Editing Project ORCHID

{{Status|Canon}}

{{Quote|We're not exactly like those artificial gods from the earlier generations. More like demigods. And I'll be damned if that usually isn't good enough.|[[Edward Buck]]{{Ref/Novel|Id=H:NB|NB|Chapter=1}}}}

'''Project ORCHID'''<ref name="sfm">''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]'', p. 87</ref> is the codename for the '''SPARTAN-IV Augmentation Program''',<ref name="packet">'''[[Halo 4 Limited Edition]]''', ''[[Infinity Briefing Packet]]''</ref> a set of biochemical and surgical [[Biological augmentation|augmentation procedures]] performed on the [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IV supersoldiers]]. Because of practical necessities arising from the SPARTAN-IV program's return to the [[ORION Project]]'s recruitment protocols—namely, the use of adults as candidates—as well as advances in technology, the fourth-generation augmentation set differs considerably from the procedures used in the [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-II]] and [[SPARTAN-III program|SPARTAN-III]] programs. While the SPARTAN-IV augmentations enhance the subjects' strength and speed, the improvements in these areas are not as extensive as in the two preceding programs<ref name="frankie">[https://web.archive.org/web/20160412160044/http://members.shaw.ca/laird2/temp/derp/interview.mp3 Frank O'Connor interview during San Diego Comic-Con 2012 (1:15–2:10)]</ref> and their technological underpinnings are considerably different.<ref name="lootcrate1">'''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]''', ''[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #1]]''</ref> However, the SPARTAN-IV augmentation series also introduces many specialized procedures not applied to the previous spartan generations,<ref name="HI2">'''[[Halo: Initiation]]''', ''[[Halo: Initiation Issue 2|Issue #2]]''</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}} and the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|second generation]] of [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|Mjolnir armor]], standard issue to all Spartan-IVs, is able to effectively bridge the physiological gap between them and the earlier generations due to its superior physical enhancement.{{Ref/Reuse|frankie}} Like the augmentation procedures of the preceding SPARTAN programs, Project ORCHID is sponsored by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]'s [[Section Three]].{{Ref/Reuse|sfm}}

Like their forebears, the [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IVs]] undergo a series of chemical and surgical procedures to enhance their physical capabilities. However, few of the procedures are directly derived from either [[Project CHRYSANTHEMUM|the augmentations]] of the [[SPARTAN-III program|Spartan-IIIs]] or [[SPARTAN-II augmentation procedures|those]] of the [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-IIs]], instead employing different methodologies to the same ends. For example, the carbide ceramic ossification used for skeletal reinforcement in the SPARTAN-II and SPARTAN-III programs has been replaced by the implantation of skeletal fullerene lattices, and the subjects' eyesight is now enhanced through the use of implants rather than the previously used retinal capillary inversion.{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}}

The augmentations for the [[SPARTAN-IV program]] feature a number of new procedures not used in the preceding programs.{{Ref/Reuse|HI2}} Due to the subjects' bodies no longer being in developing stages as well as their lack of genetic requirements, the process must be carefully custom-tailored for each individual.{{Ref/Reuse|HI2}}<ref name="hnb115">'''Halo: New Blood''', ''pages 115-117'' (Google Play edition)</ref>

|The subject is given a [[Spartan neural interface|specialized neural implant]]—taking the form of a torpet datacluster—capable of interfacing with an [[artificial intelligence]]. The neural interface controller extends from the dataport at the base of the skull to the midbrain.{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}}

|The Spartan candidate undergoes treatment to induce growth in skeletal and muscular tissues. Edward Buck commented that his bones were "lengthened" and his muscles "stretched". The bones are then reinforced with skeletal fullerene lattices,{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}} regarded as "tougher than steel", which makes them virtually unbreakable and allows survival in harder impacts.{{Ref/Reuse|HI2}} The joints are also reinforced or replaced. The reinforcement is necessary as without it, simple actions such as jumping would result in the bones disintegrating due to the strain from the strengthened muscles.<ref name="NB14">'''Halo: New Blood''', Chapter 14</ref> The subject's ligaments are reconstructed during the procedures.{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}}

Muscles are subjected to induced growth and injected with a material that allows them to work harder without breaking the Spartan's skeleton. Subjects also undergo muscle grafting.{{Ref/Reuse|HI2}}{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}} The augmentations also give them an enhanced muscle memory, which makes observing and learning combat techniques much easier.<ref>'''Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual''', ''page 40''</ref>

|The nervous system is "super-myelinated" to increase the production of myelin sheaths and,{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}} therefore, the subject's reaction time.{{Ref/Reuse|NB14}} The nervous system is subject to various element treatments, including an increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) responses and the rebuilding of neuroendocrine cells.{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}}

|Aside from the brain, virtually all other organs in the body are either modified in some manner or replaced.{{Ref/Reuse|NB14}} Several organs are biofabricated, including the lungs.{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}} The lungs implanted into the Spartans are biofabricated and lined with a STONEWELL pulmonary surfactant;{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}} a polymer that enhances [[oxygen]] intake and allows the subject to process airborne toxins or foreign gas mixtures.{{Ref/Reuse|HI2}} The pancreas is replaced by an apparently unnamed, vat-grown organ.{{Ref/Reuse|HI2}} The Spartans also undergo treatments to prevent organ rejection.{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}}

Corneal implants are provided,{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}} improving the subject's eyesight and night vision.{{Ref/Reuse|HI2}}{{Ref/Reuse|hnb115}}

|Subjects undergo numerous circulatory improvements. The heart is implanted with a synthetic, polythread weave which significantly increases its capacity to pump [[blood]].{{Ref/Reuse|HI2}}{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}} The blood composition is modified to allow for faster clotting and immunity to most toxins.{{Ref/Reuse|HI2}} {{Ref/Reuse|NB14}} Spartans are also subjected to K5.2 hemoescutcheon, and implanted with circulatory shunts and intelli-fibrin acclimation, likely aiding in the healing of wounds.{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}}

Intestinal bacteria are altered to enable the digestive system to absorb more nutrients from food.{{Ref/Reuse|HI2}} An intestinal bioreactor is also implanted, and the subject is given a gut microbiota refresh.{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}}

|Spartans undergo an extensive gene therapy, which involves the lengthening of the telomeres and increasing the effectiveness of chondrocytes.{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}}

|Subjects are implanted with a handful of tiny, durable biomonitoring implants,{{Ref/Reuse|HI2}} one of which is installed near the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae,{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}} designed to aid medical teams remotely monitor the Spartan's health and performance.{{Ref/Reuse|HI2}}{{Ref/Reuse|NB14}} Subjects are also implanted with electronic locators to allow the [[United Nations Space Command]] to track each Spartan.<ref>'''Halo: New Blood''', ''page 127'' (Google Play edition)</ref>

|The Spartan is subjected to hormone-regulation therapies and their bioprofile is archived.{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}}

A series of additional augmentations were included in the earliest, prototypical phase of the SPARTAN-IV program. Unapproved by the [[UNSC Navy]]'s committee that regulated other matters relating to the SPARTAN-IV program, this experimental phase of the augmentation program was conducted entirely by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]. These enhancements would have made the Spartans significantly stronger and more resistant to injury, the goal being that they could operate without Mjolnir armor. However, these procedures proved to have an unacceptably high casualty rate, killing or crippling nine of the ten initial candidates; the sole survivor, [[Ilsa Zane]], was rendered mentally unstable and began suffering homicidal tendencies.{{Ref/Reuse|HI3}}

Demonstrating the effectiveness of these experimental enhancements, Zane was able to engage a Mjolnir-armored [[Sarah Palmer]] in hand-to-hand combat without the use of any protective equipment and survived Palmer violently driving her head into a metal bulkhead face-first, as well as her subsequent prolonged exposure to the vacuum of space.{{Ref/Reuse|HI3}} Several years later, she was able to charge into a group of [[Orbital Drop Shock Troopers]] and knock them to the ground.<ref>'''[[Hunt the Truth]]''', ''S2.06 TRANSCENDENCE''</ref> She was noted to move with incredible speed and power.<ref>'''Hunt the Truth''', ''S2.03 FROM FIRE TO BLOOD''</ref>

 

{{Quote|I spent a period of three weeks on Mars, in and out of surgeries and other so-called advanced therapies designed to transform me from a top-flight Helljumper into something approaching the closest thing humanity had to walking gods. And it hurt in every damn way it could.|Spartan Edward Buck{{Ref/Reuse|nb113}}}}

The SPARTAN-IV augmentation procedures, at least for the first and second classes of the program, take three weeks to perform, with the Spartans in and out of surgeries and advanced therapies during this time.{{Ref/Reuse|HI2}}{{Ref/Reuse|NB14}} Following the augmentation procedures, recovery and subsequent training usually lasted several months.{{Ref/Reuse|packet}} It took about two days for the first team of Spartan-IVs to relearn how to walk again following their augmentations. Significant disorientation was in evidence during their initial training exercises.{{Ref/Reuse|HI2}} The final steps of the augmentations are an assurance of hormonal regulation and the archiving of the subject's bioprofile.{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}}

Largely overseen by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]], the augmentation procedures are conducted in a dedicated Spartan-IV facility on [[Mars]] and are considered excruciatingly painful.{{Ref/Reuse|NB14}} Approximately two dozen candidates were augmented and conditioned at any given time during the second Spartan-IV class.{{Ref/Reuse|hnb115}} Certifying medical review officers are responsible for reviewing the results of the procedures on each Spartan-IV candidate; Doctor [[Longo Berger]] was one such individual.{{Ref/Reuse|lootcrate1}} A battered helmet worn by [[John-117]] during the [[Human-Covenant War|war]] is the last thing that the candidates see before beginning their evaluation and preliminary augmentation cycle.{{Ref/Game|Id=H5MarkIV|H5|Armor permutations (Halo 5: Guardians)|Armory|Detail=Mark IV - Helmet Description}}

{{Quote|I'm a regular 26th century girl. They swear these three weeks of surgeries will be worth it.|Spartan Sarah Palmer, following her augmentations{{Ref/Reuse|HI2}}}}

Reflecting on her augmentations, [[Sarah Palmer]] stated that the synthetic cardiac weave allows her to "outrun a horse". The enhancements performed on the lungs potentially allow a Spartan-IV to breathe [[methane]] for around an hour.{{Ref/Reuse|HI2}} Nutrition-wise, it is also said that a Spartan could eat a raw tree and retain the equivalent of six meals' worth of calories in terms of energy.{{Ref/Reuse|NB14}} According to [[Edward Buck]], the ocular implants enable him to see in the dark and read the fine print on release forms "from across the room".{{Ref/Reuse|hnb115}} The subject's hearing is also greatly improved.{{Ref/Reuse|hnb115}} Thanks to their neurological enhancements, Spartan-IV's exhibit between a 10 to 20 percent improvement in their General Cognitive Propensity scores when paired with deep learning methods.<ref name="HOSFM25">'''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''', ''page 25''</ref>

However, the decision to augment adults as opposed to preteens comes at the cost of performance: the results of the Spartan-IVs' physical augmentations are not as effective as those of the preceding generations. To compensate for this shortcoming, the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|GEN2 Mjolnir armor]] worn by the Spartan-IVs is designed to multiply the wearer's strength and speed significantly more than first-generation suits. At least in theory, this makes a Spartan-IV clad in GEN2 armor equal to a GEN1-wearing Spartan-II in terms of strength and speed, but the Spartan-IV would be at a considerable disadvantage without armor.{{Ref/Reuse|frankie}}<ref>[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/06/11/halo-5-guardians-unmasking-the-fireteam-hunting-master-chief.aspx '''Halo 5: Guardians – Unmasking The Fireteam Hunting Master Chief''']</ref> The physical disparity between a Spartan-IV and a Spartan-II has been compared to that between an elite-level athlete and a "near-supernatural monster".<ref>[http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=167200983&postcount=566 '''NeoGaf''': ''Post by Frank O'Connor'']</ref> Spartan Edward Buck also compared the Spartan-IVs to demigods while respectively likening the Spartan-IIs and Spartan-IIIs to the Titans and gods of Greek mythology.{{Ref/Reuse|NB14}} Also, Spartan-IV augmentations lack the stability of earlier generations, meaning they need constant "tune-ups" to ensure nothing goes wrong with their bodies.<ref>'''Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual''', ''page 36''</ref> While falling from the sky over [[Cassidy III]], Buck doubted he'd survive even with his augmentations and armor despite John-117 having survived a similar fall years earlier. Buck's reasoning was that while the Spartan-II's had been literally made to be invincible, the UNSC had figured out how to cut some costs by the time it got around to him and his own augmentations didn't make him nearly as invincible.<ref>'''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''', ''page 310''</ref>

Spartan-IVs must follow a rigid set of guidelines to maintain their physical fitness and health. These include undergoing regular medical examinations, including physiological scans, reviews and treatment before and after each mission. A Spartan-IV is expected to perform at optimum capacity with a minimum of two and a half hours of sleep per 48-hour cycle; for [[Cryo-chamber|cryosleep]], standard UNSC practices apply. They are also instructed to follow standard [[physical training]] practices of the UNSC. Due to their augmented physiques, however, they are provided their own, custom-built gym equipment. Official meals are specifically prepared to meet the caloric, nutritional and medicinal needs of each individual Spartan. These personal needs are measured based on activity data recorded by the Spartan's individual physiometer. Ancillary medications may be provided to ensure the Spartan's well-being and to reduce risk of potential implant rejections.{{Ref/Reuse|packet}} The effect the augmentations have on lifespan is unknown, though it is theorized that most Spartans can surpass the average [[human]] lifespan,{{Ref/Reuse|NB14}} and it is expected their peak fighting days will exceed a century.{{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM25}}

{{Quote|Most of them are alright, Musa. And they'll get better. But some of them… some of them are much better.|Jun-A266 to Musa-096, following the first class of Spartan-IVs' augmentations{{Ref/Reuse|HI2}}}}

Training performance of the initial unit of Spartan-IVs in [[2553#January|January 2553]] was mixed, something that was acknowledged by the program's head recruiter, Spartan-III [[Jun-A266]]. Part of this may be attributed to the Spartan-IVs' still-ongoing acclimatization to their enhancements, as well as the group not having worked together before, though all of them came from military backgrounds. The majority of the first batch of Spartan-IVs were incapacitated by their unaugmented [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine]] training opponents, who outnumbered them ten to one, and their lack of coordination resulted in SPARTAN-IV program head, [[Commander]] [[Musa-096]], personally chastising them about the importance of teamwork.{{Ref/Reuse|HI2}} However, several Spartan-IVs of this group later distinguished themselves in live combat during the [[New Colonial Alliance]]'s [[Raid on UNSC Infinity|attempted takeover]] of {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} several days later.{{Ref/Reuse|HI3}}

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