The Hive: Phase 1 The road gleamed, sticky and black. Alex could tell that the heat of the desert had caused the asphalt to melt and re-form many times. It seemed as though the road had not been cared for in many years, the constant melting and cooling making it uneven, and cracked. Still, Alex seemed to glide over the rough desert road in his Buick Riviera. The beating sun was almost too much for Alex, who was a native of Colorado and was not accustomed to the dry, itchy heat that seemed to never subside. Even the air conditioner, which was cranked all the way up, seemed to be winded and struggling. No, Alexander Edgecomb was no desert nomad. He was from the mountains, where there wasn't sand blowing and steaming asphalt and sputtering air conditioners. He missed home. But this was his last chance at getting a decent job, desert be damned. Alex had bounced around from lab to lab in Colorado, working first as a lab tech while working his way through college. Then, he somehow managed to graduate at the top of his class. Now, with a masters in nanotechnology, he realized just how much of a lie the American dream is. Unable to find a solid job anywhere, Alex had found himself working tech support for an insurance company in Denver. He had almost given up hope on his degree ever landing him a decent job when, quite suddenly, a woman came to his workplace to speak with him. Her name was Gloria Arnett. She wore a lady's suit and had her blond hair cut short. She had an air of feminine power about her. She had a "business proposition" for Alex. She said that if he came and worked for her in Nevada for two years, with all of his living expenses paid, he would be given a permanent job with her lab and a generous starting salary. ~~ Looking over the bland office he had been forced to work at, he nodded almost instantly and shook her hand. When he asked what he would be doing, he was told that he would be overlooking the production of a new type of technology at a lab called "The Hive". He was not given any details, only directions, a time frame in which to arrive in, and two hundred dollars in gas money. Now, Alex wondered why he had so readily accepted when he didn't know what he was supposed to be doing in the first place. Looking down at his speedometer, Alex's eyes widened and he touched the brake gently. He had been driving over ninety miles per hour. After looking around foolishly to see if there were any police units to stop him in the middle of the desert, he noticed a flat, windowless, white building ahead. The road had gone from sticky asphalt to a dusty path without him noticing. "Guess this is it." he spoke under the noise of the air conditioner. He pulled out of the dirt and onto an extremely smooth cement parking lot. There were no other vehicles parked in the lot. The only thing Alex noticed was that the markings of a helipad were painted in one corner. Alex parked at the opposite corner. Taking a drink from a bottle of water in the passenger's seat, Alex got out of his Riviera and locked the door. Then, he thought he heard the rumble of an engine in the distance. Concept: You are new a test subject or staff member recruited by Gloria Arnett to work at The Hive. You are capable of altering your body and genetic code to do extraordinary things. From pyrokinesis to artificial vampirism, anything is possible. ~~ ~=Rules=~ #1 - Keep spam in the can! Or at least the OOC. #2 - No godmodding, unless given permission! #3 - No auto-hitting! #4 - Respect each other! #5 - Keep your posts relatively tasteful. No smut unless it’s smut day. #6 - Maintain box vigilance! #7- NO one-liners or "leet speak"!!! Grammar, capitalization, and punctuation appreciated. #8 - Blatant plagiarisms is a crime and will receive only one warning. Inspiration is okay, but let’s not go overboard. ~~ ~=The Hive=~ In a remote area of the Mojave Desert lies The Hive, a technologically advanced laboratory owned by the government. On the outside, it appears merely a research center for solar energy. On the inside however, the Hive was designed to house and sustain one hundred adults for the purpose of advancing the research of the human body beyond human comprehension. Genetic engineering, molecular biology, and nanotechnology are just a few of the fields supported at The Hive. Getting its namesake from the hexagonal layout of the labs (much like a beehive), The Hive is mostly underground, with only the entrance, lobby, and several solar panels making up the above ground portion. The portion beneath the surface consists of three levels, with the highest level consisting of one sector and the bottom two consisting of three sectors each. ~Level 1 (10 meters below the surface) lay beyond a pair of air locks and identity scanners. This level is comprised mostly of dormitories. One hundred dorms, each completely furnished, are set up in "blocks" of 5 in their own hexagonal "cell". Each cell is connected to the center of Level 1, with all of the hallways meeting in the middle at a common room, much like 1 nucleus surrounded by 20 electrons. In the common room, there are stairs leading up to the entryway office, as well as a lift leading down to the next floor on the opposite side. The common room and dorms all have computer access as well as the comforts of any home. There are security cameras in the hallways leading to each cell, as well as in the common room. The walls are comprised of smooth, dark, wooden paneling trimmed in a gray alloy; Gentle white sconces light this level and the entire place feel comfortable. ~~ ~Level 2 (30 meters below the surface) is comprised of 3 sectors: The Cafeteria(Sector A) is a well maintained mess hall with ten massive freezers, twelve fully stocked pantries, an industrial sized kitchen, and seating for one hundred people. The Cafeteria is painted a calm blue and made up mostly of linoleum and steel. It has a very clean feel to it. The lift shaft to the bottom floor is also found here. Medical/Security(Sector B) is essentially an on-site hospital, with enough rooms to maintain fifty patients, and three times the supplies it needs for a year. Almost every type of vaccine and medicine is available here, from aspirin to rattlesnake anti venom. A well trained medical team, including surgeons, psychiatrists, and even podiatrists are on site. The security depot is also in Sector B. While only consisting of a small locker room and armory, there is more than enough firepower (behind locked doors) to deal with almost any threat. From high caliber rifles to bomb blast suits, the security depot is fully capable of defending The Hive. Recreation(Sector C) is a sector entirely for the purpose of making sure you don't go batshit insane while staying at The Hive. A bar, gym, basketball court, pool tables and gaming stations can all be found here. The Recreation sector is a good place to relax and take your mind off of your work, or just hang out amongst the other inhabitants. ~~ ~Level 3 (55 meters below the surface), like Level 2, is comprised of 3 sectors: The Laboratory (Sector D) is, as its name implies, a lab. All of the research and experiments take place here. DNA modification, gene splicing and experimental surgeries take place here every day. Rows and rows of servers and super computers evaluate complex problems and processes in an attempt to make mankind's existence a more comfortable one. The lift shaft is located here on this floor. Experimental Testing (Sector E) is a sector dedicated to tweaking and perfecting the abilities created by the scientists at The Hive. Experimental Testing is essentially an underground warehouse where scenarios can be assembled and disassembled to fit each test subject and their abilities. Test subjects can test themselves against simulated enemies, or each other. (Sector F) is restricted and only accessible to authorized personnel. The sound of machinery can be heard loudly from inside. Several clearance codes are needed to enter and a retinal scanner sits outside of the entrance. ~ ~=Splicing and Altering=~ Whilst living in The Hive, you will be given opportunities to participate in experiments. These experiments can be something as "simple" as having a second heart all the way to being able to magnetize anything you touch. The possibilities are endless and are only limited to what you can come up with. In order to splice (a shorthand term referring to any alteration of your body here), you must first decide your desired mutation/effect/ability. Splicing falls into two main categories: Mutations- Any splicing that directly affects the physical form or shape of your body. This type of splicing can range from changing the color of your eyes, to sprouting wings from your shoulder blades. Mutations also include but are not limited to such things as heightened senses; skin that is flame resistant, night vision, and even the ability to change your skin color at will (much like a chameleon or octopus). Phenomena- Any splicing that utilizes advanced nano technology in order to obtain an unnatural ability. This type of splicing is more difficult than mutating, but is also much more effective. Phenomena include, but are not limited to such things as Pyrokinesis, Telekinesis, and Invisibility. Anything that does not occur in nature, is considered Phenomena. Phenomena rely heavily on nano technology developed specifically for each purpose. ~~ ~=Inhibitors and Catalysts=~ After the initial experiment is complete and your Mutation or Phenomena is already inside of your body and trying to manifest itself, you will be given a special set of pressure syringes called "Inhibitors". They are named so because they keep your mutation from growing out of control and taking over your body. Usually in a set of 4-8, Inhibitors are taken every morning to prevent undesirable effects from occurring. If you do not take your Inhibitors, you will quite likely die in pain. On the other hand, if you take too many, or take them too often, your body could reject the experiment and kill you as well. As in most new experiments such as these, there are both ways to stop effects from occurring, and ways to aggravate, or cause them. Catalysts perform the latter. While it is very rare that a test subject receive a Catalyst, there are times when it does happen. If your body is rejecting a mutation naturally, you may be given a Catalyst to complete the transformation. You will be warned of the risks of continuing and if you agree to Catalyst treatment, and will undergo immense change in a short period of time. If Catalysts are misused, it can result in the mutation growing out of control and taking over your body, usually killing you. ~~ ~=Security Clearance Ranks=~ Rank 1: This security clearance rank is given to all test subjects and new employees. This gives them access to The Hive's dormitories, cafeteria, medical, recreation, and Experimental Testing areas. Rank 1 subjects and employees are not allowed in the security sector, laboratories, or the restricted sector. Rank 2: This security clearance rank is given to test subjects and employees who have participated in several experiments and shown responsibility in their actions. This grants them access to all of the same areas as Rank 1 subjects and employees, as well as the laboritories and security sector. Rank 3: This security clearance rank is normally only given to employees who have a veteran status at The Hive and have shown great responsibility and leadership qualities. On rare occasions, a test subject may acquire this rank by means of veteran status or the need for seniority over other test subjects when a Rank 3 staff member is not available. Test subjects can be deputized with this rank temporarily only by an employee Ranked level 4 or higher. There is no access to restricted areas at this rank. Rank 4: This security clearance rank is only given to employees with a high veteran status and a minimum of 2 years at The Hive. This allows them access to all areas of The Hive, as well as the ability to make executive decisions for The Hive's well being. There is currently only 1 Rank 4 employee allowed at The Hive. (Gloria Arnett) Rank 5: The only members with this security rank are the founders of our organization. They have absolute control over The Hive and are the only staff allowed to give the order to terminate a test subject or staff member. The can be contacted through the Rank 4 employee at your facility. ~~ ~=Disciplinary Levels=~ Test subjects or staff who violate security protocols are given a Disciplinary level. The level depends on the severity of their violations. The levels are as follows. D1: This level is given for any minor infraction or violation of the security protocols. This puts you on our watch list These include, but are not limited to: -Violating a test subject or staff member's personal space. -Not following the orders of a superior staff member. -Repeated verbal abuse of a test subject or staff member. -Breaking into the cafeteria vending machines (Note from Jeremy: "The chips were stuck. Using the plasma dissector was my only option.") (Note from Gloria: "There was a maintenance officer in the cafeteria with you, you should have asked him.") D2: This level is given for security protocol violations that directly affect our workplace. This level is only temporary and will be lowered to D1 when it is seen fit. These violations include, but are not limited to: -Entering an area which you do not have clearance for -Theft of any item, be they personal or public. -Graffiti and other mischief -The use of drugs and alcohol. (Note from Gloria: "While drugs are never acceptable, please refrain from bringing alcohol in from Barstow. If you buy it there, drink it there.") (Note from Oscar: "Come on, it was one little beer.") (Note from Gloria: "See me in my office.") ~~ D3: This level is given for serious violations and other aggravated infractions. This level is usually permanent and you are likely to be contained at The Hive's containment cells with zero access to the rest of the outside world or the facility. The D3 Disciplinary level can only be lowered by a Rank 4 employee or higher. These violations include, but are not limited to: -Assault of any degree -Entering the restricted sector -Leaving the Hive while inhibitor treatments are being administered. -Using inhibitors or catalysts improperly -Breaking the Outing Specific rules whilst on an outing.(To a certain degree) D4: At this level, you are to be terminated from our employment and removed from The Hive. Test subjects will have their bodies modified to nullify their phenomena and revert their mutations. If your phenomena or mutations are unable to be removed or nullified, further, more severe actions will be taken. Being assigned this disciplinary level can only be decided by a Rank 4 employee or higher. ~~ ~=Barstow=~ (Please note this is a fictional version of the real Barstow.) Once a week, test subject and staff are taken on a guarded escort to the nearby city of Barstow. There, they are allowed to take care of any personal matters that the city satisfies. They are allowed to shop, dine, etc. for a set period of time and then are brought back to The Hive. Under certain conditions, test subjects will not be allowed to participate in the weekly outing. These conditions are as follows: 1. Undergoing Inhibitor Treatments- Any subject who has recently spliced and is undergoing the manifestation of a mutation or phenomena will not be allowed to participate for safety reasons. Only if your mutation or phenomena has already manifested itself and you no longer need inhibtor treatment, are you allowed to participate in the outing. 2. Disciplinary Reasons- Any subject above level 1 Disciplinary Actions are not allowed to participate in the outing. While it is considered both a punishment in itself, it is also to prevent any further conflicts (be it with staff or another subject) to arise outside of The Hive. 3. Un-concealable Mutations- If a test subject harbors a mutation that is overly large or otherwise concealable, said subject will not be allowed to participate in the outing. ~Outing Specific Rules~ 1. Never, under any circumstances, utilize your mutations or phenomena, unless authorized by a staff member with Rank 3 or higher. 2. Do not draw any unnecessary attention to yourself. This includes criminal acts, as well as violent confrontations. 3. Do not attempt to make any contact with relatives or other personal acquaintances. All contact to loved ones needs to be made through the safe channels at The Hive. 4. Do not become intoxicated or otherwise fall under the influence of drugs. This could not only severely affect your mutations and phenomena, but is potentially lethal. 5. Do not leave the city of Barstow unless accompanied by Rank 3 personnel or higher. ~~ ~=Test Subject Dossier=~ (Use this format, please. And delete everything in parenthesis) Name: Subject Number: (Numbers 1-13 are taken. Pick any other number between 13 and 100) SCR: (Security Clearance Rank. Must begin at 1) Age: (10+) Ethnicity: Height: Weight: Hair Color: Eye Color: (Example: Brown/Brown or Green/Brown) Clothing: (Other than the standard, Black, Test Subject Jumpsuit) Notable Characteristics: (Example: Tattoo's, Piercings, etc.) Applicant History: (General and Short) Mutation(s): Phenomena: ~=Staff Dossier=~ Name: Position: SCR: (Security Clearance Rank. Must begin at 1. NOTE: Security officers are obviously allowed access to the Security Sector at any rank as well as scientists being allowed in the laboratories.) Age: (18+) Ethnicity: Height: Weight: Hair Color: Eye Color: Clothing/Equipment: Notable Characteristics: History: Muation(s): (None for now, edit this later if you acquire for any reason.) Phenomena: (None for now, edit this later is you acquire one for any reason.) ~~ ~=My Dossiers=~ Name: Alexander Edgecomb Position: Nano-tech engineer Subject Number: (None) SCR: 1 Age: 27 Ethnicity: American-English Height: 5'10" Weight: 158lbs. Hair Color/Style: Dark Brown/Wavy short Eye Color: Green/Green Clothing: Alex generally wears T-shirts and jeans of varying colors beneath his lab coat. When working, he is almost always seen with a pen in his mouth: a bad habit from when he quit smoking. Notable Characteristics: Alex has a fading scar just under his left eye. Average build. Applicant History: (See Intro) Mutation(s): N/A Phenomena: N/A Name: Gloria Arnett Position: Hive Overseer SCR: 4 Age: 36 Ethnicity: American-Scottish Height: 5'11" Weight: 138lbs. Hair Color/Style: Dirty Blond/Pixie Cut Eye Color: Blue/Blue Clothing: Gloria wears business attire almost always consisting of pant suits with padded shoulders. Even on the rare occasion she is seen in a skirt, it is with matching business attire and always tall high heels. Notable Characteristics: Gloria has both of her ears pierced. She also has long fingernails, which she polishes with a clear polish. Average build. Applicant History: Unknown with the exception that she is a government worker and is the highest ranking member at The Hive. ~~ Name: Oscar Valentino Position: Head of Security SCR: 2 Age: 39 Ethnicity: American-Spanish Height:6'0" Weight: 212lbs Hair Color/Style: Black/Ponytail Eye Color: Brown/Brown Clothing/Equipment: Oscars wears a light suit of kevlar, consisting of a vest, hip, knee, and shin guards, and armored gloves. Underneath his body armor he wears navy mar-pat urban camouflage fatigues and black combat boots. When off-duty, he is a fan of Hawaiian shirts and chinos. Notable Characteristics: He has many tattoos on his forearms. Depicting mostly the names of family members who have passed away. Muscular build. History: Oscar used to be a Navy Seal in his prime. He retired early and began looking for other exciting ways to spend his days. After settling down and having a family, he wanted to be able to pay for his son's college. Gloria Arnett just happened to offer him a job shortly after. He has been at The Hive for just under a year. --- Name: Jeremy Rossmore Subject Number: N/A Position: Head of Bio-technologies SCR: 3 Age:28 Ethnicity: American-English Height: 5'11" Weight: 144lbs. Hair Color/Style: Dark Brown/Shaggy curls Eye Color: Hazel/Hazel Clothing/Equipment: Jeremy wears a standard lab coat over a black t-shirt and black slacks. He wears anti-static loafers to prevent static discharge. Notable Characteristics: Large, bulky glasses and a 16-bit Mario tattoo on his neck. Very slim build. History: Jeremy is a government employed scientist assigned to The Hive. He has been with the project since day one. Nothing else is known.