Project Malady

# Background

While it originally did not have a title, or a conceivable name of any kind, Project *Malady* has existed in an unofficial capacity since 2415. The biogenic weapon - a genetically modified lipase enzyme capable of breaking down complex organic matter - was first created by Vigilus Aelae to be distributed to the Awakening as part of Vigilus's scheme to bring down the Symbiosis Commission. Because of Vigilus's precarious position, having assumed control of Aelae's current host, Jeleen Aelae, he had to resort to using resources already available to him. Consequently, he used the grenade casings being used in the development of the resumed Project *Epione* to conceal his work and to also serve as the vector.

The grenades were tested during the Awakening Crisis, resulting in the deaths of several of the volunteers who agreed to trial what they thought to be the EpiGren. After the incident was contained, most of Project *Epione's* equipment was seized by Starbase security, and the tampered devices disabled and their contents neutralised by Doctor Molly Piper and the crew of the USS *Lauterbur*. To this day, only Doctors Aelae, Piper, and those members of the USS *Lauterbur's* crew involved know how to create any more of the enzyme.

# Project *Malady*

The concept of the Project was realised by Commander Aelae when the need for countermeasures against Scourge units grew exponentially. Knowing that the Scourge rely heavily on the organic matter they consumed, it was theorised that the near-instantaneous removal of that material would cause irrevocable damage to their units. Aware of the rapidity in which the enzyme was able to consume organic matter, Aelae began developing a new variant designed specifically to be used against the Scourge. This led to the creation of the Malady-MK II grenades, recognising the existence of the MK-I designed by Vigilus despite what his intentions for them were.

Development of the Malady-MK II began in early September of 2419, and the devices themselves saw action during Operation Nazaire when a strike team was given the objective to destroy Swarm Fleet Horus's Ark Ship in the Voris System. All reports of the mission commented on the grenades effectiveness against Scourge units that were engaged.

# *Malum* adflictarus & *Malum* phrenesis

Contrary to the norm of applying the suffix '-ase' to the end of the word, to identify it as an enzyme, the technical nomenclatures of the two variants of the Malady enzyme have been accredited as *Malum* adflictarus and *Malum* phrenesis. The terms were coined to reflect the different purposes of the two. The former was the modified enzyme created by Vigilus for use in his biogenic weapons against the Commission. It was designed to be effective in quickly digesting organic matter, but to also halt its digestion before completely consuming the victim to cause them as much suffering as possible. This also produced a byproduct where the partially digested organic matter of the individual pooled into a viscous liquid.

In contrast, *Malum* phrenesis was created to be as quick and as complete in its digestion of organic material as possible. So quickly, in fact, that it has been noted that there is a possibility for the enzymes to consume more than they can properly digest, resulting in a rupture as they essentially cause themselves to explode from over-consumption. While this is no more than just a sudden expulsion of what is, at its most basic form, rapidly produced flatulence, it has been found through simulations that anyone caught directly in the wake of the concussive blast can be thrown several feet back if not careful. However, this does depend primarily on the size and concentration of organic matter that the enzymes are consuming.

# References

* Report: Biogenic Weapons

* Communiqué from Commander Aelae to Captain zh'Krian

* After Action Reports: Operation Nazaire