.
Potential dial designs vary; certain proposals include as few as three individual EGs, while other, bulkier alternatives are capable of programming glyph combinations on the spot or quickly flashing pre-set combinations. INAN and TERS combinations are the most commonly used in more compact designs, with significant debate surrounding the versatility of MUTA.
Authority Central Intelligence has additionally requested that XQ-109 designs account for potential usage as weapons; Level 1 and 2 INAN, as well as Level 4 NITO could potentially be useful for short-quarters combat, as non-lethal and lethal measures respectively.
The issue of unwieldy usage has largely been resolved; provided the distance between the eyes and the projector is smaller than ~20cm, successful inoculation is guaranteed in a large variety of lighting conditions.
"Quick-Aid" Self-Inoculator
Rather than a distinct apparatus, attempts are being made to merge internal-purpose EG inoculation with already-existing advanced head-mounted displays.
While it is uncertain whether currently available displays in use by MSTs and Containment Division specialists are capable of replicating the precision required for EGs to function as intended, a prototype program nick-named "Quick-Aid" is undergoing development.
Were display testing to be successful, it is possible the program could be integrated to special helmet displays and triggered by specific facial motion.
For the purposes of OL-Site-727’s projects, a number of Virtual Reality headsets have been modified and enhanced for inoculation of EGs.
NOTE: The above prototypes are believed to significantly diminish or entirely negate the superior cost efficiency of EGs when compared to amnestics. Furthermore, it is nearly impossible to inoculate large populations with EGs, compared to the relative ease of spiking water supplies with Lethium amnestics. However, they are significantly easier to apply and may be better suited for usage by field agents, ASF guards, MST members, and Protectorate Rangers.
Appendix B: OL-Site-727 (Wing C) Ongoing Projects [13/02/2021]
TESTING AREA(S) |
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Room 05 (Combination Testing, Human & Animal), Room 07 (Digital Archival), Room 13 (Design Workshop) |
The process of testing glyph combinations is largely similar to the production of Neo-Glyphs; they are divided into two test rounds, one with mice and other with humans. The details of this process will be omitted from this resume.
EG combinations that include Neo-Glyphs are noticeably more volatile and harder to control and predict than regular combinations, greatly limiting their usefulness. Nevertheless, two successful Neo-Glyph combinations have so far been produced; INAN-V and TERS-V.
Both of these are 2-digit alterations, using the VOKK Neo-Glyph. INAN-V is capable of implanting an overriding goal within the affected subject, causing a monomaniacal obsession until the goal in question is achieved, and TERS-V causes the complete removal of all memories associated with a trigger phrase implanted during inoculation.
Most other combination attempts have been unsuccessful; methods to determine the properties of an EG combination without testing are underway.30
A sample list of tested glyph combinations and their results is attached below. Neo-Glyphs produced on OL-Site-727 will be underlined.
[Combination Name]
Glyphs Used:
Symbol Alternation:
Results:
INAN-A
Glyphs Used: Level 3 INAN (1), Level 1 ABYE (2)
Symbol Alternation: 3 Digit (1 - 2 - 1)
Results: Subjects perform a right-arm swiping movement immediately upon viewing. Minor variations of this combination result in different limb movements, all restricted to the right side of the body.
MUTA-D
Glyphs Used: Level 3 MUTA (1), Level 1 DAFF (2)
Symbol Alternation: 6 Digit (1 - 1 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2)
Results: Memories implanted by this combination appear to closely resemble events that happen in the immediate timespan after inoculation, resulting in an intense feeling of deja vu. Variations are highly limited, as DAFF EGs do not vary in properties between Levels.
NITO-VTa
Glyphs Used: Level 2 NITO/231 (1), Level 4 VOKK (2), Level 2 TACK (3)
Symbol Alternation: 4 Digit (1 - 2 - 1 - 3)
Results: Provokes subjects to convulse, inducing various effects depending on the parts of the body that were hurt during convulsions; damage to the hands results in the gradual replacement of teeth calcium with keratin, damage to the head results in outward growth of the cranium, and damage to the eyes results in the development of empty orbital cavities across the chest.
NOTE: Derivative tests based on the above combination have been prohibited.
TESTING AREA(S) |
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N/A |
NOTICE: THE PROJECT DETAILED BELOW HAS BEEN REJECTED BY THE OFFICE OF ETHICS AND REVIEW
Inspired by the discovery that EGs do not occur naturally, OL-Site-727 researchers have entertained the possibility that architectural and product designs may be modified to replicate their effect. Initial concept work appears promising; it is likely that EGs could be seamlessly integrated into tessellating patterns for seemingly decorative purposes, or hidden in televised media and in advertisements, both physical and digital. The purpose of which is to preemptively inoculate the population of classified knowledge even when directly viewing it.
Particularly high attention has been placed into the challenge of developing a manner of integrating glyph combinations into these proposed media. Usage of compulsive EGs prepared to induce viewers to see other glyphs in a specific sequence has been proposed, but further testing is pending approval of the project.
Appendix C: Adjacent Projects [16/02/2021]
RESEARCH AREA(S) |
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Room 21 (History Office), Sector-B (Latin American History), Islands and Native Populations Archive (Falklands File) |
Since the discovery of RPC-727, personnel from the Department of History have tried to tie its existence to RPC-███, both of which appear to be seemingly unrelated, both in distance and design, for the expectation of EGs.
(Excerpts from “Extergito Anamnesis: The Forgotten History”, by Alexander Wilt. The Hidden Gazette, 31st Decennial Research Fair edition, pp. 110 - 136. Published on Site-248.)
Historical Evidence:
Unlike many other regions, the Falkland islands do not possess any native inhabitants with the technical skill and resources to create RPC-727 or EGs, nor are there any other nearby civilizations or groups during that period that could have traveled into the region to construct the monolith.
We know the most common use for monoliths was to mark down territory, but nothing of value has been found around or below RPC-727, nor have there been traces of anything around it prior to discovery. Furthermore, the reason for its existence also remains unknown, as does the reason for its overtly aggressive protection over the area it inhabits. The most widely accepted theory is that, at some point in history, there existed a civilization that came across the Falkland islands, constructed a monolith for potential religious motives and protecting the land around it, only to then leave with no trace.
It is then speculated that the author of RPC-███ came across this civilization and learned of their language.32 He then wrote it down in his book only to then mysteriously disappear, much like the civilization he had met.
[…]
And then comes the grand theory regarding their disappearance: EG:5 MUTA. Much like how it erases the thought of RPC-727 from the minds of affected subjects, we believe a similar effect may have affected this civilization, following accidental and catastrophic inoculation. Forgetting themselves and all they made, their numbers quickly dwindled until nothing remained, nothing they created, and nothing they left.
Conclusion:
We may never know what truly occurred to the architects of RPC-727, and it will likely stay that way forever. We can only hope that someday they are remembered, and perhaps return to seek their long-forgotten monolith. […]
Only then we may finally know all that is left hidden in RPC-727.
RESEARCH AREA(S) |
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Room 11 (Decryption Laboratory), Sector-B (Linguistic-Analysis Bay), Anomalous Language Archive (Cross-Referencing) |
Recent research papers regarding EGs have shed light into the theory that, whomever was it that created RPC-727, potentially shared an unknown language or anomalous symbology system that we now know as Extergito Glyphs. Attempts to decode the language in which RPC-727-1 instances were made has become the major focus of the Cryptology Department on OL-Site-727.
Identification of Verbs:
It has been known for a time that RPC-727 is able to produce certain psychological effects by flashing unique sequences of glyphs. But until recently, the exact mechanism behind it was not fully understood. Personnel have theorized that these combinations function as phrases, while each individual glyph (counting for intensity, color, and time between cycling) refers to specific words.33 A list of currently agreed upon translations for combinations follows:
QUIE-T: QUIE 1 (1) - TERS 2 (2) = 1 - 2 = Isolate [yourself] [and] forget.
INAN-QM: INAN 4 (1) - MUTA 3 (2) - QUIE 2 (3) = 1 - 2 - 3 - 3 = Obey [and] dream ahead [to] protect yourself [from] corruption.
MUTA-N: MUTA 3 (1) - NITO 1 (2) = 1 - 2 - 1 - 2 = Dream ahead [that] [you] suffer, [then] dream back [that] [you] live.
TERS-I: TERS 2 (1) - INAN 2 (2) = 1 - 2 = Forget [and] [then] fall.
A complete list of translations may be requested to the Cryptology Department.
Applications:
The discovery that EGs are based on a coherent language system has allowed for the manufacturing of highly complex combinations and glyph chains, all of which have proven functional given that their translation is coherent. Cryptology personnel have also begun development of several projects that aim to discover the base rules of this language in hopes of one day being able to comprehend the system by which EGs and their combinations function.
While research is slow, estimates suggest that the Department may be able to understand the grammatical rules of the EG alphabet within the next 10 years.
Starting February the 9th, I will allow all funds required by OL-Site-727 in the hopes that Lethium-based amnestics may one day be replaced by those Glyph-based. I had not encountered the chance before to go through with such a decision to allow for widespread usage rather than in isolated pockets, but with recent discoveries in cheap manufacturing, an opportunity has arisen.
I can comprehend some personnel, or even my peers, may not understand the drastic quality of my actions today. But I ask them to understand, and to trust my word, that I am only trying to take a weight from many people’s shoulders and souls. I understand it may take us a long time to fully change our old ways, but it is a path I am willing to walk across.
I know that when it all ends, I may be able to sleep peacefully once again. To take out one sin from my confessions. And I hope you may be able to as well.
- GD-SCHL