File #: ADF-9
Danger Class: Haeresis
Obscurity Class: Octa
Current Whereabouts: All known instances of the ADF-9 are contained at ADR Collection Facility #███; however, it is possible that some undiscovered instances still remain elsewhere. All known ADF-9/1 cases are contained at the same facility as ADF-9. For their own safety, along with that of the staff, no ADF-9/1 should ever be allowed physical contact with another similarly afflicted individual, nor any member of staff or other individual not equipped with the proper PPE. ADF-9/1 are allowed visiting hours three times a week, as long as the aforementioned conditions are followed.
Sample of ADF-9
Description: ADF-9, nicknamed "Vivus Sanguis", is a synthetically bio-engineered substance with parasitic properties. The anomaly invades an organism's circulatory system by entering through a wound or bodily orifice1, and makes its way into the bloodstream, consuming and replacing the affected individual's blood in order to absorb nutrients that the individual ingests. ADF-9 is yellowish green in colour, resembling the hue and opacity of blood plasma. It is of indeterminate volume and size, the values of which vary greatly from instance to instance. An affected individual, or a "host" of the entity, is referred to as an ADF-9/1. An ADF-9/1 can be characterised by a noticeably weaker than average pulse, yellowish blood vessels (especially visible in the canthi and capillaries of the eye), and very slight skin discoloration, to such an extent that the change of pigment is almost unnoticeable.2Notably, every host instance retains full consciousness when infected with the parasite, as unlike a vast majority of other existing parasites which target the central nervous system, it appears that ADF-9 only targets the circulatory system.
It has been determined that the entity transfers from person to person primarily through skin contact, though in some cases, transference can be observed just through close proximity (see Research Log 5). This occurs when an instance forcefully ejects a small portion of itself out through the host's nearest orifice towards the target.
Research suggests that the anomaly is extremely intelligent and possesses an unprecedented level of autonomy despite having no visible nervous system upon close examination. This is evidenced by the fact that ADF-9 continues to do what blood normally would when inside a host: carrying oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and immune cells to different parts of the body. As well as this, observation of the genetic makeup of ADF-9 has shown that once inside the host, it will rapidly begin to alter its own immune system until it is a perfect genetic match of that of its host. Further investigation was done into this change (see Research Log 1).
Further research and close examination of ADF-9/1 instances leads to the belief that the anomaly siphons specific substances from the host for its own use, such as glucose and oxygen to carry out respiration, as well as large amounts of iron3,4 along with many other vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
Notably, ADF-9 appears to only assimilate human hosts. Despite prolonged exposure to other mammalian, avian, reptilian, and insectoid creatures during the short time it was undetected by the ADR, there has been no evidence of cross-species contamination, except for one female Eurasian Red Squirrel. The squirrel in question was captured and transported to Facility #███ along with the other ADF-9/1.5
When multiple ADF-9/1 come into close quarters with one another, a gruesome and often fatal reaction is observed to occur. All cases involved will appear to go into a fit of blind rage, immediately attacking each other with ruthless determination, physically tearing each other apart, and enabling the two separate ADF-9 to come into direct contact. This event will lead to one or more fatalities in approximately 98.3% of occurrences. Once physical contact is achieved, the ADF-9 will engage in biochemical warfare, releasing antibodies that begin to break down the less resistant ADF-9 strain. This reaction is often observed alongside violent seizing and muscle contractions, a pulsating/writhing mass under the skin, rapid degradation of the skin, muscle tissue, bones, and internal organs that are often caught in the crossfire, and various ruptures in the skin as the ADF-9 attempts to escape its fate. On a few occasions, one ADF-9/1 individual may come out of the encounter alive, but this has only been observed in a minimal number of cases.
Origin: The anomaly was first discovered by ADR agents when they received a flood of reports pertaining to various homicides committed in the small town of ██████ in rural Spain. All reports also mentioned the presence of a viscous yellow liquid, now known to be ADF-9.
When field agents arrived at the location, a large outbreak of people turned into ADF-9/1 was in progress, and threatening to spread outside of the town. The population had implemented their own crude methods to prevent the spread of the disease by placing infected individuals in quarantine in the hopes that they would eventually be cured of the malady.6 It is likely that this was what stopped the spread of the anomaly from reaching critical levels.
Once all known instances had been either detained for investigation or neutralised,7 the field agents commenced a discreet investigation into how the outbreak began. Below are logs of some of the most successful interviews carried out during this period of investigation.8
Interview Logs:
Log 1:
The following interview was conducted by Dr. Todd Chadward (with the assistance of a Spanish interpreter) during the initial investigation on Hugo Necio, who played a significant role in the creation of ADF-9.
Interviewer: Dr. Todd Chadward
Interviewee: Hugo Necio, medical scientist at ███████ Medical Research Facility.
[BEGIN LOG]
Todd Chadward: Thank you once again for agreeing to this interview, Dr Necio.
Hugo Necio: Not at all, sir. It's my pleasure. And please, call me Hugo.
Todd Chadward: Very good. (shuffles through papers) Let's begin then, shall we? Firstly, could you tell me how you were linked to the creation of the entity that was the cause of this outbreak?
Hugo Necio: Oh, yes, the symbiote, my Vivus Sanguis. Of course. I was actually one of the head researchers of the project. In fact, I was second in command of the whole sector.
Todd Chadward Intriguing. And what specifically did your position entail, exactly?
Hugo Necio: Well, mainly I just oversaw the more junior researchers who actually carried out much of the… experimentation. They would come to me for instructions, and I would give feedback on their operations.
Todd Chadward: (chair squeals slightly as he leans forwards) So, you must have been quite well informed on the intricacies and functions of this… Symbiote? Was that what you called it? Would you be opposed to answering some questions about the biology of the original instance?
Hugo Necio: (Chuckles) Well, that depends, doesn't it? Some of the information I know is highly confidential. But I'll bite, what would you like to know?
Todd Chadward: First of all, could you elaborate a little on the original intended use of the symbiote?
Hugo Necio: Ah, well, originally it was intended to be a cure for various cardiovascular diseases. The idea was that it would consume and replace the blood of an individual affected by one such malady, and independently flow around the body. This would mean that if an individual were susceptible to heart failure, they would be able to live out a long, healthy life without fear of fatal complications.
Todd Chadward: Fascinating! But if the original blood of the subject is consumed, how does the individual continue getting the necessary nutrients, like oxygen, hormones, et cetera?
Hugo Necio: Now, see, that's the genius part. All the necessary nutrients are also absorbed, but not digested, and carried as a sort of solution within the symbiote. On top of this, the thing itself is extremely intelligent; it possesses the ability to analyse the physical health of the host and adapt itself accordingly.
Todd Chadward: And how does the ano- I mean, the symbiote, how does it sustain itself?
Hugo Necio: It respires aerobically and obtains the necessary reactants for such processes by siphoning from the blood. Of course, it is careful not to take so much that it leads to the physical decay of their host's health.
Todd Chadward: I see… And I don't suppose you'd be able to divulge on the scientific processes behind the development of the symbiote's sentience?
Hugo Necio: Aha, now we are getting to the confidential information. I cannot in good conscience answer this question.
Todd Chadward: Are you completely sure? Perhaps some sort of deal could be brokered? You see, you possess information that could prove extremely useful in our investigations.
Hugo Necio: (shaking head) No, I'm afraid I can not divulge. Perhaps there are some other questions I can answer for you?
Todd Chadward: (sighs disappointedly) As I feared… No, I'm afraid I have no more questions for you, Hugo. Thank you for your compliance.
Hugo Necio: Oh- of course. Are you sure there's-?
Todd Chadward: No, unfortunately, we have no further business. You shall be escorted out shortly. Thank you once again.
[END LOG]
Post Interview notes:
Mr Necio did provide some useful information that was previously unknown to the ADR; however, when I attempted to push further on some "confidential" details, he refused to elaborate. Perhaps another individual in a similar position to Necio should be located and brought in for inquiry, then we could ease the information out with less difficulty. Also, turns out that Vivus Sanguis literally translates to Living Blood in Latin. Rather unoriginal, I have to say. - Dr Todd Chadward
Log 2:
The following interview was conducted by Head Field agent Julia Oshiro on Jesús Basurto, an ADF-9/1, through an airtight glass screen to prevent accidental contamination.
Interviewer: Julia Oshiro
Interviewee: Jesús Basurto, ADF-9/1
[BEGIN LOG]
Jesús Basurto: Why… Am I here? Is it because of- (shaky exhale) -what happened with… With Emilia? Because I already told la policía-
Julia Oshiro: No, no, nothing like that. You aren't in any kind of trouble. All we want is to know a little more about this illness you have, as well as what happened with… Emilia.
Jesús Basurto: (silence)
Julia Oshiro: We can postpone, if you would like more time-
Jesús Basurto: No, I… I can talk. I need to… To talk.
Julia Oshiro: Wonderful. Could you begin by telling us about your relationship with Emilia? Please, take all the time you need.
Jesús Basurto: Emilia… She was mi media naranja. My soulmate. She was kind, and gentle, and beautiful. I would never have changed her for the world. I- I still can't believe that she… That I…
Julia Oshiro: I see. And prior to the… Incident… Had your relationship changed in any way?
Jesús Basurto: I'm not sure I know what you mean.
Julia Oshiro: My apologies. I meant, had your feelings for her changed at all?
Jesús Basurto: No, not that I can think of. We were very happy together.
Julia Oshiro: Interesting. Now, could you tell me a little about the symptoms you began to experience when you first realised you were infected with this malady?
Jesús Basurto: Symptoms? Well, of course, I noticed the yellow first, my eyes specifically. Then I found my appetite had increased, and I was a little more… What is the word…? Fatigued, I believe. I thought at first perhaps it was jaundice, and I had a doctor's appointment scheduled for after my visit with Emilia.Julia Oshiro: But you never made it to that appointment, did you?
Jesús Basurto: No.
Julia Oshiro: Why don't you tell me what happened on your visit to Emilie?
Jesús Basurto: I… Okay. (deep, shaky exhale) I was on my way to visit her and her family. She lived with her mother and father, you see, and they were quite far from me. Of course, we did not let this get between us. Emilia and I were actually planning on announcing our engagement that day, to her parents.
Julia Oshiro: Is that right? Please, go on.
Jesús Basurto: Well… Emilie had told me that she was feeling ill. I had not thought much of it, and she didn't elaborate on her symptoms, so I had no idea she was suffering from the same infection as me. I arrived at her parents' house a little past eight in the evening, as we were planning to have dinner as a family. I got to the house, and I got out of the car. I walked to the door, and Emilia's mother met me. She led me inside, and there I saw her. My Emilia. I felt this… This pull. Not like what I usually felt when around her, it was more violent. I grew tired, very tired. I… I fell asleep somehow, I think, but my body was not asleep.
Julia Oshiro: You completely lost consciousness? Fascinating. Continue, please.
Jesús Basurto: Well, you… You see, after a little time, I awoke, as if from some kind of… Dream. Or rather, a nightmare. And… (Long silent pause) My Emilie… She was… There was this yellow liquid everywhere. Her blood, my blood, I couldn't tell the difference. Her father was shouting, her mother was sobbing. I… (Begins to tear up.)
Julia Oshiro: That must have been… Awful. I can't begin to imagine the pain.
Jesús Basurto: Pain… Is not the right word. I do not feel pain when I think of that moment. I feel agony. (Through sobs) I don't… Quiero terminar ahora. I would like to end this. Please.
Julia Oshiro: Of course. You have been incredibly helpful. I'll go, and let you grieve. Perhaps we could continue this conversation later?
Jesús Basurto: (nods silently)
Julia Oshiro: Thank you once again, Jesús. Goodbye for now.
[END LOG]
Post Interview notes:
04/04/██ - Interview terminated prematurely. Rescheduled for 06/04/██. Jesús Basurto was transported to a secure location shortly after the termination of this interview. He has been informed that he is allowed to take visitors at the allocated times, but as of the time of writing, none have arrived.
Addendum - 06/04/██ Interview follow-up postponed, supervisors believe Jesús is not in the correct mental state at the current moment. He is being kept under close examination. Interview rescheduled for 10/04/██.
Addendum - 09/04/██ - Interview follow-up postponed indefinitely. Supervisors state that Jesús will likely be unable to approach the topic again for the foreseeable future.
Addendum - 12/04/██ - Interview follow-up cancelled. Tragically, Jesús took his own life early this morning. No further addenda to be added to this log.
Research Logs:
Please note that these logs are in no specific chronological order
The ADR Team would like to make it known that all individuals involved in the following trials were willing volunteers who voluntarily stepped forward to contribute in the name of research. The ADR Team is extremely grateful for the contribution of all individuals involved, and expresses their deepest remorse for those whose lives were tragically lost in the process.
Log 1:
Test: Following the Hypothesis that ADF-9 Adapts its Immune System
Observations: Two samples of the same ADF-9 instance were isolated and injected into two uninfected individuals, therefore creating two ADF-9/1. After 24 hours, samples from both instances were extracted and sent to the lab for analysis, confirming that the immune system of the anomaly does indeed differentiate to suit the new host.
Conclusions: The anomaly rapidly alters its own genetics to mirror those of the host it assimilates to. This opens further opportunities for investigation, and further monitoring should be carried out to determine the time taken for this change to occur.
Log 2:
Test: ADF-9's Reaction to Attempted ExtractionObservations: Unexpectedly, when researchers attempted to extract a sample of ADF-9 from an ADF-9/1, the needle used repeatedly broke upon breaking the skin barrier. It appears that when exposed to air, the anomaly creates a hard shell, not impossible to penetrate, but a fascinating reaction all the same.
Conclusions: It appears that ADF-9 has a similar physical defense mechanism to other parasites. This poses the question of whether the anomaly has other defences that are not yet known of.
Log 3:
Test: Composition Analysis
Observations: ADF-9 appears to be made up of similar substances to blood, bearing the most resemblance to human blood. All instances contain plasma, platelets, and white blood cells. One key difference is that there is a distinct absence of red blood cells, which explains the lack of red pigmentation usually seen in blood. Also, the white blood cells appear to make up a much more substantial portion of the anomaly.
Conclusions: While the absence of red blood cells and therefore haemoglobin does account for the yellow hue shown by ADF-9, what this does not explain is how the anomaly is able to deliver transport oxygen around the host's body and allow energy to be released during respiration. Further investigation must be done.
Log 4:
Test: O2 Transfer Investigation
Observations: Upon closer observation of the anomaly on a microscopic level, it appears that Oxygen is transferred through solution in the blood plasma.
Conclusions: This finding does not defy biological norms on a base level, as it is normal for a small amount of oxygen to be dissolved in the plasma; it is certainly irregular for such a large volume to have undergone solution.
Log 5:
Test: Airborne Methods of Transfer and Spread
Observations: A non-infected individual was placed in the room with an ADF-9/1, and the distance between them was slowly decreased in order to monitor whether the anomaly could be spread through the air. This was not the case. Instead, it was observed that a small sample of the anomaly forcefully ejected itself from the ADF-9/1's body through the mouth, travelling a total distance of just over 5 feet. Upon contact, the originally uninfected individual was rapidly assimilated.
Conclusions: Luckily, the anomaly cannot spread between hosts via the air. From this point on, all staff members who interact with an ADF-9/1 must wear a hazmat suit to avoid contamination and assimilation.
Log 6:
Test: Time Taken for Immune Change
Observations: Two samples of the same ADF-9 instance were placed into respective petri dishes and placed next to each other. One drop of human blood was added to each dish, each from two different individuals. After approximately 8 hours, the two samples were seen to begin moving towards each other, thrashing against the side of the dish, presumably in order to close the distance between them.
Conclusions: It has been determined that ADF-9 takes approximately 8 hours to replicate the DNA and/or immune system of a human specimen.
Log 7:
Test: Reaction Caused by Interaction of Instances
Observations: When two different ADF-9/1 are exposed to one another, a violent and often deadly reaction occurs. For the purposes of the experiment, two ADF-9/1 who had never before been introduced (whom, for clarity, we will call Case 1 and Case 2) were placed in each other's company, which led to an extreme reaction from the anomalies. The primary reaction was extremely elevated blood pressure in both cases, which was determined to be caused by the anomaly becoming increasingly agitated. Both cases immediately lunged at each other and engaged in a vicious fight. Case 2 was killed when their head was severed from the torso. Case 1 began violently seizing, and ADF-9 was ejected (or ejected itself) through Case 1's mouth, nostrils, ears, eyes, and many open wounds that had been sustained during the previous fight. This, of course, ended in a tragic and presumably painful death.
Conclusions: It appears that for some reason multiple instances of ADF-9 become extremely hostile when exposed to each other. Current hypotheses state that this may be because of the change in the immune system of the separate instances after they have assimilated, seeing the other version of itself as a threat to the physical health of their respective hosts.
