UFOpedia/Alien Data
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The following wiki is special access, controlled information for the benefit of members of Field Team US/SAM/5 of X-Com International, and all specially cleared subsidiaries and sub-contractors, as well as Tier I funding governments. All information should be treated as classified and not for distribution unless given specific written permission from X-Com Headquarters.
General Information
The Alien Hierarchy
Interrogations of captured extraterrestrials indicate that there is a definite hierarchy amongst the aliens. At the top of this structure is something referred to “The Elder”, or “The God”, as there doesn’t appear to be a direct translation of the word into an Earth language. This entity directs the actions of the aliens as a whole, and directs the conduct of the war through its priesthood.
The Elder’s edicts and directions are then passed down to various “Khans”. These khans are autonomous warlords and rulers who exercise direct control over their forces. It’s unclear as to how one becomes a khan, but what is known is that most aliens of this rank are ethereals, though apparently there are a few sectoid khans as well. While khans cooperate in the general sense, there is no direct cooperation between their forces, and they appear to be unable to conduct joint operations.
Beneath the khans are an array of sub-khans who serve as a sort of aristocracy for the khan, and fleet commanders who are their chief military commanders. The ranks of sub-khan are dominated by ethereals while sectoids make up the bulk of fleet commanders. The rest of the alien species seem unable to enter these higher levels of the hierarchy, and are relegated to more menial rolls though they seem to be able to become captain of smaller ships.
Alien Origins
The history of the alien Horde stretches back to before the dawn of man. From the analysts’ best estimations, the creation of “The Elder” by the Ethereals on their homeworld marked their transition to a pseudo-theocratic and warlike society bent on bringing all sentient life under their, and The Elder’s sway. Sometime in the century that followed, the Ethereals were able to partially subjugate the occupants of their planet’s nearest neighbor, the Sectoids, into their society thus gaining a measure of control over the Sectoids’ incredible technological capabilities and allowing them to spread beyond their own star system.
From there the Horde began to fan out from its native system into nearby star systems looking for more species to assimilate. Additionally, scouts were sent out far and wide throughout the Milky Way to identify planets that demonstrated the potential for sentient life to develop so they could be marked for visitation in the future. It is believed that the Horde discovered Earth sometime during the Triassic time period. Currently, the Horde is estimated to control approximately 300 star systems and some 2300 sentient, or semi-sentient, species.
Alien Ranks
While not as in-depth as terrestrial military ranking structures, the alien hierarchy has a defined set of ranks and insignia to mark and delineate the position and authority of aliens inside it. Below the top tier members of khan, sub-khan, and fleet commander, there are believed to be two parallel ranking structures: fleet ranks and troop ranks.
Fleet ranks are used for aliens who serve as the crews on larger ships. Analysts believe that Aliens in this track are not experienced in ground combat operations and can only act in self-defense if shot down or ambushed during a non-combat mission.
Troop ranks are used for the ground combat element of the alien hierarchy. These extraterrestrials are trained in conducting offensive ground operations to include terror attacks like the Battles of Memphis, Munich, and Singapore.
In addition to their rank insignia, qualified aliens will also wear specialist devices to denote special training or qualifications they possess. Analysts believe that specialist aliens offer prime capture targets for the information they may be able to provide X-Com intelligence.
Racial Tensions
Based on information gained from captured aliens, it is clear that there is a significant amount of racial instability within the alien Horde. The primary cleavage is between the Ethereals and the Sectoids, who both believe they are the superior species. The Ethereals base this belief on the scope of the psionic powers they wield, and on the fact that they created The Elder and were able to defeat the Sectoids millennia ago. The Sectoids believe that they are the source of the Horde’s success as they are the creators of the vast majority of the technology that has lead them this far. They also feel that their own psionic potential is on par with that of the Ethereals, and they have a stronger genetic code based on thousands of years of engineering and refinement.
The most common manifestation of this tension is intra-khanate where the two species vie for the loyalty of the various species that make up that khanate. The Ethereal khans do this to shore up their position against their Sectoid subordinates, and the Sectoids do it in the hopes that they will be able to overthrow the khan and claim another khanate for their species.
During wartime the two species normally set aside their differences while conducting operations, but apparently conflicts still occur. This is particularly true at the inter-khanate level were Ethereal and Sectoid khans will not support one another’s operations, or allow their opponent to be defeated by a planet’s resistance thus weakening their position.
Alien Technology
Alien Alloys
The aliens have produced a number of very novel alloys for use in their technology. Most fall into the category of bulk metallic glasses which allows the extraterrestrials to rapidly produce a wide array of shapes and forms in an industrial setting. These alloys have high strength, low thermal conductivity, and are highly resistant to plastic deformation as well as being light weight, making them perfect for spaceflight and ballistic armor applications. Like terrestrial metallic glasses, they are primarily made of zirconium but silicon, aluminum, titanium, and zinc are all common components as well.
Elerium
Formerly known as Ununpentium (Uup), the IUPAC has recently agreed to rename the element Elerium in honor of Dr. Joseph Eler who was the first to extensively study it at the X-Com Center for Materials Science at the University of California in Berkley California. It serves as the primary energy source for nearly every piece of alien technology yet discovered.
As a super heavy element, Elerium was previously thought to be extremely unstable which is why Dr. Eler devoted so much energy into studying it once he determined what the black stones actually were. Further study revealed the compound to be the isotope 238El which had previously never been isolated, even in laboratory conditions, and is currently far beyond our ability to create. This discovery of an additional peak in the Islands of Stability has had profound implications in the field of high-energy materials.
Elerium appears to be stable at most normal temperatures and pressures, and has physical properties in line with what is expected of a 7p element. What is significant, however, is that when 238El is exposed to a beta emission source it undergoes electron capture into element 116, ununhexium (more specifically 310Uuh), which is highly unstable and undergoes self-fission. Therefore the rate of energy release is directly proportional to Elerium's rate of beta exposure which allows for very fine control and makes it suitable as a power source for multiple applications.
Genetic Engineering
Evidence shows that the extraterrestrials possess extremely advanced genetic engineering capabilities. This has allowed the aliens to both enhance existing species as well as to create extremely lethal specimens such as Chrysallids, Mutons, and Reapers. The aliens are able to extract genetic samples from abduction victims and incorporate them into their genetic library and expanding the capabilities of future generations of aliens. It is assumed that abduction missions occur very early in any alien incursion in a new star system as it allows them to engineer aliens able to survive in that system’s climates.
Mostly developed by the Sectoids, the extraterrestrials are almost wholly dependent on genetic engineering for their survival at this point in their evolution. Based on growing body of autopsy data, it is extremely unlikely that that the aliens would be able to reproduce naturally as have either critically underdeveloped reproductive organs, or have no discernable reproductive organs at all. Analysts have concluded that the destruction of any large scale genetic engineering facilities will have severe impacts on the extraterrestrials’ ability to conduct sustained combat operations.
Hyperwave Technology
The aliens have had great success in intercepting and deciphering even the most secure terrestrial communications. They have been able to capitalize on the little understood “observer effect” of quantum mechanics. Simply put, the very act of using a communications system has previously imperceptible effects on the resulting wavestates of the electrons travelling through the system, and the emitted electromagnetic field from the antenna. These are known as hyperwave states. These hyperwave states carry information in parallel with the intended communications, and generally contain the surface thoughts of the individual sending the message.
The aliens are able to detect these hyperwaves, which normally consist of a summation of whatever message the communicator was sending, by running any intercepted communications through a synthetic brain built from the genetic material of whatever species’ communications they are trying to intercept. This allows the aliens to circumvent whatever encryption is in place and extract the message contents
Plasma Weaponry
Recent laboratory data has recently confirmed what many have suspected: alien weapons are plasma based. Thanks to the continued work of Dr. Eler, and his team, X-Com has finally been able to understand the mechanism behind these devastating weapons, allowing the company to use recovered samples as well as build and develop new uses for the technology.
Plasma cartridges consist of small pellets of Elerium cased with slugs of Thallium. The weapons themselves contain an “exciter” of Strontium-90 (90Sr). When activated, the weapon exposes the Elerium of a plasma cartridge to the beta emission of the exciter which causes the Elerium to begin self-fission. This rapid release of energy converts the Thallium slug in the cartridges to its characteristic bright green plasma. The excess energy from the Elerium reaction powers a series of electromagnets which contain the plasma bolt while it forms, and eventually fire it down the barrel.
UFO Propulsion
Like almost all alien technology, UFO propulsion is powered by Elerium. The engines of these craft appear to be extremely advanced plasma propulsion engines which use the energy released by Elerium self-fission to convert bulk heavy elements into plasma which they magnetically eject from the craft.
While terrestrial plasma engines are less powerful than traditional rocket engines, the alien models are extremely powerful. Based on the limited testing conducted so far, a medium UFO with a four engine configuration has a top speed of near 0.005% c, which is approximately 33,333 mph, or twice as fast as the fastest earth spacecraft.
Alien Life Forms
Chryssalid
Scientific Name: Alienus Insecta Horrificus
Aliases: Roach
Autopsy Data: This insect like alien has only been documented during alien terror missions. Its biology is similar to that of terrestrial insects only on a much larger, and more rugged scale. However, the most notable characteristic of this species is its method of attack. The chryssalid seeks to bite it’s victims with its large mandibles, and implant an egg inside their abdominal cavity via an oral appendage leading to the creature’s large internal egg sac. While a precise developmental timeline of chryssalid eggs is unknown, what is known is that very shortly after implantation the victim loses all control over motor functions while the juvenile chryssalid matures. These so called “zombies” are very aggressive, and will attack nearby humans. It is unclear if this is simply a side effect of the implantation, or if the chryssalid can actually exert some form of control over the victim. Once a victim has reached this stage, there is no known cure. If a zombie is killed the juvenile chryssalid will emerge.
It is also unclear how the alien commanders control deployed chryssalids, as they seem to have only animal intelligence. Analysis of the telomeres of recovered specimens shows that they are very short, which sets a maximum ceiling on the amount of generations that may be derived from a given chryssalid. This may very well be a genetic failsafe added by the aliens to prevent a “rogue” chryssalid from posing a threat.
The chryssalid’s exoskeleton is very hard and thick, which can pose a threat to personnel using conventional weapons. However, reports from the field indicate that thermobaric and incendiary weapons are extremely effective, and may prevent juvenile chryssalids from emerging from an implanted host.
Species Summary: Unavailable at this time. Pending capture of a live specimen.
Cyberdisc
Scientific Name: Not Applicable
Aliases: None known
Engineering Data: This miniature flying saucer is an automated terror weapon armed with a powerful gattling style plasma weapon. Its anti-gravity propulsion system is similar to that of a floater, and gives the disc a distinct advantage in difficult terrain. The cyberdisc is well armored, and is particularly good at withstanding explosives. This specimen’s anti-gravity system is too badly damaged to gain any understanding of its function.
Based on both reports from the field, and this study, it is clear that these devices are devastating foes. Cyberdiscs have a uniform exterior, and well shielded vital systems. There are no specific weak spots in its armor, instead X-Com personnel should simply focus fire until the disc is brought down. The device’s self-destruct mechanism is similar in power and lethal area to a plasma grenade. Personnel should remain at least 18 yards away from a cyberdisc at all times.
Functional Summary: Unavailable at this time. Pending capture of a functional specimen.
Ethereal
Scientific Name: Alienus Homo Mentalis
Aliases: None
Autopsy Data: This being is physically retarded and seems incapable of sustaining any life functions. The muscles are severely atrophied and the internal organs appear to be under-developed. The sensory organs, including the eyes, do not appear to function at all. The brain, however, is well developed and draws on a high proportion of the body's blood supply.
The psionic faculties of this species are the only explanation as to how it sustains normal physical functions. It must either be able to subsist on lower levels of body function, or be able to augment their organ function above what seems physically possible.
Species Summary: This species has awesome mental powers which allow for telepathic communication and telekinetic abilities. The apparently weak physical abilities of these extraterrestrial are sustained by its mental powers. We do not understand how these telekinetic powers work, since they seem to defy the laws of physics as we know them.
It is clear that Ethereals are the dominant species in the extraterrestrial hierarchy. They are highly intelligent, cunning, and ruthless. This, combined with their psychic abilities makes them extremely dangerous. Reports from the field indicate that they are able to possess humans and control their actions in addition to manipulating emotional and physiological responses.
Floater
Scientific Name: Alienus Homo Volatilis
Aliases: None known
Autopsy Data: These specimens have been drastically altered by surgery. There has been some sort anti-gravity and life support device grafted throughout its body and has replaced nearly all of its internal organs. In theory, this device could enable the species to survive in extremely hostile environments. The brain is smaller than a human's, but the sensory organs are well developed and are most likely very acute. Its body appears to have similar biological tolerances as that of a human, and the life support device is well armored. Recent reports from the field reveal that this species' acute senses are vulnerable to extremely high powered stimuli such as M84 Flashbangs.
Species Summary: Unavailable at this time. Pending capture of a live specimen.
Muton
Scientific Name: Alienus Homo Fortis
Aliases: Nordic, Hulks
Autopsy Data: DNA sequencing revealed that this species is 97% genetically identical to humans, with the final 3% being of extraterrestrial origin. It is unclear if the extraterrestrial portion is taken from some other alien species, making this creature a chimera of sorts, or if it was engineered and added to the human DNA.
An examination of the remains revealed that they also contained heavy cybernetic modification, and that there were no apparent reproductive organs. This report concludes that this species is created for war and most likely is some sort of shock troop.
Species Summary: Unavailable at this time. Pending capture of a live specimen.
Reaper
Scientific Name: Alienus Ursus Horribilis
Aliases: Bear
Autopsy Data: DNA sequencing revealed that this species is 98% genetically identical to terrestrial grizzly bears, with the final 2% being of extraterrestrial origin. It is unclear if the extraterrestrial portion is taken from some other alien species, making this creature a chimera of sorts, or if it was engineered and added to the bear DNA.
Not much more could be determined due to the condition of the remains received, however based on field reports it is postulated that these creatures are extremely sensitive to fire based or incendiary weapons.
Species Summary: Unavailable at this time. Pending capture of a live specimen.
Sectoid
Scientific Name: Alienus Caput Magnus
Aliases: Grey
Autopsy Data: The autopsy reveals vestigial digestive organs and a simple structure. The brain and eyes are very well developed. The structure suggests genetic alteration or mutation. The small mouth and nose appear to have little function. The webbing between the fingers and the flat feet suggest aquatic origins. There are no reproductive organs and no clues as to how this species can reproduce. They are most probably a genetically engineered species.
Its body appears to have similar biological tolerances as that of a human. Thus there are no special weapon or tactical recommendations for this species.
Species Summary: The Sectoid race runs the gamut of the alien hierarchy including khan. They are an extremely intelligent race and are responsible for the invention and creation of the vast majority of alien technology. Extraordinary specimens can manifest psionic abilities like their chief rivals, the Ethereals.
It’s impossible to know what the Sectoids' original biological traits were as they have so heavily modified their own genetic code over millennia. It is not even possible for them to reproduce naturally at this point and they are wholly dependent on cloning and genetic engineering to continue the species. They use abduction to extract genetic material to add to their species so that they can thrive on new planets and to increase their overall viability.
There appears to be a deep seated dislike and mistrust of Ethereals by the Sectoids and the two bicker and compete for position in the hierarchy and the favor of “The Elder”. Some sectoids have noted that in times of relative peace and slow expansion, Ethereal and Sectoid khans have gone so far as to wage war on one another.
Sectopod
Scientific Name: Not Applicable
Aliases: Mech, Bot
Engineering Data: This massive robot is the pinnacle of alien terror units. Weighing in at close to one ton, the Sectopod is a highly lethal killing machine which is nearly as effective in combat as a small fire team. It is armed with two installed ADF3 Heavy Plasmas which it can fire with punishing accuracy. Its heavy armor is highly resistant to other plasma weapons which implies that the Sectopod may serve an internal security function as well.
However, tests have revealed that this plasma resistant armor is highly vulnerable to X-Com laser weapons. It is recommended that combat teams continue to bring laser weapons with them into the field in case they encounter a Sectopod.
Functional Summary: Unavailable at this time. Pending capture of a functional specimen.
Snakeman
Scientific Name: Alienus Homo Serpens
Aliases: Reptiloid, Reptile Alien, Lizard Man
Autopsy Data: The autopsy confirms reports from the field that the skin is extremely tough and heat resistant. Additionally, the cardio-vascular system is part of the muscular system which uses the hydraulic principle to create motion. The only true muscle is the heart which takes up approximately 30% of the thoracic cavity. The reproductive system appears to be very efficient. Reproduction is asexual, with each snakeman carrying up to fifty eggs inside its body at any one time. It is the assessment of this team that, if left to its own devices, this species would be a severe threat to life on earth.
With its extreme toughness, and lack of traditional musculature, it is recommended that soldiers in the field aim for the head and neck. If the target is unarmored, center of mass shots have a good chance of hitting the heart and would also be very effective. Additionally, field reports indicate that certain members of this species exhibit chameleon like abilities which allow them to nearly perfectly blend in with their surroundings. Personnel should use alternative sensors when there is a possibility of encountering this species.
Species Summary: Unavailable at this time. Pending capture of a live specimen.
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