Entity #: E-1187
Codename: Hephaestus Matrix
Containment Procedures: E-1187 is to be held within a standardized Anomalous Object Storage Unit, Small Size, in the Safe-Class Department at Site-12. All direct physical manipulation of E-1187 is to be conducted using gloves or tools composed entirely of inorganic components. Direct physical access or manipulation with bare skin is permitted only with authorization from Class-2 personnel during states of K-Type or higher emergency.
Description: E-1187 is a hollow cylindrical object 26 centimeters in diameter and 31 centimeters in length, composed of an as-yet unidentified silver-colored material. The exterior of the entity features extensive inscriptions in patterns similiar to circuit pathways found on modern circuit boards; these inscriptions emit a continuious low-level glow that cycles at random between a full spectrum of colors. The object is split into two parts, joined by a hinge running the length of the object and a latch on the opposing 'side'.
As noted in Addendum E-1187-2, exact effects will vary depending on cultural trends; see addendum for more details. The following description reflects current transformative properties, and may be subject to change in the future.
The anomalous effects of E-1187 are activated when it is placed onto the forearm of a humanoid individual and the latch is secured. The glow of the inscriptions will increase in their intensity by approximately 300%, and a small needle will deploy from within the object, injecting a liquid form of the same material composing E-1187. This material will rapidly spread and grow through the wearer's bloodstream, supplanting their blood within one minute and converting all internal organs to process the material in place of blood.
Once all blood and internal components have been converted, conversion of all skin from the neck down occurs. The skin is thickened and takes on a black pigmentation and smooth texture. Converted skin is extremely durable and well insulated, capable of resisting small arms fire and temperature extremes with minimal damage to the user.
At this point in the process, further internal anatomical changes will also take place. Fibers of the liquid material will weave themselves within the subject's muscles, providing significant enhancements to strength and endurance. Body fat will be processed into more of the silver metal and redistributed to the chest and posterior regions, with additional material often generated, resulting in unusually large proprotions for both areas. Additional material will be deployed to the groin region and rapidly create a fully functional phallus and testes in biologically female subjects, or a functional vaginal system in biologically male subjects; in any case, the result is a hermaphrodtic sexual morphology.
The final stage of alterations features the development of armor plates composed of another unidentified metal. These plates boast extraordinary durability, with testing showing that they can provide protection against anti-vehicular munitions, energy-based weapons, and magically-derived attacks. The plates are angular in their stylization and will be of a different coloration for each different wearer, with sections covering the limbs, chest, and back, as well as a helmet capable of providing an airtight seal. All armored sections can be removed, leaving the user effectively naked.
Users report a feeling of significant confidence and power after being altered by E-1187. Common is a sense of invulnerability, with subjects believing that they can challenge entire armies. Field testing has shown a significant rise in aggression in combat scenarios; however, it should be noted all aggression is directed towards active enemy combatants. Wearers have also demonstrated a near-absolute dedication to the protection of innocent life, combined with an absolute refusal to surrendur even when facing certain defeat.
If the user is willing, E-1187 can be unlatched and removed. This will cause a partial reversion of its effects. Physical strength and endurance will return to normal, the armor will disappear, and the 'bodysuit' will be returned to normal skin; however, the enhanced sexual characteristics, including the hermaphroditic structure, remain intact, and mental effects will remain in place at a reduced intensity. Subjects who have been separated from E-1187 report a longing to use the entity once more, and total acceptance of their modified sexual characteristics, regardless of previous gender identiification.
Addendum 1187-1 - Discovery: E-1187 was discovered in ██/██/████ at the village of [REDACTED], Vietnam. At the time, E-1187 was attached to [REDACTED], a guerilla fighter who personally killed ███ American soldiers before they were incapacitated by heavy aerial bombardment. The entity was forcibly removed by soldiers on-site before being returned to the United States for study by DARPA. The entity subsequently came to the attention of the Foundation, and after significant buerecratic maneuvering, was released into Foundation custody for study, containment, and later field utilization.
Addendum 1187-2 - Cultural Effects: The final state of E-1187 appears to be influenced by certain trends of the era and culture during which it is donned. At the current time, the trend reflected has been identified with researchers as that of 'Space Supersoldiers' as depicted in speculative fiction; at the time of its discovery, E-1187 had transformed its user into an extremely lithe and durable individual with an emphasis on stealth over durability and strength. Exploration into possibly past users in recorded history has identified what are believed to be several other users whose own alterations reflect what was thought to be an idealized warrior in their time and location, utilizing the most advanced armor and weaponry then imagined in fiction. The only common traits across all individuals are the sense of confidence and power, dedication to protecting life, and enhanced sexual and hermaphroditic characteristics.
Addendum 1187-3 - Past Users:
[FILE RESTRICTED TO CLASS-3 OR HIGHER PERSONNEL. PLEASE ENTER CREDENTIALS NOW.]
[**********]
[PROCESSING...]
[ACCEPTED. PLEASE SELECT FILE BELOW.]