Chapter #3A Transitionary by: Yote   As mankind expanded outwards into the stars, it discovered worlds rich with resources ripe for the plucking. There was just one catch, many of these worlds were inhospitable to human life, too hot or too cold, or with atmospheres of toxic gas and pathogens, poisonous vegetation and wildlife that could tear through an armoured exosuit sooner than look at it.
These obstacles would have to be overcome before the worlds' could be reaped, yet they seemed insurmountable, even to the powerful technology at their disposal. Terraforming an entire world was a long, involved, and shockingly expensive venture. It would be easier and cheaper instead simply to modify the physiology of the human colonists to survive their new homes.
Thus emerged the profession of the Transitionary. Trained in surgical techniques and use of augmentation devices, transitionaries have even themselves been modified to better suit their role of transforming colonists, since they may often be working in the field, light years from a sterile operating theatre. Their eyes have been removed and replaced with bionics that have a form of X-ray vision, allow them to peer through flesh and examine the inner workings of their clients. Their skin secretes a powerful anaesthetic to dull the pain of their procedures.
Most importantly, implanted inside each transitionary is a lab-grown Viral Organ. Resembling a second, smaller liver situated below the first, this organ is capable of incorporating samples of DNA the transitionary finds, storing them, and, if commanded, packaging them into a viral shell which is then released from the transitionaries body. The viral-borne scrap of DNA enters the client's cells where it inserts itself permanently into their genome, modify their body with the trait it encodes. This virus allows the transitionary to potentially modify whole colonies at a time, and ensures that their offspring will also carry the traits required to survive in inhospitable environments.
It is encouraged of all transitionaries to travel the outer reaches of mankinds domain, incorporating the DNA and traits of alien species into their viral organ to enhance their repertoire of augmentations and further the evolution of mankind. However, due to the potential use of these viral organs as biological weapons and their subsequent high value on the black market, their inner workings are a closely guarded secrets and all transitionaries are expected to be competent in self-defense.
Fresh out of the academy, you set out into the wild unknown, ready to test your abilities.   indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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