EYES ONLY
AFOSI/AQUARIUS: Initial Assessment of "Brood" Lifeform
Based upon our initial study of the specimen, combined with the debriefing of the "Knights of
the Coast" and "Guardian" paranormal organizations and a thorough examination of
the original site, we are prepared to offer the following assessment of the "Brood"
lifeform. Note that this is based upon relatively sketchy information, and should not be considered to be
infallible.
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STAGE I - Egg Form
This particular species begins life with an egg-like pod which is every bit as important to the
overall lifecycle as the more active stages that follow it. Most likely a living organism in its own,
the egg maintains the stage II lifeform within it over indefinite periods of time with seemingly little
nutrients. The eggs appear to have a leathery surface which splits open when a potential host enters
its proximity - suggesting at least minimal sensory abilities on part of the egg itself. Emanating from
the egg are several root-like tendrils which might explain how the egg can nourish and maintain the
Stage II larva within (details to follow.) Subject "Starfire" claims to have
witnessed a slight tremor and movement ont he part of the egg surface prior to its deployment of the
organism within - although her testimony and memory might have been negatively affected by the ordeal
which immediately followed. |
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STAGE II - Larval Form
The Stage II organism attaches itself to a potential host's head once it has been deployed from its
egg. Based on fresh scar tissue on the back of subject "Phoenix's" neck, it
appears that the larva can use its rudimentory claws to climb or grip a victim until in position over
the 3rd vertebrae. The Stage II organism, when successful, then burrows a "tube" into the victim's
spinal cord and tries to seize control of the victim's mind, apparently acting as a telepathic conduit
for the "queen" form. The range of their telepathic abilities has of course never been tested in the
field. |
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STAGE III - Drone Form
The link between the Stage II and Stage III organisms remains unclear at this time, and there is no
reliable witness testimony to extrapolate the evolution between them. The Stage III organism was
described to be humanoid in form, and over two meters high, have a long sleek
cranium and deadly claws. It's behavior and methodology remain unclear, though it appeared to act as a
bodyguard and warrior for the "queen" organism. Some testimony suggests that prolonged control by the
Stage II organism might trigger a biophysical conversion on the part of the victim, but genetic tests
on the "Guardians" can find no evidence of mutation (beyond their inherent paranormal mutations). The
preferred hypothesis by our organization is that these organisms are bred in some other fashion.
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STAGE IV - Queen Form
The final known stage of the alien lifeform is another conundrum, poorly fleshed out by the
testimony of the surviving members of the "Knights of the Coast". Subject
"Cipher" was able to provide the best intelligence on the organism, but as
she had been a victim of the organism's psychic powers, and displayed an
almost irration concern for the well-being of the sole surviving larval organism,
her testimony might be suspect. In any event it is certain that the Stage IV organism directs the
activities of the lesser forms, and possesses strong psychic abilities and considerable intelligence.
There is a debate ongoing within our group about whether the spacecraft
that the sole queen organism was encountered in was manufactured by the Brood, or whether another
victim race was involved. There is insufficient data to suggest how a Stage IV organism develops,
or how it gestates the Stage I egg, but if a Stage IV organism ever gets loose on Earth, it's
capture (or failing that, destruction) should be considered to be of paramount importance, with
all other considerations secondary. Individual personnel expendable.
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