DARK AETHER OBJECT REPORT

Document Text:
DARK AETHER OBJECT – SUMMARY REPORT
29 September 1984

1. DEFINITION: DARK AETHER OBJECT (D.A.O.) is any object transmuted out of pure essence. These objects may be of any state of matter but are created from Dark Aethereal essence. A D.A.O. can come into existence through three methods: CREATION, MANIPULATION, and IMPERSONATION.

2. CREATION: CREATION refers to a D.A.O. manufactured directly from Essence, the bioenergy that animates all Dark Aether species. Using Energy Research’s ESSENCE CONVERSION MODULES, we can syphon the essence from biological creatures and convert it into an object. Example: essence collected from an infected can be converted into the Cymbal Monkey Explosive Device.

3. MANIPULATION: MANIPULATION refers to a D.A.O. created when essence interacts with an existing object and transmutes it. We’ve encountered this phenomenon with the DARK AETHER RECON ROVER’s simian specimens, where they will return altered, for example, in the form of sandbags or an apple crate.

4. IMPERSONATION: IMPERSONATION refers to a D.A.O. created by the Dark Aether species classified as MIMIC. This predator can temporarily transform itself into a D.A.O. to lure unsuspecting prey into its grasp. In this instance, the Mimic is altering its own essence to deceive those around it. It is unknown if this ability is restricted to the Mimic or if other creatures can also manipulate their own biochemistry for camouflage.

5. METHODOLOGY: Currently, Energy Research has no control over which Dark Aether Object will be created or manipulated, however it has been observed that the essence only generates objects it has previously encountered. Thus far, the only objects generated are other objects found within the Outbreak Zones. As the Dark Aether expands into our world, it is able to add new objects to its “genetic memory.”