HELIX (Organization)

== HRD Description ==
As of current writing, this faction is off the radar. 
Helix Research Division, Also referred to as IOTA by HRD operators, is a group of mysterious researchers known for their very behind-the-scenes and often times suspicious work. It is worth noting that despite the rather suspicious and at times downright questionable the work of the HRD may be, it is important to understand that quite interestingly, unlike The Rebels or The Combine, HRD Researchers will not attack a person on sight. There are, however, notable exceptions. During Convoys, several operatives have been seen pointing and firing at passing Rebels. If this is related to the untrustworthy and often times erratic behavior of Rebels or the Convoys themselves is not easily determined. It is possible in most cases it is due to presumably sensitive information being contained within. 
HELIX operatives were first spotted nearby a Combine Base, with said operatives appearing to be using some form of radiation device on the exterior area. After this sighting, HELIX moved into the area, with unmarked Humvee vehicles as well as APC trucks forming convoys to establish a headquarters at ████, Immediately establishing heavy walls and reinforcing the previous ruins. The Combine first took heavy interest in HELIX’s new activity, as at the time they were unusual and a foreign force. The Rebels immediately attempted to gain the alliance of HELIX, but they were immediately given warning shots to back off from ████ by HELIX researchers. The Combine at the time were often spotted watching HELIX from a estimated 40 foot radius. Researchers clearly saw the Combine, however no shots were fired. It was further tested by a Solider that the persons at the base did not fire warning shots unless a person lingered in front of a wall for too long. The only known exception to the normally relaxed guards is during a Convoy entry, as any attempt to approach the gate will be met with instant resistance. 
Helix Bases are usually very elegant and dim (With the exception of the now decommissioned PHEBES turbine plant, with bright white and gold colors.) compared to the more gloomy architecture of the Combine. it is advised for any scavenger to not approach a HELIX researcher, as they do not travel alone and are armed. Approaching a facility is ill-advised, as most if not all sites have heavy defenses and the PHEBES Plant is highly dangerous and radioactive. 
== HRD Armament And Vehicles ==
HELIX researchers rarely are seen without firearms, obviously due to the nature of the area they research. The most common weaponry HELIX researchers are seen carrying are UMP-45 Submachine Guns, or REX Revolvers. They notably lightly armed compared to the other major factions in the area. Helix Researchers themselves commonly are seen in Hazmat Suits, with the head researcher appearing exclusively in a Hazmat Suit with a blue coloration. As for Vehicles, HELIX Has a very wide variety. from makeshift armored vans, to government grade APCs and Humvees. It is possible to assume that the Makeshift armored vans are either to try to not cause panic amongst the inhabitants, or to more naturally observe a Infected subjects behavior without introducing outside Stimuli such as unusual vehicles or weapons.
HRD was previously known for using a modified tank model of a Sherman tank retrofitted with modernized parts, however this “Frankensherm” has only seen use for a total of two weeks after the first appearance of HRD. The Frankensherm was then replaced by the modified T-90 “Thunderbird” Tank, a T-90MS with tweaked internals, and a replaced Titano brand engine block and improved Heat ventilation. A weakness of this however has made pilots unable to pilot their tanks out of the way of people rushing with Anti-Tank mines on sticks. However, the Thunderbird is renown for being HRD’s “Mainstay Vehicle” in combat, with every major conflict they have been in, the Thunderbird has been in use. Visually, the Thunderbird is no different than a T-90MS, aside being faster and sporting a different paint scheme, as well as antennas. HRD has taken great care when creating the Thunderbird, as any attempts to remove the engine block without using a appropriate tool triggers a failsafe which floods the engine and makes it unusable. 
HRD’s primary weapon, the UMP45, is physically no different than the factory made version. The only known modifications have been Magnum ammunition and sometimes suppressors.
the Rex pistol is commonly modified to have sights, although the Revolver carried by the Lead Researcher is unmodified.
One of the many benefits the suits have is the ability to block hazardous radiation, not unlike the suit of a Combine.
== HRD Conflicts and Relationships with outside Factions ==
Generally, HRD doesn't interact much with outside factions such as The Combine or The Rebels. Through observations, however, it can be inferred that the Combine rarely supply HRD with resources in exchange for intelligence on the Rebels. It is possible that this intelligence however is simply on specific group attack points and convoy “danger spots” as HRD convoys have not been seen accompanied by the combine, it is not exactly out of the question that the two are not allied and are simply occasional partners. 
The Rebels, however are not really on good terms with HRD. After the attack on the HRD Convoy travelling through the city, this sparked a multiple week conflict in which HRD operatives traded fire with several Rebels, until HRD's cargo was recovered through force of manpower and assistance from outside forces such as The Combine and the infected themselves. After this unwarranted attack upon the convoy, the Convoys have now been seen exclusively consisting of a lone APC, or a truck carrying a trailer. This incognito approach to cargo transfers has worked for the Rebel attacks. however, it has attracted Scrappers and other groups of "Pirates" trying to make a quick buck by jumping what they assume is a truck carrying scrap. This has further sparked a heated conflict between the Rebels and HRD, as HRD has been as of recently making heavy use of Hedgehogs and homemade traps to prevent the Rebels and Scrappers from ramming convoy APCS. 
== Technology ==
The HRD is in the middle ground technology wise: they posses heavy scientific knowledge, however the resources are limited. The Defenses used by HRD mimics World War 2 Era technology, with their own iterations, such as the Trifactor, which in common practice appears as three varying sizes of Hedgehog Tank barriers deployed to prevent large vehicles like Trucks from progressing or to slow them down. Another customized weapon used by HELIX is the Zap chains, which is often times a Electrically charged electric grid of razor wire often used for either Anti-Person purposes or simply area denial for basic vehicles. It should be noted that Zap chains are considered "out of service", being functionally replaced by the Trifactor. A possible reason for the heavy use of hedgehogs for defense is simply due to the cheap and recyclable nature of the tank trap.
Category:Factions & Groups