The Chimera Project

The Chimera Project is generally considered to be humanity's final hope for survival. The goal is to create a human-hybrid that is immune to current variations of the corrugenic virus while also being able to adapt to future variations. This is done by combining the genetic material of humans who have displayed partial resistance and immunity to the virus into a single human-hybrid body.

The project was originally one of many being conducted by Sanctuaries around the world before becoming the primary focus. This shift in research was controversial, as disapproving Sanctuaries splintered off from the cooperative.

Critics stated the Chimera Project would abandon humanity to extinction while creating a new race. Counterarguments pointed to the likelihood that a cure can be developed from a fully immune Chimera and administered to humans in the fetal stage, guaranteeing humanity that their next of kin can live healthy lives. Chimeras will also be uniquely positioned to safely help humanity rebuild and develop infrastructure to protect the current generation from disease and wasteland exposure.

## Cloning

Rudimentary cloning techniques were attempted as early as the 20th century, but effective human cloning, as it's used today, wasn't developed until the mid-22nd century when American and South Korean scientists cloned an American prisoner as the first test subject.

The process is relatively safe, though clones are prone to a variety of health issues. Regular GenMat injections are required to prevent symptoms of clone sickness, and cybernetic implants are often needed to aid with unintended physical defects. The genetic material required to create and maintain a clone is immense and so the practice is only used for humanity's most valuable subjects.

The Chimera Project relied on cloning in two ways. First, cloning was used throughout the project's lifespan to distribute members of the Pentekath. Secondly, cloning was used to resupply Sanctuaries with Chimeras after the events of the Teapot Massacre.

## GenMat

*Genetic Material*, or *GenMat*, is a cellular material that carries genetic information of the cell's structure and function. Although found in all living organisms, the term GenMat is typically only used when discussing human genetics.

Due to the corrugenic virus corrupting the genetics of infected humans, GenMat treatment and research has been a top priority. Unfortunately, this requires uncorrupted GenMat - an increasingly rare resource. In most Sanctuaries, GenMat is needed to sustain the bodies of clones (typically Advisors, a Custodian, and a Chimera) while facilitating research on the Chimera Project. Global GenMat shortages have led to widespread war amongst Sanctuaries.

## The Pentekath

*The Pentekath is the designation given to the following five humans with unique genetic mutations:*

* Emma Marshall [Prota]
* Luis Perez-Brown [Prosarmogi]
* Yusuf Kumalo [Metamorph]
* Zoleka Fisher [Chrona]
* Ava [Elpida]

Each of these humans has shown a resistance or immunity to strains of the corrugenic virus. Variations of their genetic profile are integrated into the Chimera in hope of creating a human-hybrid that is immune to all strains of the corrugenic virus.

In Sanctuaries where the Pentekath have taken over day-to-day operations of the Sanctuary, they are commonly referred to as 'Advisors'.

## Processing

Processing (or genetic processing) is a procedure in which genetic material from a human is extracted and transferred into a Chimera.

The subjects used for processing are clones with exceptional biological advantages. Uncorrupted genetic material must be administered to them before processing, allowing new genetic combinations to form with their unique genetics before being passed to the Chimera. Those who have experienced processing have reported that it is extremely uncomfortable and disorienting.

The procedure, when done repeatedly, allows for new variations of exceptional genetic material to be continually tested in the Chimera until an optimal combination is found. Scientists have explained this as trying every number on a combination lock until it is opened. Though crude, humanity's technology at its current rate is not expected to develop a more precise method for approximately 1,500 years. By this time, humanity would be extinct.

## Trivia

* When any Advisors are boosted, looking at the Chimera's tank while show visceral chunks floating inside, waiting to be absorbed by the Chimera.