Editing Project ASTER

{{Era|UNSC|HCW}}

{{disambig header|procedures for the Spartan-II project|procedures for the Spartan-III project|Project CHRYSANTHEMUM}}

 

The '''SPARTAN-II augmentation procedures''' were a series of biochemical and biomechanical manipulations applied to [[SPARTAN-II Program|SPARTAN-II conscripts]] at the onset of puberty.

Human biochemical experiments and [[Human augmentation|enhancement procedures]] have been a part of society dating back to the 20th Century; their gains have attracted widespread attention in the hopes of improving human strength and endurance. Military experimentation with such enhancements has always been limited for the sake of moral and ethical concerns. However, as technology improved and as scientists continued to understand the human body, advancements paved the way for the eventual use of body enhancement chemicals — the first bio-engineering protocol was established to help humans adjust to long duration spaceflight and different planetary environmental conditions, and subsequently for interplanetary war.<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''', ''page 44''</ref> The fruition of such procedures to help create a superior soldier did not solidify until the limited success of the [[ORION Project]], which would pave the way for the success of the SPARTAN-II Program.

Research on the then-named ORION Generation II augmentations began five years after the deactivation of the ORION Project.<ref name="hal jour">'''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''' ''February 15, 2511''</ref> Early analysis concluded that next-generation candidates must have "more malleable, robust DNA structure and repair enzymes," this being based on the fundamental flaw of the augmentation procedures performed on the ORION soldiers. Because of the requirements, the best suitable candidates who would adapt without severe side effects were those of prepubescent age.  

Candidates of prepubescent age were screened based on genetic markers/SNPs that are linked to positive fitness and decreased disease incidence. The task of screening for such DNA structures was astronomical and to properly screen for correct genetic markers would require thirty-nine billion records. However, as DNA samples were covertly collected as part of the [[Colonial Administration Authority|CAA]]'s [[Outer Colony vaccination program]], the UNSC had a rather comprehensive record of Outer Colony citizens to use for candidate selection.<ref name="hal jour"/>

From 2511 until the augmentation of the SPARTAN-IIs in 2525, research continued refining and improving the chemicals to reduce failure rate. Later research proved difficult for other mental, adrenal and neural enhancement procedures to be used on the SPARTAN-IIs because of their unacceptable failure rates.<ref name="halsey1"/> [[Admiral]] [[Ysionris Jeromi]] conducted experimental procedures on [[List of animals|bonobo chimpanzees]] at the request of his former student in an attempt to help reduce the failure rates and improve the regime.<ref name ="reach">'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''page 57'' (2001 edition) ''page 62-64'' (definitive edition) ''page 74 2010 edition''</ref>

In the initial studies and research conducted on possible procedures, two of the proposed augmentations were rejected because of their risks and drawbacks. The first was adrenal-response enhancement, which would enhance the autonomic nervous system to better balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic function in the body's response to stress.<ref name="halsey1">'''Dr. Halsey's personal journal''' ''March 9th, 2525''</ref> The next was memory and cognitive enhancements; these were rejected based upon the mental instabilities that could occur.<ref name="halsey1"/>

Chemical augmentations work on a molecular level by targeting molecules within the body and then altering them to begin a growth process of targeted tissues. Although the chemicals work on a molecular level, they do not work on a genetic level, as targeted mutagenesis is impossible only with chemicals.

The process of augmenting the SPARTAN-IIs was divided into two parts, surgical procedures and injection procedures. Surgeries were highly risky, intensive, and required special medical talent. Their safety and effects varied substantially from subject to subject, with the benefits and risks varying with the surgeon, the surgical conditions, and the state of the patient.<ref name="pariah2">'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''' '''[[Pariah]]''' ''page 32''</ref> Chemical augmentations have their own risks dependent upon the subject's genetic background and how they adjust to the alteration of cells and molecules and to a more physical point, tissue growth.

|Surgery is performed on the occipital lobe of the left cerebral hemisphere of the brain; the occipital lobe is the visual processing center of the brain, containing most of the anatomical region of the visual cortex. The surgeon performs a procedure on the capillaries, the smallest of the body's blood vessels, to reverse the direction of blood flow in each capillary to boost the blood flow beneath the rods and cones of the subject's retina. The rods and cones of the eye are light-sensitive receptors located in the back of the eye. Together they are able to detect movement, light and color, and relay that information back to the brain. This procedure produces a marked visual perception increase.<ref name ="reach"/>

|Surgery is performed on the arms and legs of the subject's body to expose the bone. An advanced carbide ceramic material is grafted onto the skeletal structure to begin skeletal ossification. This process works by breaking down bone and rebuilding it stronger then before. This results in the bones being virtually unbreakable. The coverage of this procedure does not exceed 3% total bone mass due to significant white blood cell necrosis; to make up for that a growth hormone is administered to help strengthen the bones throughout the rest of the body.<ref name ="reach"/>

|In addition to the growth hormone catalyst, a protein complex is injected intramuscularly that targets the muscles' intracellular molecular machinery to help increase muscle strength and endurance. These injections target the muscles' molecules increasing the density of the connective tissues and fibers, the more visible result being the muscles quivering and contorting over one another, making connecting tendons stronger and decreasing lactase recovery time.<ref name ="reach"/><ref name ="halsey1"/><ref name="pariah">'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''' '''Pariah''' ''page 34''</ref>

[[File:S-II's awaiting augmentation.png|thumb|right|300px|Candidates awaiting augmentation procedures.]]

To prepare the subject for the augmentation procedure, the subject's head is shaved and incision vectors are [[laser]]ed onto the subject's body. An intravenous drip is inserted into the subject's arm, and a general anesthetic is administered to ease the subject into a state of unconsciousness. Once the subject has been sedated, he or she is transported from the pre-op wing of the facility to another area, where the surgical procedures are performed.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''' ''page 59'' (2001 edition) ''page 66'' (definitive edition) ''page 77'' (2010 edition)</ref>

When the catalytic thyroid implant is inserted, surgery is performed on the thyroid gland, where an incision is made to the left thyroid gland large enough for a platinum pellet to be implanted; once done, the incision made is closed up. The growth hormone is released and progressively works its way through the body, stimulating the growth of skeletal and muscle tissue.<ref name="pariah3">'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''' '''Pariah''' ''page 39''</ref><ref name="pariah2"/>

As this takes place, muscular enhancement injections are administered throughout the subject's body to aid the previous procedure. This produces the most prolonged delay in the rest of the augmentation procedures as the subject's body begins to alter as a result of the previous procedure. If the subject has survived the changes, the final part of the augmentation is performed.<ref name="pariah3"/><ref name="pariah2"/>

The carbide ceramic ossification is likely performed next. This involves applying a grafting material to the subject's bones in key areas, most likely via injections. The process involves laying down new bone material with cells called osteoblasts to strengthen the bone. Once completed, the ossification continues while other procedures are performed.<ref name="pariah2"/><ref name="onyx"/>

Once the augmentation procedures are finished, the subject begins a long recovery process. The healing process takes anywhere from weeks to months, dependent upon each individual subject's rate of recovery. Every day the subject performs stretches, isometric exercises, light sparring drills and consumes five high-protein meals. After each meal, the subject must report to the medical bay to receive a series of vitamin and mineral injections.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 64''(2001 edition) ''page 71'' (definitive edition) ''page 82'' (2010 edition)</ref>  

[[File:S-II Augmentation - Negative Side-effects.png|thumb|right|300px|A candidate experiencing the negative side-effects of augmentation.]]

Although the subject is in a state of unconsciousness during the procedure, he or she may experience excruciating pain. Physiological stress brought on by the augmentations can produce cardiac arrest,<ref name ="halsey1"/> in addition to cross-chemical complications that can result in augmentation failure.

Each procedure is marked by a particular type of excruciating pain. The carbide ceramic ossification is said to feel like the subject's bones are breaking, and as if their marrow is made of glass and is being shattered.<ref name="onyx">'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 63''</ref><ref name="ghost">'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 101-102''</ref> The catalytic thyroid implant and muscular enhancement injections produce extraordinary pain, as if the subject's veins had been "injected with napalm";<ref name="ghost"/><ref name="pariah"/> another sensation is pulsating and the feeling of the veins being torn out of the subject's skin. The effect of the muscles increasing in density is said to feel like the entire body is on fire, mixed with the feeling of "plated glass shattering" and being worked in the subject's body.<ref name="pariah"/> The superconducting fabrication of neural dendrites is said to feel like fire burning along the subject's spinal nerves.<ref name="onyx"/>

The side effects of completing the augmentations vary, as the subject's brain relearns how to move his or her body with faster reflexes and stronger muscles. The subject may experience neurological confusion such as falling over, exaggerated reflexes, and problems grabbing or holding onto an object. The subject may experience bleeding from the eyes, constant headaches, and aches in the bones.<ref>'''Halo: Fall of Reach''', ''page 62'' (2001 edition) ''page 69'' (definitive edition) ''page 80'' (2010 edition)</ref>  

The results of the augmentations on the successful candidates were unprecedented; the SPARTAN-IIs performed well beyond the projected capabilities. Dr. Halsey suspected this to be due to inexplicable, synergistic effect resulting from all the augmentations acting in concert. Combined with the Spartans' intelligence, seamless teamwork and unyielding drive for success, the augmentations made them nearly unstoppable against any conventional combatant. [[Chief Petty Officer]] [[Franklin Mendez]] stated that after the augmentations the Spartans would only get better as they adjusted to the changes. Therefore many of the Spartans' attributes have increased through time and acclimation.<ref name="for71">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''pages 71-74'' (2001) ''Page 83'' (Definitive Edition)</ref>

Only a few months after augmentation procedures, the SPARTAN-IIs were capable of running at speeds exceeding 55 km/h or 34.2 mph. [[Kelly-087]] was noted as capable of running even faster. Later during the Human-Covenant war, while in her Mark V MJOLNIR armor, Kelly-087's top speed was 62 km/h or 38.5 mph.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 168''</ref> [[John-117]] has been noted to have, very briefly, run at around 105 km/h or 65.2 mph during a [[MJOLNIR]] [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Mark V|Mark V]] training exercise; however, his Achilles tendon was torn because the strain put on his body was unsustainable.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 264'' (2001 edition) '' page 305'' (definitive edition) ''page 299'' (2010 edition)</ref>

The SPARTAN-IIs were capable of lifting at least three times their body weight without the aid of their [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]], when they were 14 years old. During their initial exercises in Reach's [[titanium]] mines, after recovering from the augmentations, the Spartans completely overpowered trainers wearing Mark I exoskeletons, outrunning their automated targeting systems and dismantling the heavy combat suits with their bare hands. A kick by John-117 flung one of the exoskeleton-clad men eight meters.<ref name="for71"/>

Their reaction time, while impossible to chart accurately, was estimated to be twenty milliseconds.<ref name="for71"/> The Spartans' reaction times were noted to be significantly faster in combat situations or with assistance from an AI. The reaction times of the SPARTAN-IIs were so fast that they, in heightened states of stress, were able to think, react and see things as if everything around them were simultaneously occurring at both a slow and rapid pace - a phenomenon dubbed "SPARTAN Time" by Kelly-087.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''' ''page 12'' ''page 22'' (definitive edition)</ref> The motion of a Spartan in combat is nearly impossible for an outsider to follow, their movement appearing as a blur.<ref name="for71"/> These reflexes allowed Spartans to successfully dodge gunfire on certain occasions.<ref name="for71"/><ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 257'' (2001 edition)</ref>

SPARTAN-IIs were also known for their sharp eyesight, their occipital capillary reversal allowing them to virtually see in the dark.<ref name="for71"/>

When wearing MJOLNIR armor, a Spartan's strength is boosted significantly. A MJOLNIR-clad [[Cal-141]] was capable of blocking a [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]]'s [[gravity hammer]] swing with a single hand, dodging multiple swings from the Brute, using her enhanced muscle strength to jump to great heights, and wounding the Chieftain with a few punches and kicks.<ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]''' '''[[The Babysitter]]'''</ref> During the [[Battle of Installation 04]], John-117 was able to use his enhanced strength to break the skulls of [[Sangheili]] soldiers.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 350''</ref> During the [[Battle Of Onyx]], Will-043 engaged a Hunter pair in hand to hand combat, and succeeded in killing one by ripping the worms out of its body. In the same battle, Kelly-087 engaged three Sangheili in hand-to-hand combat, snapping the wrist of one Elite, taking his energy sword, and cutting two more in half with a single swing. During the [[Battle of Shield World 0459]], the three members of [[Red Team]] ([[Jerome-092]], [[Alice-130]], and [[Douglas-042]]) defeated a force of over twenty [[Stealth Sangheili]] in close-quarters combat without sustaining any injuries themselves.

Three discharged Spartans have had the effects of their augmentations reduced through unknown means. Of these, [[Serin-019]] and [[Ralph-103]] were maimed by the procedures. Serin was declared dead and was secretly incorporated into the Office of Naval Intelligence, who reversed the physical damage she had suffered. She stood 6' 3" (191cm) tall in her mid-forties,<ref>'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 26''</ref> though whether this was due to the lingering effects of the catalytic thyroid implant or her own genetics is unclear. Ralph was discharged from the program due to a combination of psychological trauma<ref name="TFoR Ralph">'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''' (2011) - ''Adjunct''</ref> and biological rejection of the various implants;<ref name="Frankie">[http://forums.bungie.org/halo/archive32.pl?read=967143 '''Halo.Bungie.org''': ''Re: Spoiler-free thoughts on the new episodes'']</ref> his augmentations were likewise partially negated, leaving him physically inferior to the successfully augmented Spartans but superior to ordinary humans.<ref name="Frankie"/> He was allowed to return to civilian life and joined the [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] by the age of twenty.<ref>Halo Legends, Homecoming</ref>

[[Randall-037]] emerged from the augmentation procedures unscathed and served on the frontlines until he went missing in action in [[2532]]. When ONI discovered Randall in [[2546]], he accepted their offer to have his enhancements suppressed in exchange for being allowed to remain a civilian. The process was particularly excruciating.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/randall-aiken '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Randall Aiken'']</ref> Ultimately he came to be much shorter than other Spartans.<ref>''[[Halo: Nightfall]]''</ref>

File:Prologue - Spartan augmentation 01.jpg|John-117 readies himself to undergo the augmentation procedures

H4-Scanned-Spartan-HandAugmentations.png|Detail of the surgical scars on the forearms of a SPARTAN-II, in this case John-117.

**''[[Spartan Ops]]'' {{Indirect mention}}

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