PHOENIX Project

### Result

Create physically, genetically, technologically and mentally superior second generation humans as special combat units

## Appearance(s)

### Appears in

Cyberpunk Neon Genesis
Cyberpunk Phantom Dreams

The PHOENIX Project (**Japanese:** フェニックス・プロジェクト) are members of a series of New United Nations Command and CyberCore projects designed to create physically, genetically, technologically, and mentally superior second-generation humans as special combat units. Although the word "PHOENIX" is capitalized when used in reference to programs in a formal context, it is not an acronym; Second generation humans are known simply as "Genosapiens".

## Overview

The idea of creating superhumans first emerged as a plan to turn normal humans into powerfully augmented special operations commandos or simply enhanced second-generation humans for Earth. Initially, the separate programs were Alt's various attempts to create the perfect soldiers to patrol the colonies, protect civilian and government populations in Corporate War II. The Fenix project began with a genetic sample of the first second generation human and also considered the new Adam; Robin Myers. Using the genes of Robin, who at that time was considered the "Greatest Warrior of the Human Era" or also called "Slayer" due to his highly praised military career, he became an icon and the greatest hero, also nicknamed "Spartan". Because of this, it was used the somatic cell nuclear transfer process, two cloned embryos were created by inserting the Robin's DNA into artificial eggs via an amniotic tank with a placenta.

The two clones were modified at the genetic level, with one clone expressing Robin's dominant genetic traits and the other his recessive traits. Nine months later, the twins were born and would later be given the codenames Nine Alpha (Eli-09) and Nine Omega (Keith-09). Later the third clone, Nine Delta (Soren-09), would be born. Each clone had accelerated aging (or Werner syndrome) written into their genes to provide a failsafe against the clones' genetic information falling into enemy hands.

The Nine brothers were called "Spartan" soldiers. They are named after the Spartans of Ancient Greece, specifically during the time of the Persian invasion led by Xerxes I. The wars between invading Persians and defending Greeks would be known as the Greco-Persian Wars, and lasted from 499-448 BCE. During this war, the Battle of Thermopylae occurred, in which 300 Spartan soldiers leading 5000 other Greeks under the command of Leonidas I, held back a significantly larger force of Persian soldiers. All of the Spartans were eventually killed, but they successfully killed 20,000 Persians (according to Herodotus), and bought the Greeks time to prepare a better defense for Greece. The Spartans' formidable resilience resulted from their rigorous training in the agoge, which started when they reached the age of 7.

Sparta was above all a militarist state, and emphasis on military fitness began virtually at birth. According to Plutarch after birth, a mother would bathe her child in wine to see whether the child was strong. If the child survived it was brought before the Gerousia by the child's father. The Gerousia then decided whether it was to be reared or not.

This program made an effort to produce second generation humans through mechanical and biological augmentation. The Phoenix Humans II experienced the most extensive and invasive physical augmentations of all generations; Starting the surge early in puberty increased his physical mass and height to around seven feet in adulthood. Following the success of the program, the Human IIs were grouped under a single organization with the formation of the military branch known as Operations PHOENIX to accommodate the increasing number of Second Generation Humans in the program.

## Training

After being born and raised until the age of seven, the humans of the phoenix program would undergo harsh training. Their names become a combination of their given names and a number. Within the neo-military PHOENIX Complex, young people, both women and men, will endure many hardships during their first years of training: they are placed in situations and exercises that pushed their abilities to the limit and beyond. The tough training was complemented by a high-level education, which included mathematics, science, history, reading, writing and military tactics. The phoenixes are educated in a Development Center similar to the Architects' daycare centers, they live in these facilities throughout their childhood and adolescence until they turn 20 years old. That's when they are sent to a military plantation because their training is over.

Although this training methodology was harsh, even brutal in some aspects, elite commander Robin Myers always instilled discipline, honor and respect in the Phoenixes. He taught the child soldiers how to kill, but at the same time he taught them the difference between good and evil. The young phoenix have classes in ethics, philosophy, as well as other subjects. Due to the nature of their conception and development, Project PHOENIX children possess enhanced natural abilities and durability, surviving and resisting physical and mental situations that would result in the death or mental destruction of an average human being.

## Second Generation Humans

The phoenixes receive a catalytic thyroid implant: a titanium pill that releases constant amounts of growth hormones, said hormone allows an increase in height and an increase in muscle mass and greater bone density. However, some may suffer from diabetes and hypertension, although the cases are few. In addition to that, soldiers receive an injection of intermuscular protein complexes, this modification increases muscle density and improves muscle tissue recovery. Other improvements to the phoenixes are the ceramic carbide coating on the bones. This allows them to launch themselves from great heights together with their exoskeleton bioarmor. It is an advanced material grafting onto skeletal structures to make bones virtually unbreakable. Recommended coverage not to exceed 3% total bone mass because of significant white blood cell necrosis.

In addition to this, they receive an alteration of the bioelectric nerve transduction to shielded electronic transduction. Other improvements they receive are biocomponents such as bionic lungs, mechanical fists or even toxin binders. These are nanites designed to bind with particles of various poisons in the body. They don't make them immune to poison and toxins, but they make them very resistant to them and among other improvements such as enhanced antibodies, synaptic accelerators, and muscle and bone cording that uses nanotechnologies to thread microscopic artificial neofibers through muscle and bone tissue. The result is that the tissue is stronger (physical strength is improved) and more resistant to damage.

Thanks to all these improvements, it was observed that the phoenixes were capable of running at speeds greater than 55 km/h or 34.2 mph. Additionally, they are capable of lifting three times their body weight, which is twice the normal weight of an average human being due to ceramic bone augmentations, in addition to their greater muscle density.

Something to consider, is that the direct clones of Robin Myers, that is, Nine Alpha and Nine Omega, also lack the ability to reproduce, which, according to Alt, had been "conveniently" written into the clones' DNA, and failing that, the rest of the phoenixes cannot reproduce either despite retaining their sexual organs.

Phoenixes are generally assumed to maintain an emotionless exterior, even at a young age. Being obedient militants, they are calm and collected, rarely showing emotions and choosing their duties above all else, even if it means putting their lives at risk, as demonstrated by the Alpha and Omega brothers. Normally, phoenixes have no notion of sentimentality and, apart from friendly and professional camaraderie, have no notion of emotions due to their sheltered upbringing. It is not known whether second-generation humans lack emotions by nature or by choice; They undergo emotional indoctrination, but still believe they must put their emotions aside to accomplish their missions. Of course, despite that, some continue to show emotions and even the possibility of forming relationships with each other.

With an IQ of 180, siblings Nine Alpha, Nine Omega, and Nine Delta speak seven languages fluently, including English, Spanish, French, Japanese, Russian, and Chinese. It is said that other Phoenix humans speak at least four to six languages and in their education they have the minimum requirement of learning Japanese, English and Spanish.

## Trivia

* The names of the 9 siblings are derived from the letters of the Greek alphabet.
* According to Nine Delta, her brothers have knowledge in medicine.
* In the years following the Machine War, the siblings were assigned to a stealth automata unit, piloting automata hunting and assault drones.