Project ORCHID
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The SPARTAN-IV Augmentation Program is the formal name for the biochemical and surgical augmentation procedures performed on the SPARTAN-IV supersoldiers.[1]
Background
Like the augmentations performed for the SPARTAN-IIs and the improved procedures utilized in the subsequent SPARTAN-III program, the SPARTAN-IVs underwent a series of procedures to enhance their physical capabilities. Unlike the Spartan-III augmentations, which were almost entirely based upon chemical injections, the SPARTAN-IV augmentations combine chemicals and surgical procedures like those pioneered by Dr. Catherine Halsey in the SPARTAN-II program. The technology used in the two preceding SPARTAN programs necessitated that the candidates meet exceedingly strict genetic qualifications as well as the application of the enhancements on preteens, to avoid the catastrophic failure rates produced by the augmentation of adult subjects in the ORION Project.[2] By the time of the initiation of the SPARTAN-IV program, the technology had advanced to the point that adults could be augmented seemingly without major risk.[3]
Augmentations
The SPARTAN-IV augmentation procedures take three weeks to perform,[3] with recovery and subsequent training usually lasting several months.[1] While the enhancements have not been described in detail, they incorporate technologies originating from prior SPARTAN programs as well as completely new additions.[3] However, the neural augmentation utilized in the previous programs, which provided the Spartan-IIs and IIIs their superhuman reaction times, is seemingly absent.[note 1]
| Nature | Description |
|---|---|
| Skeletal | Bones are infused with a substance which makes them virtually unbreakable, allowing survival in harder impacts[3][note 2] |
| Muscular | Muscles are injected with a material that allows them to work harder without breaking the Spartan's skeleton[3][note 3] |
| Corneal | Corneal implants are provided to improve night vision[3][note 4] |
| Pulmonary | Lungs are lined with a polymer that enhances oxygen intake and allows the subject to process toxins or foreign gas mixtures[3] |
| Intestinal | Intestinal bacteria are altered to enable the digestive system to absorb more nutrients out of food[3] |
| Pancreatic | Pancreas is replaced by a completely new, vat-grown organ[3] |
| Cardiac | Heart is implanted with a synthetic weave which significantly increases its capacity to pump blood[3] |
| Cardiovascular | Blood is altered to allow for faster clotting[3] |
| Medical | Subject is implanted with several monitoring devices to help medical teams keep tabs on them[3] |
Experimental phase
A series of additional augmentations were included in the earliest, prototypical phase of the program. While these enhancements would have made the Spartans significantly stronger and more resistant to injury, they proved to have an unacceptable casualty rate, killing or crippling nine of the ten initial candidates while rendering the sole survivor, Ilsa Zane, mentally unstable. 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.[4]
Performance
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The synthetic cardiac weave allegedly allows a SPARTAN-IV to "outrun a horse"; this would imply speeds of up to, or over, 50 kilometers per hour. The enhancements performed on the lungs potentially allow a SPARTAN-IV to breathe methane for around an hour.[3]
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-one-half hours of sleep per a 48-hour cycle; for cryosleep, standard UNSC practices apply. They are also instructed to follow standard UNSC physical training practices. 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.[1]
List of appearances
- Halo 4
- Infinity Briefing Packet (Mentioned only)
- Halo: Initiation (First appearance)
Notes
- ^ When describing her Spartan-IV augmentations in Halo: Initiation, Sarah Palmer fails to mention an enhancements performed on her nervous system, or a marked increase in her reaction times following the procedures. One may infer that this particular enhancement, despite its improvements between the SPARTAN-II and SPARTAN-III programs, still cannot be safely applied on adults. Since the original MJOLNIR armor would kill a human with an unaugmented reaction time, it can be assumed that this deficiency has been overcome in the MJOLNIR GEN2 armor.
- ^ This enhancement is likely derived from the carbide ceramic ossification catalyst drug given to the SPARTAN-IIIs.
- ^ This enhancement is likely derived from the fibroid muscular protein complex drug given to the SPARTAN-IIIs.
- ^ This enhancement is likely derived from the retina-inversion stabilizer drug given to the SPARTAN-IIIs.
Sources
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