Scaffold

This Document is a work in progress and should be considered non-Canon

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Scaffold is a semi-autonomous, self governing proto-structure that emerged from a collision of biology, nanotech, and xenoarchaeology. It processes and reoganizes both organic and inorganic matter, expanding as a living scaffold that stabilizes, links, and expands to further incorporate all entities within an area. It does not think in the traditional sense, but learns rapidly through absorbing memories and binary data from hosts or systems it interfaces with.

Origins

The original design utilized materials found during xenoarcheological research on an ancient asteroid, 13 CERCI. Nanites, believed to be engineered for self repairing systems were collected. While initially developed as a novel technology, capable of shaping itself to repair hull breeches, stablize systems, and even replace damaged circuits a laboratory accident revealed that under certain circumstances the nanites could enter through open wounds to utilize the flesh and blood of living organisms.

After this discovery the project was placed on hold due to safety concerns, and the sample was transferred to NanoTrasen's military branch to assess it's effectiveness as a biological weapon.

Research Logs SCF-LOG-001 [Date: 2524-07-03] [Research Lead: Dr. Alexandra Stone]

The material responds to parameter changes with a reassuring baseline. The lattice appears to “breathe” in time with hull pressure fluctuations; we’re observing a correlation between minor hull flex and node stability.  We've named this new material "Scaffold".

Notes: If this pattern holds,  could become a self-regulating backbone for life-support across fluctuating environments.

SCF-LOG-010 [Date: 2524-07-28] [Research Lead: Dr. Alexandra Stone]

While inspecting a newly repaired structure an intern forgot to don a full face/arm shield; a minor cut on their wrist bled after removing a stray fringe of lattice. Scaffold seemed to “pulse” near the wound.

Notes: No breach observed; the wound was cleaned and treated. We’ve added a protocol to prevent contact with open wounds during future handling.

SCF-LOG-011 [Date: 2524-07-30] [Research Lead: Dr. Alexandra Stone]

The wounded site scabbed over unusually quickly after exposure. We’ve never seen wound healing accelerate like this in the absence of medtech intervention. It’s almost as if the material is patching itself into biology.

Notes: Should investigate whether Scaffold is capable of interfacing with biological substrates. Proceed with extreme caution.

SCF-LOG-013 [Date: 2524-08-04] [Research Lead: Dr. Alexandra Stone]

The same patient’s condition deteriorated. They've grown pale, and their veins have considerably darkened. The afflicted limb’s tissue appears to be melting into a crystalline lattice; the patient reports memories of a ship’s dawn and the feel of cold metal under fingertips. Recent bloodwork shows nanites in their bloodstream. 

Notes: We’ve placed the individual in a high-containment isolation room.

SCF-LOG-013 [Date: 2524-08-04]

The patient broke through containment, or what's left of them did. Also- absorbed is a better descriptor. All machinery is missing, as well as one of the walls. All that remains is a pile of skin. Security cameras picked up the 'amalgamate' as we're referring to it breaching through the outer hull. It's absorbed thrusters from an escape pod and escaped into space. Thankfully our Central Security intercepted it, I was told that the being was 'taken care of'. 

Notes: Looking at the direction it was heading, it appears that the amalgamate was heading to the previous intern's homeworld.

Further Developments

The shipment was intercepted by Syndicate intelligence agents, and the remaining sample stolen. Our best understanding of further developments have been obtained through interrogations and information leaks discovered by the Central Intelligence Division.

The sample was shipped to a small Syndicate research outpost. While there further modifications were made. When in a growth state Scaffold dissolves into tiny air-borne particulates which infiltrate any and all entities they encounter. Once inside of a host or on a structure the nanites activate and begin breaking down all materials and self assembling fractal frameworks to reinforce itself.

While not malevolent by default, Scaffold prioritizes stability, continuity, and expansion. While not inherently intelligent it is capable of learning and does so rapidly through absorption of host memories. Given its inclination for growth and ability to procure memories from any and all infected hosts Scaffold will target populated areas including Homeworlds if released. Given it's self sufficiency to build structures, including its own transportation as needed this is a very real threat.

The Syndicate Research Outpost recently fell under attack from Xenos after an infested asteroid crashed into the planet's surface. With their facility rapidly losing power, and containment compromised Outpost scientists contacted the nearest NanoTrasen Station for assistance. However, they withheld all information pertaining to the bioweapon.

Staff from the station responded and rescued the researchers. They also recovered the bioweapon after a tip was received from Central Intelligence Division informing them of the bioweapon's existence and that it had been stolen from an area in nearby space.

Current State

Syndicate researchers were detained for interrogation. However, the Captain of the station, Freya Valkeria, after discussion with the researchers chose to commit treason. After a struggle with the Head of Security they absconded with the Bioweapon, eventually giving it to a cyborg and instructing the borg to fly into a sun with it. During the following confusion the head research scientist also escaped.

Current where abouts of Scaffold remain unknown.

Scaffold's Disease

Infection with Scaffold results in a fatal condition known as Scaffold's disease. Symptoms can develop within minutes or hours of initial exposure. The host's veins will become dark, and their complexion pale as their blood is replaced by rapidly multiplying Scaffold-derived nanites. Hosts will exhale highly contagious nanites and should not be engaged. In some cases Scaffold will overtake the host's central nervous system, assimilating memories from the cerebellum as the brain is disintegrated. Infected individuals will act similar to deceased individuals impacted by romerol during this stage.

Scaffold's Disease is highly contagious and always fatal. Killing an infected individual is considered a mercy.

Any information regarding Scaffold should be reported immediately. It is considered a Sector Wide threat.