Chapter 10 Part 1
Research File Sigma61422 Chimera Improvement Researcher 4at8769
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Abstract: It was hypothesized that by removing genetic module 45D67TR that subsequent chimera procreational and sexual instincts would be nullified. In a test case involving a sample size of 80 chimeras in which we removed this module, it was found that procreational instincts and activities dropped to nearly zero. However, a confound was discovered during the process of this research involving the variable of mortality. A 100% death rate was achieved by removing the module within an estimated six months. It is unknown whether removing the module has brought this about, or whether by removing the module some other module is causing such a high mortality rate. Further lines of research include isolating and removing module 6578RT which regulates Telomere shortening, or perhaps module 456798YR which regulates the hormonal system.
Implication of findings: It is desirable when programming a chimera to have control over the subsequent replication and propagation of the production. Patent 96874rty on module 568976RYU guarantees that legally one cannot "reverse engineer" any of the chimeras created by this lab as such an intrusion would result in the immediate destruction of the chimera in question. It is possible, however, to breed a chimera which would lead to unexpected code permutations. Since chimera creation is protected under copyright, the person attempting to breed the chimera should at the least be expected to pay royalties for making a derivative work. However, it were possible to ensure that no derivative work could be made, this would prove to be most desirable.
Our research centers on the genetic module 45D67TR in the hopes that remove it might allow chimera programmers exclusive control over their creations. Research indicates that this module is mostly responsible for sexual reproduction and sexual instinct. No re-writes have been able to duplicate the functionality this module possesses. It was not known prior to our research the long term consequences removing this module entailed. Unfortunately, when this module is removed, it results in a 100% mortality rate for all chimeras in which it is removed. Though the chimeras in question have no sexual desire or need for intimacy, symptoms of death set in as early as three months.
Observation of chimera death indicate the initial stages involve a reduced motor control function. Chimeras in the beginning stages of decompensation cannot perform tasks involving fine motor skills. Three weeks after this, muscle rigidity sets in, and complaints of physical pain become predominant. One subject bit through his lip involuntarily as he clenched his teeth in an attempt to ameliorate the pain. Once rigidity sets in for a week, the flesh begins to "peel off". We had to place subjects in a sound-dampened room owing to the decibel level of their cries. We provided a variety of surfaces for them to sit upon. It was observed that the corrugated surfaces caused a lot more "sloughing off" of skin than the smoother surfaces. After three days of skin loss, secondary infection began to set in as the chimeras had no protective layer against the outside world. Typically, the secondary infection resulted in death, although in more than one case the condition advanced to the final stage which involved organ liquefaction. Subjects were observed to be what we termed "Bloody skeletons". We used this terminology because once this process begins one could readily observe bone and blood and little else.
