Species/Xenochimera

Introduction

Known by many names - Skinwalkers, Mimics and more - Xenochimera have lived within the cultures and societies of countless species for centuries or even multiple millenia. Capable of assuming the forms of other organic life, Xenochimera have only relatively recently been catalogued as their own species, and are viewed with mutual suspicion.

Biology

Physicality:

"In all my years of research, I've never seen active cell clusters adapt so quickly to a changing environment. I just fear whatever creature these came from, couldn't possibly be able to cope with the changes. -Doctor P. Cepheid, Department of Biology at the Mars Medical Institute

To put it bluntly, xenochimera are not conventionally designed in the slightest: an individual xenochimera is, in itself, an ever-shifting collection of highly-potent stem-cells bound to a cartilaginous skeleton, and a collection of strange (possibly self-designed) organs. These cells, named 'Roanoke', are an oddity: these cells are capable of constant regeneration with enough energy, never succumbing to age or decay as long as it's supplied with enough food. These cells are kept in control by a distributed intelligence, spread throughout the xenochimera's skeletal structure. They can't develop any larger then what their skeletons allow, with growth typically stopping at a level close to the average height of most humanoid creatures (typically between 5-6' in height).

A xenochimera has never been truly documented in it's 'default' state: very quickly, the mass of cells will determine an appearance for itself, based entirely on instinct and observation. In some cases, this leads to them adopting the forms of local fauna, before developing enough intelligence to adapt themselves into a humanoid form. This intelligence is typically earned with consumption: by consuming a sentient creature, it gains the capacity to think, achieving sapience as long as it's fed. With jelly-like flesh and it's cartilaginous skeleton, a xenochimera is capable of shaping itself into whatever design it desires for itself. Over time, a xenochimera may develop a complete understanding of it's form, allowing it to change itself how it desires. It is worth noting, though, that xenochimera seemingly lack the ability to 'copy' other sentient individuals: perhaps they can't get the fine details down right, or simply refuse to imitate someone when they're still alive. A xenochimera can mimic a species, but it can never mimic an individual, and often a xenochimera may have a host of unique 'suits' they can switch between, complete with their own personalities.

Others, however, are not so lucky: xenochimera that can't consume a sentient creature, for whatever reason, will attempt to blend into their environment, assuming the form of native flora and fauna, or even constructed objects. Many a spaceman has been surprised by trying to open a crate, only for the crate to grow razor-sharp teeth and try to open them, instead.

The organs within a xenochimera's body are just as strange as the rest of it's body: as these are designed off of instinct and necessity, they bear superficial resemblance to the organs of the species they're copying, but their functions could be wildly different. Hearts capable of both pumping blood and filtering waste, distributed air capillaries throughout its body, solid rib-cages with no openings whatsoever akin to a ossific coffin: these are only a few of the strange adaptations observed in juvenile xenochimera during autopsy.

Sapient xenochimera, conscious of their own appearance, will shape their organs to better match their host species: one would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between a heart made of flesh and muscle, and one made from pure Roanoke cells, unless you put samples from the two under a microscope.

These unique systems, however, are taxing on the xenochimera's body: they are known for having a much greater hunger than other species, paired to a naturally-high rate of metabolism. Xenochimera who lack food will preserve energy however they can: at critical points, higher-brain function will slowly drain away, rendering the xenochimera stuck in a 'feral' state until it's hunger can be sated.

The Roanoke cells themselves are extremely adaptive, but also slow to reproduce. The rate of mitosis is painfully slow. When entered into a foreign body, the Roanoke cells will attempt to defend themselves rather then assimilate: as such, an infection via Roanoke cells is akin to a bacterial infection, and can be easily treated as such.

Reproduction, however, is another matter. Multiple methods of reproduction have been observed, and much of it depends on local conditions that they must adapt to. Some will split themselves off inside the carcass of a dead creature, sentient or otherwise: the Roanoke cells with slowly devour the carrion, until there is nothing but an independent blob of living cell tissue. Among humanoids, a xenochimera may attempt to incubate their young within their non-xenochimera partners, utilizing their natural reproductive organs to provide the cells the necessary nutrients they need to develop. This method seems to have the most success in raising sentient xenochimera, as it isn't much different then raising normal humanoid children, minus the glaringly obvious. Artificial growth of Roanoke cells has led to little effectiveness: a natural host for the cells is needed for their growth to succeed.

Mentality:

Your honour. Just because they can change how they look doesn’t make them any less of a person. They have just as much humanity as anyone else. -Attorney Patricia Heathers, Advocate for Sapient Rights, speaking to the Orion Confederation Tribunal regarding the rights of Xenochimera

Due to their relative rarity, xenochimera don't tend to form large collectives of their own: instead, they'll integrate themselves into a host civilization, modifying themselves to better match the humanoids they live alongside. On the surface, xenochimera commonly share traits, personalities, and idiosyncrasies as their parent civilization. There are common threads between xenochimera, however, no matter which species they've chosen to model themselves after: distrust and suspicion are common, as they are keenly aware that most other sentients would be terrified of what they are. Needless to say, a fear of persecution is also common, all the more reason to keep up the masquerade as long as they can. Should it begin to slip, a xenochimera might try to integrate into another civilization, rapidly adapting itself to fit in as seamlessly as possible.

What's important is how a xenochimera develops this intelligence: it's not simply a matter of observing and learning, it involves the deliberate consumption of a sentient creature for them to develop an intelligence beyond the baseline. Much of it has to do with the environment they grow in: in the cramped maintenance tunnels of a space station, they may easily begin to understand and mimic humanoid psychology, but it wouldn't be as easy if they were raised alone in a forest. Either way, once they've consumed a sentient being, that sentience is passed onto them.

Which is why the prospect of going 'feral' is such a nightmarish concept for them. Whether due to stress, a lack of nutrition, or other underlying factors, a xenochimera could be driven to the point of reverting to their base instincts. In this state of mind, a xenochimera is at their most dangerous: falling back on an almost animal-like mindset, they'll use their shapeshifting abilities to their fullest extent. Twisting themselves into nightmarish forms, a feral xenochimera will adapt their body to escape the source of their stress, or consume enough nutrients to return themselves to sanity. It isn't uncommon for xenochimera in these situations to develop additional legs and elongated forms to better run, distend their jaws and devour something whole, or rip through an obstacle with bladed arms or sharp claws.

History

Origin System:

"Every world you step in will be alien to you, no matter how long you tread upon it. Remember that, and you will never be dissapointed."

To date, there is no decisive origin for the xenochimera race as a whole: Roanoke cells have been found in fossils on wildly distant worlds, inert and deprived of energy. However, none have been found in so sufficient a quantity to declare one world as a possible 'home' for them. For the time being, whatever world the xenochimera is born on is their homeworld: Moghes, Naramed, one of the Arks of O'del, even the cradle of humanity itself, Terra, are all equally valid places for a xenochimera to call 'home'.

History:

Concepts of 'skinwalkers' and 'changelings' have existed in the folklore and religious texts of many species in the galaxy, most notably humanity: the concept of an 'uncanny valley' implies that, at some point in humanity's development, there was a need to be wary of humans that didn't look quite right. Similar ideas have developed in other species across the galaxy: it's only theoretical, but it could suggets that the xenochimera species has existed for much longer then initially believed.

Xenochimera stepping into the public conscious began in 2539, in a dramatic political incident. A prominent politician, a representative for the Rebuilding Italia fund named Felicia Lucchini, was undergoing a cancer screening at the Tempe Municipal Hospital at Tempe Terra, when it was discovered that her bloodstream contained uniquely energetic and fast-reproducing cells. Initially believed to be an advanced form of her lung cancer, samples were collected and sent for analysis. The results of the analysis came as a shock to all involved: according to the report from the Martian Center for Disease Control, none of Lucchini's cells were natural. Unbeknownst to herself, Felicia Lucchini was the first xenochimera to be successfully documented by the Orion Confederation. The discovery was, understandably, kept under wraps: the Orion Confederation kept Lucchini in the hospital under the pretenses of cancer recovery, and continued to run tests and medical analysis on her for upwards of a year. She'd soon be discharged, and the results of those tests were subsequently labelled top-secret by the OCIB: a heavily redacted and edited set of reports would be sent to the TMH, indicating that Lucchini had completely recovered from her lung cancer.

To the people of the Milky way; from the sun of Sol to Epsilon Eridani, from O’del to Ahdomai, I come to you today to tell you this; I am a Xenochimera. I did not choose to be one, nor did I know myself to be one, yet I am one none-the-less. But I am still a Martian. I am still a citizen. I am still a human. The people of Mars have spoken, the Congressional Public have spoken. I will be resigning as Chancellor of the Committee. Perhaps I may be barred from politics for my lifetime, but I hope that my kind - a kind I unknowingly belong to, will be able to serve as a politician of the people in the future to come. -Felicia Lucchini, 77th Chancellor of the Martian Congressional Committee, prior to being forced to resign after being revealed as the first public Xenochimera.

In 2542, however, Lucchini was asked to privately step down from her position. Soon afterword, an anonymous whistleblower had secured the unredacted medical reports from three years prior, and discreetely leaked them to the Ocular News Network. Quickly, the Orion Confederation issued a statement regarding Felicia Lucchini's 'condition', stating that she would be investigated on charges of conspiracy and infiltration. Before such an investigation could occur, however, the Moghes Hegemony would speak out, claiming that it had also found xenochimera within their own borders. Almost conveniently timed, in a way: rumors abound that the Hegemony had not only encountered xenochimera in the past, but were actively experimenting with them. Of course, this has been heavily denied by the Hegemony. Coupled with a later announcement from the Vikara Combine and, later on, hundreds of independant clinics and hospitals throughout the Confederation, in 2543, the Orion Confederation officially classified xenochimera as a distinct species, whereas previously, they'd been treated as the symptom of an alien disease.

During the early 2500's, however, in the midst of the Syndicate Wars, reports from Nanotrasen-affiliate stations talked of 'changelings', of hostile entities capable of impersonating others. While unknown if they are related to xenochimera, the similarities were enough: as the news of changelings spread throughout the galaxy, xenochimera endured hardship and prejudice from their own governments, and those they once called friend. Many would die, murdered by overzealous vigilantes wanting to 'drive the skinwalkers out', or some otherwise speciest justification for their own crimes. The rate of registered xenochimera sharply declined at this time: during the nearly century-long conflict, it was unknown how many xenochimera existed within the Orion Confederation, as most, if not all, would simply refuse to be registered, escaping into seclusion, self-imposed exile, or anonymity.

Current Racial Status/Government:

Under OriCon rule, xenochimera are afforded the same rights, and subject ot the same laws, as any other sentient species. However, xenochimera are required to register themselves with the Confederation, and must agree to an implanted tracking beacon, an unobtrusive device implanted at the base of the spine. With this, the Orion Confederation can easily track and identify xenochimera instances, ensuring that their special needs are met. Of course, this all changes at the ground level: local governments tend to treat xenochimera with suspicion, wary of their shapeshifting powers. Corporate employers have severely limited where xenochimera may work: as part of a sweeping wave of reforms in 2566, Nanotrasen had barred xenochimera from occupying Command positions aboard their facilities, alongside vox and proteans.

In the Hegemony, however, xenochimera are treated as any citizen would be: they are expected to work and provide for the Hegemony, regardless of their 'condition'. It is unknown if the Hegemony allows xenochimera into positions of power within their own government, or if they are included among their combined-arms regiments. Rumors persist of a secret xenochimera army, bred by the Hegemony to sow terror throughout their rivals' empires, but these are simply spacer's tales.

The Vikara Combine treats xenochimera as equals, as well, but are given special dispensation to help adapt to their condition. However, registry is mandatory: unregistered xenochimera are hunted down by the Combine, and arrested: where they end up, nobody knows. Rumors of a xenochimera in one's city disappear as swiftly as they emerged, swept away by the effective propaganda of the Vikara Combine.

Obviously, xenochimera have made no significant cultural, technological, or military advancements of their very own: they are completely subject to the society they live in.

Culture

The Typical Xenochimera Experience:

It’s not easy, you know? The hunger, the suspicion… I feel like I have to prove myself every day, yet… I wouldn’t want to be anything else. I’m unique, and my ‘powers’ are unique. I embrace my lineage. -Justin Karthage, a Xenochimera crewmember with NanoTrasen

Xenochimera can take many forms depending on the genetic markers they have acquired from either their parentage or other means. Because of this, many of them often change their appearance even superficially. The experience of any one Xenochimera changes dramatically depending on where they are from, how they were raised, and the place they work at or have worked at in the past. Some areas of the galaxy are more accepting of them than others, while on the other hand there are places that hunt and ostracize them. These experiences can shape a member of their race in a myriad of ways, and one Xenochimera could be friendly and sociable, while another could be extremely introverted and wary of everyone not of their kind.

Language:

The language of a Xenochimera is typically the one of their ‘host’ species, or the society they live within.

Naming Conventions:

Xenochimera are commonly given names of their host species by either their Xenochimera or ‘Host’ parent, and follow the typical naming practices of that race. However, it is known for them to change their names once they become aware of what they are, or once they reach adulthood, these names can differ drastically from their ‘original’ species due to a desire for uniqueness and originality.

Religion:

Religion is a concept that can be deeply appealing to Xenochimera as a way to try and understand where they come from, though this can work both ways. Outside of this, the society they were raised in is a huge factor for the religion they may adopt, if any.

Relationships With Other Species:

Xenochimera require to try and intermingle with society for their own survival and the continuation of their lineage. Because of this, many of their people try to hide their identity as Xenochimera, which can lead to a great deal of strife and mutual distrust. Those Xenochimera that do present as what they really are tend to be wary of other species because of the scorn they often receive.

Species Relationship Quick Reference Chart

Species	Standing
Auril	Suspicious
Akula	Suspicious
Alarune	Suspicious
Diona	Suspicious
Dremachir	Suspicious
Humanity	Suspicious
Phoronids	Suspicious
Shade-Kin	Suspicious
Skrell	Suspicious
Tajaran	Suspicious
Teshari	Suspicious
Unathi	Suspicious
Vox	Suspicious
Xenohybrids	Suspicious

Rumors and Speculation:

Xenochimera run a secret society that controls governments and positions of power from the shadows, to the point of ‘replacing’ senior officials with their powers of disguise.

Xenochimera have no soul.

Can Xenochimera really have ‘humanity’?

Xenochimera were created artificially.

OOC Notes

Role Bans

Xenochimera cannot play as the specified roles:

• Command/Head Roles
• Security
• Exploration

Etiquette Guide for Xenochimera:

One Xenochimera can act vastly different to another, based on how they were raised and what kind of life they’ve lived. As a general rule of thumb, they are typically introverted and suspicious of most people, but this is not always the case.

The most important thing to remember is that Xenochimera are not aggressive when they are hungry enough to become feral. They are skittish and fearful, and are likely to run away from a confrontation, not start a brawl for food.

Galactic Species
Common Species	Humans, Synthetics, Skrell, Tajara, Teshari, Unathi
Uncommon Species	Akula, Alraune, Auril, Dremachir, Naramadi, Zaddat, Dnin-Nepids
Whitelisted Species	Adherent, Dionea, Phoronids, Proteans, Shadekin, Vox, Xenochimera, Xenohybrids
Misc Species & Data	Minor Races, Scori, Changelings