RRS-27: The Hybrid Supersoldier

Prologue and Birth

Diary entry: #001
Date: 2014.11.17-13/1.17
Synopsis: This is a compilation of main facts regarding the real story of Roderick Saunders, also known as RRS-27, the hybrid supersoldier. Everything started in space, nearly 40 years ago, during an unexpected turn of events...



1977
September 5th - NASA successfully launches the Voyager 1 space probe, to study the outer Solar System.

1978
July 9th - On the way to Jupiter, Voyager 1 detects strange radio signals, with the source later identified as "somewhere in the Cygnus constellation": a repetitive pattern with different variations, but always at the same time; possibly a message. This fact remain hidden from the public as scientists attempt to decode the signal.

1980
November 18th - After over 28 months, the scientists successfully decode the transmission. It is, in fact, a message from an advanced alien civilization. It roughly says: "We wish to talk."
November 20th - Voyager 1's primary mission officially ends, after providing detailed images of Jupiter and Saturn. Extra-officially, a new mission plan is created, to use another space probe to answer the message.

1981
Feburary 27th - The scientists come up with the idea of an airborne launch, for increased discretion.
December 13th - Under complete secrecy, "Operation Lighthouse" is a go: a small unmanned ship is launched by a USAF B-52 Stratofortress bomber, specially modified for the task. Using a state-of-the-art data system to transmit a signal towards the alien planet, based on an unconfirmed theory of a traversable wormhole, years later known as the Morris-Thorne wormhole: a "shortcut" through spacetime, held open by a spherical shell of exotic matter, that would allow faster-than-light travel. Using advanced scanners, the scientists could detect these wormholes and send a radio signal through it, hoping that would reach the planet or get as close as possible for the inhabitants there to detect. It was a risky mission, but worth the try.

1983
May 30th - "Operation Lighthouse" is a success, when Voyager 1 detects new radio signals from the same area of the first ones, now more quickly decoded as: "We'll be meeting soon."

1984
October 12th - An Unidentified Flying Object [UFO] is detected entering the Earth's atmosphere at Mach 20 and maintaining speed right after. They pick up a signal from the UFO, identified as binary code, later translated to "Gk001 requests landing". The military send a signal in the same pattern, granting permission. The landing happens at Area 51, in Southern Nevada, US, at 0246 hours. Protected by an optical cloaking system, the alien spacecraft, as big as a Boeing 747, quietly hovers at the end of the runway, being taken to a huge hangar, hidden at the base of a nearby mountain.
Inside, the visitors reveal themselves. Wearing modern and simplistic-looking suits, they appear very human, with small, yet important differences in appearance: gray skin and eyes, with shades varying between individuals; and silver/white hair. Using a small, hand-held device to translate their language, a bit more is known about them: they, indeed, come from a planet in the Cygnus constellation, named Gryktu ["Gree-Too"], some 700 light-years from Earth. The time on their planet is different than ours: a Gryktunian year has about 15 cycles [their equivalent to our months] and an equivalent to 27 Earth months, 2.3 years. They traveled for about 12 Earth months [or 6.5 cycles], remaining in a suspended animation state, travelling through the cosmos using the same Morris-Thorne wormholes as "shortcuts", thus confirming the theory. Their ship's computer calculates the exact location where they'll come out after entering one of these wormholes, so it's not wrong to consider this as some kind of "interstellar GPS system", showing the exact path to be followed through space.
They also explain that they were more of a probing team, intended to stablish communications first, and that they would be sending new teams, in case Earthlings posed no threat...even though they had far more advanced technology that could wipe us out in an instant. The visitors stay for about 18 days, in which many details were discussed regarding common interests, such as research, technology and, as expected, weaponry. They promise to return "soon".

1986
May 19th - A new Gryktunian expedition, this time with far more ships, arrive on Earth, causing quite a ruckus in Brazil, in the day known as "The Official UFO Night", when 21 objects were detected by civilian and military radars and aircrafts, even with F-5 fighters from the Brazilian Air Force [Força Aérea Brasileira, FAB] being dispatched to intercept the "visitors". Up to this day, the episode "officially" remains with many questions unanswered; few knew what exactly happened, and the US military quickly intervened with the Brazilian Government to muffle the case.
The Gryktunians didn't show off on purpose: their ships suffered an unexpected electromagnetic interference while entering the atmosphere, which caused their anti-detection and navigation systems to fail; possibly an issue related to increased solar activity?
The UFO fleet reached Area 51 once again, now bringing a large group of scientists from their planet. The most intelligent and important of them all was Dr. Cyrd Gleof Krazacz, their chief. Coming on behalf of the Gryktunian Empire itself, he was "the alien boss". This time, they even set an advanced laboratory of their own, deep underground.
June 21st - Further discussions with the military led to an informal agreement between both civilizations: in exchange for access to some of their technology, the Gryktunians would have "green light" to conduct genetic research on humans anywhere in the world, taking care only to keep the military informed through a record of all the abducted victims, locations, conditions in which they were taken, etc., and the purpose of their research would not be questioned.

1987
January 1st - This agreement was deemed too big for the current agencies to deal with, so the big shots decided to create a new one, specifically to deal with the Gryktunian subject. With no official name, insignia or badge, it was simply nicknamed "The Government" or "The Gov" for short. Just a handful knew of its existence. Named as Chief-Director of "The Gov" was Damien Mitchell, former US Army General and CIA asset. Mitchell and Krazacz got along quite well, though not with the best intentions: apart from the agreement made by both civilizations, they considered the development of something new, a bio-weapon: the supersoldier project. Originally intended to "share a common force to protect both planets", like a joint-army, and "avoid having to put our own people [Gryktunians and Earthlings] on duty to deal with threats and risk their lives."
February 13th - Krazacz selected 15 from his 100-people team, the most skilled ones, with Mitchell taking care of also finding and hiring the 15 best and most capable human scientists in various fields, specially genetics. The chief of Mitchell's group was the world's top-of-the-class bio-engineer and geneticist, Dr. Karen Saunders, along with her loyal assistant, Dr. Yuki Fujiwara. These 30 very special people, humans and aliens alike, would work under the highest level of secrecy ever imagined, with even CIA, NSA and other agencies totally unaware about Krazacz and Mitchell's little "project".
March 25th - Unlike Mitchell, who preferred to give orders to his subordinates, Krazacz was the kind of boss who got his hands dirty, personally working with his team in the development of the supersoldier. The plan was to combine the best of both species, creating a hybrid being, focused on all spectrums of battle, from short to long-range combat skills, making extensive use of the Gryktunians' weaponry, including some technologies that could find the perfect testing ground in the subjects. Dr. Saunders and Krazacz shared knowledge, though she didn't like him, sensing some sort of dark, evil intentions in his actions. A part of the project follows a different path, being nicknamed RRS, or Research Reactor System: a study to find alternative forms of energy generation. This was actually a 'dummy' project to cover the original purpose and allow easier release of funds.
April 30th - The first tests begin, with human and Gryktunian DNAs fused into guinea pigs and using special incubators for accelerated growth. Unfortunately, the 5 subjects from the first batch died just a few weeks later; incompatibility was the main factor, as expected. However, Dr. Saunders didn't give up: she continued working on several human variations, of different ethnicities, analyzing which one would be the best to combine with the Gryktunian genetic code.
September 5th - It's been 10 years after Voyager 1's launch. And so much has already happened since then. Dr. Saunders and Krazacz slowly make progress in the "hybridization": the second batch of 5 subjects survived for over 6 months, surpassing the embryonic stage. But they still face compatibility issues.

1988
July 23rd - Batches #3 and #4, each with 6 subjects, grew up to 3-5 years, but still, all died; premature aging was a new obstacle to overcome. The work followed, with multiple human DNA combinations and expectations to achieve the best results. Meanwhile, technology showed important improvements.
December 24th - It's Christmas Eve and Santa brought good stuff: the first tests with Pavruhz [in Gryktunian language, "The Fearbringer"], an advanced battle armor made of Im'ylhi [human designation: Coltium], a sophisticated and exotic superalloy comprised of four different elements found on Gryktu and chemically mixed: Kruwruq, Kleln, Seiseln and Quopehm. Because the original names are too complicated, human scientists simply dubbed them "U-1 to 4", in the same order; U stands for Unobtanium, a term often used to describe any material possessing extraordinary properties that are unique or impossible to obtain in the real world or, in this case, on Earth. This is because there's another very important detail: Im'ylhi/Coltium can only be obtained under Gryktunian atmospheric conditions, and that includes both gravitational AND magnetic influence from its three Suns, and after mixed, they cannot be separated anymore, becoming just one material; therefore, it was almost impossible for humans to replicate the superalloy. Fortunately, the Gryktunians' ships and laboratory are capable of recreating the same planetary conditions within them; that's how they managed to produce the alloy here on Earth.
Despite these complications, the superalloy proved to be very valuable, demonstrated by its immense mechanical strength, wich combined with a very low density, grants it an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, higher than today's Colossal Carbon Tubes [CCT; material still in studies, 20 times more resistant than conventional carbon fiber]...as well as resistance to thermal creep deformation, corrosion and oxidation, besides being able to sustain extreme temperatures, from near absolute zero [0K or -273°C/-460°F] to the unknown; they've put a piece of it in a special autoclave, up to 3,000°C/5,432°F...and the piece was still solid and strong, only glowing slightly...yet cold enough to be held bare handed, demonstrating very low thermal conductivity, even lower than the LI-900 surface insulation tiles used in the Space Shuttle's Thermal Protection System [TPS]!
The result of all this content: you could have a full suit that is lighter than a bulletproof vest, yet thousands of times stronger than "Chobham" composite armor, used in some of the best Main Battle Tanks [MBT's] such as the American M1A2 Abrams and the British Challenger 2; in one of the tests, they attached 500 kg [1,100 lbs] of C4 explosive to a Coltium and detonated it. Obviously, everything in a large area was obliterated and the plate flew away, flung by the shockwave, but remained intact. Except for dirt and grime on its surface...nothing, not even a scratch.
December 31st - New Year Eve, New Era Eve! While the armor was being perfected, tests with the power source were initiated. The main milestone of the Gryktunian technology, which allowed all their other technologies to be born and evolve: the Fethar 01 [Fethar = Cosmos Manipulator] or, as the scientists nicknamed it, Uni-Drive.
To be fitted at the user's back, connected to the spine's mid section, a magnificent device, that could be considered a "free-energy"-type reactor, generator AND converter, fueled by what the Gryktunians claim to be the most simple form of...existence, so to speak; an ethereal element that is not particle, not matter, not even energy. And yet, every form of matter as we know it, as well as all the energy phenomena, such as heat, magnetism, electricity, etc., are only modifications of this basic element, this unifying substance that gives rise to the Universe itself, a "cosmic principle": Wos, the "raw primary force"; humans named it Quantanium, the universal cosmic fluid.
Being everything a variation of this "cosmic principle", there's fuel available pretty much everywhere, from a planet's core to the vast regions of interstellar space, galaxies, etc. By functioning as a converter, the Fethar/Uni-Drive is capable of taking anything available, either energy OR matter...and convert it into Wos/Quantanium. If it's an object, the Uni-Drive releases a laser-like beam onto the object, covering it. Then it's virtually dismantled at a "lower-than-subatomic" level and turned into Wos/Quantanium; if it's energy, the device "attracts" and then converts it.
Now, the Uni-Drive can also convert Quantanium into energy or matter, and that's one of its "aces in the hole": being connected to Pik'ir, or "Brain" [human designation: QCU/Quantum Control Unit], a small quantum computer with the scanned molecular/atomic structure of an object stored [basically a super-high-tech version of a computer with a 3D CAD project], it could "build" the model stored and replicate it perfectly, down to flaws existent in the original project; for example, a human being with its scars...or even improve it, if the user changed the molecular/atomic specs through the QCU. The Uni-Drive is certainly one of the greatest achievements for any civilization in the Universe, ever.
The other "ace in the hole" allows superluminal travel: it's capable of creating variable-size wormholes to anywhere. Obviously, this requires the Pik'ir/QCU to calculate the exit location through its exact space coordinates; the farther the exit, the more calculations required, the longer it takes to create the wormhole.
The QCU also has its own A.I. [Artificial Intelligence], to reduce neural load on the user's brain and increase effectiveness. It controls all the armor's systems and helps the user in all his/her tasks. It's like two minds working as one. The A.I. also has the ability to learn, evolve and increase/expand its own consciousness. Obviously, the user's personality affects greatly its learning, so his/her character determines the chosen good or bad paths of the A.I.. Data storage is virtually limitless, because it relies on artificial DNA for that. Yes, DNA, genetic code. It's the ultimate hard drive.

1989
March 15th - Since the beginning, the idea was not for the soldiers to carry their weapons or even attach them in the armor; instead, fuse them into the soldiers' very own bodies, turning them into weapons themselves. The scientists would "mecha-format" their forearms, replacing living tissues by synthetic ones, muscles giving space to the cannons' vital systems, all while keeping a highly compact size, thanks to nanotechnology, which plays a big part in Gryktunian technology in general. The outer layer allows them to look identical to any human forearm, but inside, it's a different story. About the cannon itself, the Sterak, or "Destiny"; [human designation: MLWAC, "Mullvac"; acronym for Multi-Load Warp Annihilator and Creator].
It's a multi-task weapon with 3 firing options: single, burst and constant. It can fire a wide array of energy or particle-based [atomic/subatomic] beams or projectile-like bursts that bombard the target with destructive energy, varying in nature, intensity, temperature, etc. It can also increase the level of condensed energy, making them more powerful and explosive. Little beams come out from the fingers, fusing into a big one, ahead of the palm. A scientist from Dr. Saunders' crew called them "Hades" and "Zeus", worthy tribute to two of the most powerful Greek Gods.
Tests, tests, tests. They got a partially functional unit ready and put an old M60 tank some 500 yards away. Cannon [ON], constant shot mode. Then...after some 45 seconds, an odd, unexpected, yet interesting visual effect appeared: as the cannon charged, a vortex of translucent energy was formed, circling the weapon and extending up to some 50 cm [20 in.]...like an energy-made barrel. NOTE: keep in mind that the prolonged charging time is due to them using a high-voltage electric charger to power the cannon; while using the Uni-Drive, this time drops to just 2-4 seconds only.
Target locked, FIRE! A very powerful explosion followed, the vehicle was vaporized in an instant, leaving no wreckage, no remains to be analyzed...only black dust...and a big hole through the foot of the mountain behind it. GREAT SUCCESS!
Later, they tested "Mullvac" with the "inversed" function: instead of destruction, creation. They got another M60 tank and scanned it with the QCU. Then, using energy provided by the Uni-Drive, they managed to replicate the vehicle, even with its worn out parts!
Now...for the propulsion, a downsized and updated version of the Gryktunian ships': Uyqrim or "Movement" [human designation: GraSS/Graviton Sphere System]; a gravity generator and manipulator. Simple in appearance, lightweight, clean, perfect. As with the cannons, the Uni-Drive is responsible for feeding it with the required Quantanium for 100% efficiency.
Tests with the armor demonstrated maximum speed possible above Mach 6 with no use of Qagyhr, or "Cover" [human designation: QN Shield]; with it, speed increased by TWENTY fold, reaching Mach 120! That's nearly 41 km PER SECOND! The QN Shield works by creating an electromagnetic "bubble" around the user/object, which makes the air molecules "slide" around the shield's surface, reducing drag coefficient [Cx] to virtually zero; actually, a minimal of 0.000000000000014, since absolute ZERO would only be possible in a vacuum-like environment, such as space. It allows such speed that even optical cloaking is almost unnecessary, though he retains it: only highly advanced sensors and satellites could maintain vigilance at something this fast. Human eye can't see it; even if he passed right in front of a person, she wouldn't be able to see him. Plus: there's no sonic boom, so it's all silent. The QN Shield also allows adjustment of its Cx, increasing the drag when needed; for braking during atmospheric reentry, for example. Anyway, things were promising, VERY promising...
March 20th - Meanwhile, the 5th batch had only 2 subjects, both reaching child stage, 7-10 years old. Problem is: one died of lung disease, while the other lost his sanity and attacked the scientists; ended up mercilessly dead with 6 bullets in the brain, shot by Mitchell himself.
October 9th - 6th batch was a sole individual, a girl. She had the greatest potential of them all, so far: stronger, smarter, more agile, etc. But destiny was cruel to her: she developed a new form of cancer, possibly of Gryktunian origin, that destroyed her cells in a matter of weeks. Dr. Saunders, having grown fond of the girl to the point of naming her Lilly, felt deeply saddened by her death and went to complain to Mitchell and Krazacz, claiming that their attempts at accelerated growth and mind control of the children were affecting them. She suggested a different approach: to let the next ones grow up naturally.

1990
February 25th - The experiment with the 7th batch begins...again, a sole subject is "born" in the special incubator: the 27th of its kind. Unlike the others, Mitchell let him grow normally, with Dr. Saunders assigned to raise and teach him about basic things, such as reading, writing, etc...
He didn't have the issues from the previous 26 children, but had the best qualities of them all. Greater intelligence, learning things quickly; strength matching that of a Gryktunian soldier, which is nearly 10x stronger than a human, because of the planet's conditions; more agile and faster than a leopard, jumping higher and farther 20x his own body size, like a grasshopper [in the right proportions, of course], etc.
He'd grow normally, yet under special conditions, isolated from the rest of the world, confined in the lab, yet with some few amenities, such as a room of his own...though watched 24-7 by cameras, microphones, etc. It would also be a chance for them to fully study his development.
No one could imagine how things would turn out...how everything would change...and how important this boy would be to Gryktu and, more importantly, to Earth.