Applied Sciences

The prevalent image held by most Technocrats regarding the Progenitors often depicts researchers in laboratories equipped with a range of tools, from Bunsen burners to sophisticated multibillion-dollar apparatuses. This perception is not unfounded, as over 90% of individuals within this group align with that stereotype. However, not every scientist confines their work to insulated environments; some gain expertise by working in the field, actively seeking hands-on experience.

While those engaged in pure research may shy away from this notion, the practitioners of Applied Sciences aspire to venture into the world and actively contribute to its improvement. Many in the Applied Sciences amalgams refer to themselves as "action scientists," and in the case of certain Damage Control operatives, even as "combat scientists." This distinction is a crucial element of their mindset and identity. They don't see themselves merely as NWO enforcers or Iteration X units following orders; instead, they view themselves as a bridge between Progenitor science and the real world.

## History

While the concept of the "action scientist" predated the Anomaly, many Progenitors before this event were inclined to confine themselves to specialized laboratories, leaving fieldwork to other Conventions. However, following the loss of numerous research stations, the Applied Sciences branch found itself becoming experts on the Frontlines of life. Their newfound expertise elevated the status of several Progenitors who had previously remained in the safety of Earth.

In 2008, Applied Science received official recognition from the Shared Governance Council, the new leadership overseeing the Progenitors remaining on Earth. Despite various attempts to reorganize Applied Science into its own Methodology, the amalgams resisted such efforts, fearing potential constraints in funding and the possibility of demotion into one of the Micro-Methodologies. Additionally, they advocated for the reinstatement of the Pogrom to combat the increasing influence of Reality Deviants.

## Organization

### Deviancy Scene Investigators

Progenitor Science finds numerous applications in the realm of criminal investigation. While our Devices operate at a stratospheric level compared to anything in the Sleeper world, the fundamental purpose aligns with that of their mundane counterparts. The contribution of Deviancy Scene Investigators (DSIs) is invaluable to the security divisions of the Union, particularly within the Operations Methodology of the NWO. Their collaboration extends to working closely with Damage Control, ensuring a coordinated effort in responding to anomalous events.

Due to their extensive involvement in DNA sampling and identification, most DSIs have connections to the Genegineers, or are supplemented by some FACADE Engineers. These Enlightened forensic teams often integrate into Sleeper law enforcement, lending an air of legitimacy to their operations. The possession of badges allows them to open doors without resorting to methods that might risk Rejection. Additionally, it provides investigators with a firsthand look at potential candidates for induction into the Union. The Sleeper credentials they carry serve as little more than a useful fiction, serving their true purpose — employing Enlightened Science to investigate threats to the Consensus.

Following Operations' pacification of the scene after a Reality Deviance event, Progenitor investigators employ every tool at their disposal to uncover crucial evidence. From DNA samplers and time/motion splatter analysis to holographic reconstruction, they excel at their craft. Their proficiency is such that Progenitors lend their expertise to every other Convention, establishing them as the go-to team for investigating events that perplex others. Their combination of expertise, advanced equipment, and sharp intellects makes them the natural choice for handling supernatural test subjects.

When it comes to neutralizing threats like werewolves, DSIs deploy silver nitrate power-soakers and genetically tailored narcotic mists capable of subduing even the most ferocious beasts. Dealing with vampires presents a trickier challenge, but the use of accelerated coagulant darts and aerodynamic wooden stake bomblets levels the playing field. DSIs possess specialized gear for various forms of Reality Deviants, demonstrating both the courage and intelligence needed to get the job done.

### Médecins Sans Superstition

One of the initial Progenitor groups to formalize fieldwork is predominantly composed of Pharmacopoeists, known as Médecins Sans Superstition (Doctors Without Superstition). Their self-defined mission is to practice medicine in "hot spots" — locations urgently requiring trained medical personnel. This encompasses inner-city hospitals in ghettos and barrios worldwide, remote areas lacking doctors for years, or field clinics in war-torn nations. Following in the footsteps of their Cosian predecessors, Médecins Sans Superstition members engage in healing the sick, tending to the wounded, and providing comfort to the dying. Despite the challenging nature of their work and the heartbreak of losses, one of their doctors emphasizes the significance of every small victory, acknowledging the fleeting nature of such moments. Nevertheless, dedicating the day to helping people rather than playing it safe in a lab makes the endeavor worthwhile.

As Progenitors, their plans involve multiple layers. Beyond medical practice, these doctor-scientists actively strive to bolster the acceptance of modern medicine and science in general. Many individuals they encounter exhibit dangerously low levels of Consensus buy-in due to low education rates, a lack of normalized experience with technology, and economies crippled by war or poverty (or both). This environment of desperation becomes a breeding ground for Reality Deviants, as traditionalists recruit acolytes and spread their hazardous ideas, leaving the door open for Marauders and Nephandi. In the face of these threats, Médecins Sans Superstition doctors emerge as the primary hope for these vulnerable communities. They must be prepared to defend their charges at a moment's notice, often without any backup.

Given their tendency to travel alone or in small groups, Médecins Sans Superstition doctors undergo significant combat training from Black Suits and carry weapons crafted in Iteration X foundries. Despite their limited numbers, they compensate with resilience and a steadfast commitment to their mission.

### Biosphere Explorers

The Biosphere Explorers focus on studying the remarkable diversity of life on Earth, recognizing nature's endless capacity to solve problems in elegant and practical ways. Motivated by the drive to unveil these secrets, they venture beyond the confines of the lab, exploring the farthest corners of the Earth. Each new species they discover offers multiple opportunities to enhance health and improve the quality of life for humanity. Establishing permanent research Constructs in extreme environments such as the rainforests of South America and Southeast Asia, desert ecologies in Africa and China, the ice fields on both polar caps, and deep-sea heat vents, the Biosphere Explorers consider these ecologies as vast reserves of untapped chemical potential.

The Pharmacopoeists within the group view these diverse environments as sources of untapped chemical potential. Over the last 40 million years, the intense competition among species has led to the evolution of a fascinating array of chemical defenses, some exhibiting effects similar to synthetic Enlightened compounds but with a game-changing resistance to Rejection. The medical and research applications of these exotic chemistries have kept the Pharmacopoeists occupied for decades. Similarly, the Genegineers find vast relevance in the seemingly inexhaustible array of species, cataloging hundreds of thousands of insect species alone, each possessing unique and exciting genetic traits.

This unexpected boon has led to the offering of bounties by Genegineers and Pharmacopoeists for relevant new discoveries, providing financial support for ongoing missions and earning respect from those who previously looked down on them. Some Research Directors even suggest that young, eager Scientists spend a few months with the Biosphere Explorers. Operating in near isolation, their small Constructs, accommodating only five people at a time (or ten for short periods before supplies run low), cannot accommodate the usual security personnel requested by lab Progenitors going into the field.

While the Biosphere Explorers may not encounter as many Reality Deviants as others in Applied Sciences, their work presents unique threats. When facing challenges too intense for them to handle, they wisely call on Damage Control for extraction. In the rare moments when they're not exploring the far corners of the world, they undergo training from Void Engineer marines and explorers in survival and combat. Each Biosphere Explorer has at least one harrowing story about narrowly escaping death, whether it's submarines cracking from deep water pressure, evading hungry sharks or polar bears, or discovering lost tombs filled with Deviant horrors. Listening to their tales over drinks can be both humbling and exhilarating.

### Damage Control

Damage Control, the oldest entity within Applied Sciences (dating back to a time before the term existed), shoulders the challenging responsibility of ensuring the security of the entire Convention. Tracing its origins to the Phylaxoi during the Order of Reason, those who safeguarded the healers, its primary mission is to defend the physical and operational security of our Constructs and personnel. Functioning as our internal security force, internal investigation division, and wetwork group, Damage Control wields near-unilateral power, a legacy of the Pre-Anomaly Administration that commands compliance and fear alike.

In contrast to the titles used by the rest of us, such as Scientist and Research Director, Damage Control's titles serve as a constant reminder of their identity: Constable, Chief Inspector, and the like. However, it's crucial to recognize that each member is a Progenitor in their own right, equipped with doctorates alongside their Inspired weaponry. They undertake the less glamorous tasks to ensure our peace of mind. Their responsibilities include tracking down escaped chimerical experiments and rogue Progenitors, particularly Nephandi, providing security for remote facilities and high-risk experiments, and investigating reports of Sleepers encountering Progenitor tech before Rejection becomes critical.

Constables also pursue Traditionalists promoting pseudomedicine with a significant degree of prejudice, addressing any reported occurrences threatening to poison the Masses. Keeping the Convention secure involves preventing the broader Union from fully grasping the extent of Damage Control's necessity. When operating in the field, Damage Control agents occasionally integrate into mixed Convention amalgams under cover. At other times, they may co-opt a Sleeper organization as a front, with more than one FBI field office temporarily serving as a Damage Control front. To maintain secrecy, many agents cover their tracks after completing an operation, ensuring that NWO or the Syndicate remains uninformed.

#### Ethical Compliance

Ethical Compliance operates as a subdivision of Damage Control, focusing exclusively on Convention activities. Regarded as the Progenitors' thought police, they make no effort to conceal this role. A visit from Ethical Compliance prompts almost every Progenitor, except the most oblivious or foolish, to halt their activities. Typically, a single unexpected appointment with EC is sufficient to redirect a scientist's behavior. At any given time, there are two to three dozen dedicated EC agents, and they possess a unique ability within the Convention to conscript anyone into a task force.

This often involves assigning Damage Control wetwork constables, but in certain cases, individuals from Applied Sciences prove valuable—especially Deviancy Scene Investigators. When pursuing a rogue Progenitor, having experts in the target's field of inquiry is essential, along with friends and colleagues to gain insight into the target's mindset.

Contrary to popular beliefs, most Damage Control agents feel remorse when executing a fellow Progenitor. They adhere to a code of conduct and do not take liquidation lightly. However, they acknowledge that, at the end of the day, they will do what is necessary for the health of the Convention and the Union. Damage Control believes in amputating a finger before infection spreads to the arm, and amputating the arm before it spreads to the heart. Dr. Charles Reid, a former leader of our order, serves as a cautionary tale for any Councilor contemplating stepping out of line, as he was sanctioned for this reason.

## Convention

In the words of a Médecins Sans Superstition doctor, spoken after a few drinks at the 2010 Conference and in response to snark about his kind: "What does my badge say? It says 'Doctor.' That's not an honorary title — I'm a scientist, just like you. Except I have the courage to be something more." A brawl ensued shortly afterward, leaving the action scientist on top but failing to bridge understanding between the new Progenitors and their older, indoctrinated counterparts.

Within Applied Sciences, a sense of community prevails, a natural outcome for a group forced to unite against external political pressures. Beyond this, a unique culture thrives. They celebrate scientist-heroes in fiction, from Doc Savage to Star Trek to Atomic Robo, even when the actions of these fictional figures have little to do with life sciences.

Applied Sciences isn't just a Methodology; they resisted being reduced to one, a classic Progenitor tactic to cut funding. Instead, they resemble superamalgams — groups of groups with shared purposes and command hierarchy. Médecins Sans Superstition, the first among them, modeled themselves after Damage Control, and subsequent groups have formed. Comprising members from various Methodologies, often seen as pariahs or undesirables by Research Directors, they still have access to political, financial, and tangible resources, albeit reluctantly granted.

Despite initial skepticism, the attitude toward Applied Sciences is gradually changing as some prove their worth to cynical Research Directors.