BUREAU OF COLONIES — ADVANCED AUGMENTATION PROGRAM

CLASSIFIED TECHNICAL DOSSIER

Document ID: AAP-RBW/42-A

Title: Reflex Booster Wetware (RBW) – CBE Gene-Neural Signal Enhancer
Clearance: TIER-3 RESTRICTED // EYES-ONLY
Origin: BuCol Directorate of Frontier Human Performance
Distribution: Authorized field augmentation teams, BuCol Special Programs Section, allied military science units
Current Status: Prototype lineage active in field. Integration irregularities noted.

1. Overview

The Reflex Booster Wetware (RBW) is a somatic–neural velocity augmentation suite designed to rapidly accelerate neural conduction speed and reduce synaptic latency across the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Developed by Cerberus Bio-Engineering (CBE) a clandestine black-budget skunkworks operation buried 1.2 km beneath the Elysium Planitia on Mars. CBE specializes in high-risk, high-reward viral and nanotechnological enhancements, primarily serving the Mars Corporate Security (MCS), Mars Secret Service (MSS) and high-ranking Colonial Government officials.

The RBW fundamentally rewires the human motor system to operate far beyond baseline human limits. The system integrates:

• Engineered oligodendrocyte swarms (myelin density x4.3)
• Quantum-tuned neuromorphic signal bridges
• Nucleic-acid microchannels for paired integration with NARs/nanites
• CBE’s proprietary “Phase-Zero” glial rewiring protocol

The effect is an extreme reduction in response time, improved fine-motor coordination, and superior reflexive threat-avoidance bordering on precognitive combat behavior when paired with high-grade neural nets.

He that has a mind to fight, let him fight, for now is the time.

— Anacreon, Ancient Green Poet

2. Manufacturer

Cerberus Bio-Engineering (CBE)

Type: Black-budget biotechnological contractor
Location: Deep-bore facility beneath Elysium Planitia, Mars
Affiliations: Officially none. Unofficially tied to multiple Martian intelligence splinters.
Reputation:

• Infamous within select intelligence circles for negligent ethics, unconsented trials, disappearing test subjects, and illicit substrate acquisition.
• Known to use penal population “volunteers” from the Mars Eos Crater Penal Center for early prototypes.
• Has never publicly acknowledged existence.

Chendiurian Security Directive Initiative Note

CBE rarely lets advanced prototypes off Mars. Adi’s implant is a Mk. IV+ V2.1 recombination unit—standard Mk. IV infrastructure with illegal augment modules grafted on top, suggesting back-channel acquisition through Kane’s non-governmental intermediaries. Adi's augmented reflexes combined with the multiphase quantum computer wrapped around her brain and houses AI Asteria created a combat monster with unparalleled capabilities.

3. Historical Development

Phase-I (Prior to 2855 CE)

• Early research funded by Martian Naval Special Operations.
• High mortality in animal and human baseline subjects.
• Abandoned as “biologically incompatible.”

Phase I (Viral Vector Testing):

• The initial trials used a modified retrovirus as a delivery vector. This proved too unstable, resulting in catastrophic neural misfires (i.e. violent seizures followed by death) in 78% of test subjects.

Phase-II (2860–2868 CE)

• Introduction of neuromorphic signal bridges.
• Latency reductions of 12–17% achieved.
• Marked cognitive deterioration in users; CBE suppressed reports.

Phase II (Nanite Refinement):

• CBE transitioned to a proprietary Viral Nanite cluster (VN-Cluster). These nanites are programmed to bypass the blood-brain barrier and integrate into specific glial cells (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) and postsynaptic membranes.

Phase-III (2870–2883 CE)

• Integration of nucleic-acid microchannels.
• Breakthrough: “Reflex Cascading”—the brain’s ability to execute sequences before conscious awareness.
• Considered too dangerous for deployment due to uncontrolled reflex loops.

Phase III (S-Flow V2.1 Deployment):

• The current stable version, V2.1, was finalized in 2886 CE and is now restricted to A-Tier personnel, elite mercenaries, and black-market clientele.

Phase-IV (2885–Current)

• Military-grade neural nets paired with RBW for feedback dampening.
• Mortality rate reduced from 38% to 6%.
• Mk. IV+ V2.1 “restricted” units created exclusively for black-ops programs.
• Adi’s unit is believed to be a Mk. IV+ V2.1 with experimental Martian Phase-Zero glial rewiring—a design never intended for civilians.

4. Technical Description

4.1 Architecture

The RBW suite consists of:

• Axonal myelin amplification lattices: Enhanced oligodendrocytes with tungsten-protein catalytic cofactors.
• Sympathetic and parasympathetic coupling array: Allows rapid threat-response activation without adrenal overshoot.
• Neural conduction accelerants: Nucleic-acid channels reinforced with graphene-linked microtubules.
• Motor cortex bloomware: Hyperplastic injection plates that expand neuromuscular mapping by 14–22%.
• Reflex Cascade Engine: Allows execution of trained combat motions 60–140 ms before conscious acknowledgment.

4.2 Function

Baseline human motor response latency averages 240–260 ms.

RBW Mk. IV+ V2.1 units (like Adi’s) routinely achieve 90–110 ms, with peak performance recorded at 52 ms under combat excitation.

In practice, this means:

• Adi often moves before she realizes she’s moving.
• Threat recognition systems tie directly into motor output.
• Split-second decisions become autonomic acts.

4.3 Installation Procedure

Installation is minimally invasive, requiring a single injection of the VN-Cluster solution into the vertebral artery. The nanites take approximately 48 hours to fully integrate. During this period, the subject must be kept in a controlled, sensory-deprived environment to mitigate the risk of seizure or neural rejection.

5. Performance Metrics

Field data (anonymized; believed to include Adi’s early tests):

6. Advantages

6.1 Tactical

• Near-instantaneous response to ballistic trajectories.
• Dramatically improved knife-fighting capability (noted in Adi's Myrmidon CQC).
• Enemy movement prediction becomes intuitive due to micro-signal anticipation.
• Allows multi-weapon transitions with zero fumbling latency.

6.1A Performance Enhancement Advantages

• Extreme Latency Reduction: Reduces average neural signal latency by 35-45%, translating to a reaction time far exceeding natural human capability (often in the 240 millisecond range).
• Enhanced Spatial Awareness: The modification significantly improves proprioception and the brain's ability to process rapidly changing visual/tactile input (crucial for combat/piloting).
• Motor Skill Acceleration: Allows for faster execution of complex motor sequences, making the subject highly proficient in close-quarters combat or precision tasks.

6.2 Operational

• Reduced fatigue during prolonged engagements.
• Enhanced adaptability when combined with IVR immersion training.
• Nearly impossible to ambush from close range.

6.3 Neural Net Integration

When paired with a military neural net:

• HUD motion vectors translate directly into muscle output.
• Reflex loops can be dampened—or, in Adi’s case, only partially dampened, because of illicit Security Directive Initiative modifications.
• Neural net can override runaway reflex events to prevent self-harm.

7. Drawbacks and Risks

7.1 Cognitive Desynchronization

RBW users frequently experience:

• Perceiving the world as “too slow.”
• Acting faster than they can consciously process.
• Momentary dissociation after rapid sequences.
• Potential mismatch between intent and action.

Adi is at extra risk because her stabilizers, nanites, and NARs amplify neural conduction even further.

7.1A Drawbacks and Long-Term Risks

• Synaptic Overload Syndrome (SOS): The primary and most severe risk. Constant, artificially accelerated processing speed puts immense strain on the brain's natural regulatory systems.
• Symptoms: Acute episodes are characterized by temporary catatonia, blinding migraines, and total sensory shutdown. Chronic, untreated SOS can lead to permanent cognitive decay and schizoaffective disorders.
• Reflex Decay and Dependence: The brain begins to rely on the nanite-accelerated pathways, leading to atrophy of the natural neural firing mechanism.
• Withdrawal/Deactivation: If the wetware is deactivated or fails, the subject's baseline reflexes drop to well below average human levels, leaving them effectively debilitated.
• Sensory Jitter: A common side effect where the environment appears to be perpetually in fast-forward. This makes routine, slow tasks (e.g., bureaucracy, complex verbal discussions) excruciating and often leads to impatience and violent outbursts.
• Nanite Fluctuation (The 'Hum'): Users report a persistent, low-level electronic hum or buzzing in their inner ear, which is theorized to be the VN-Clusters constantly recalibrating their position and activity. This often contributes to insomnia and heightened irritability.

7.2 Reflex Cascading Failures

If the Reflex Cascade Engine misfires:

• Muscles execute violent trained actions at inappropriate moments.
• Neural nets must forcibly interrupt the loop.
• In extreme cases, users injure bystanders despite intent.

7.3 Overheating and Metabolic Load

Higher neural throughput = higher caloric burn.

Without massive caloric intake, users risk:

• Neural net brownout
• Reflex jitter
• Motor tremors
• Temporary micro-seizures

7.4 Emotional Instability Under Stress

Accelerated limbic response can outpace rational centers.

Recorded episodes include:

• Startle-violence reflex
• Hypervigilance
• Aggressive misclassification of threats

8. Cost and Procurement

Estimated Monetary Cost (scaled to Martian black budget):

• Mk. IV+ V2.1 Unit: 2.8–5.2 million credits
• .IV+ Experimental (Adi's unit): Non-catalogued (Estimated >12 million credits; entirely off-books)

8.1 Acquisition Channels

• Direct government authorization (exceedingly rare)
• Mars naval black ops
• Intelligence cutouts
• Criminal intermediaries (extremely risky)

Adi’s unit was not acquired through any traceable channel.

BuCol Intelligence suspects it was procured via a rogue CBE engineer connected to Kane’s Chendiuria SDI network, but there is no evidence of an unaccounted for unit.

8.2 Bureau of Colonies Mandate

All installations of a CBE Reflex Booster wetware must be registered with the local Bureau of Colonies Sector Authority. The technology is classified as a "Level-A Operational Threat Hazard" due to the extreme psychological and physical risks it poses to the user and surrounding personnel.

• Mandatory Bi-Weekly Psych-Evals: Users are required to undergo comprehensive psychological evaluation to monitor for early signs of SOS or increased aggression.
• Emergency Deactivation Protocol: The Colonial Government maintains a secure, encrypted kill-switch protocol for immediate remote deactivation of the VN-Cluster in case of user compromise or unauthorized use. The resulting Reflex Decay is considered an acceptable sacrifice to neutralize a Level-A threat. (Absent from Adi's unit)

9. Compatibility Notes

Highly compatible with:

• High military grade neural nets (Mark 6+ recommended)
• Nucleic acid robots (NARs)
• Quorum-sensing nanites
• Reactive subdermal armor
• High-density haptic suits

Potentially unstable with:

• Civilian neural lacing
• Older augmentation suites
• Emotion-amplifying implants
• Stimulant-based combat drugs (can cause reflex seizures)

10. Usage Restrictions

NO-CIVILIAN DEPLOYMENT

NO-EXPORT OUTSIDE MARS

NO-INSTALLATION IN UN-AUGMENTED PERSONNEL

Failure to comply with these restrictions is punishable under:

• BuCol Special Technologies Act 72
• Mars Federation Biohazards Statute 411-E
• Treaty of Augmented Conduct, Article 12

11. Observed Aberrant Case Study — Subject Alpha-N (REDACTED)

(Strong internal indication this is Adi.)

Symptoms during early integration:

• Reflex anticipatory actions occurring 80–120 ms before visual awareness.
• Motor output triggered by HUD indicators before conscious read.
• Multiple instances of “ghost motion”: muscles beginning actions without command.
• Neural net forced to dampen eight runaway reflex loops.
• Subject reported: “Feels like the world is moving underwater.”

Recommendation:

Continue monitoring integration with nanites and nucleobots; risk of runaway cascade remains above acceptable thresholds.

12. Final Assessment

The Reflex Booster Wetware represents one of the most dangerous upgrades developed by Cerberus Bio-Engineering.

When functioning correctly, it creates a soldier who can respond faster than thought, faster than prediction, faster than most AI-assisted targeting.

But when functioning incorrectly it becomes a neurological fragmentation grenade.

Use in the field is authorized only for:

Chendiurian SDI note:

Adi’s continued survival is considered statistically improbable but tactically advantageous.