AEP-439 (Photograph taken by On-Site Research Team)
Item ID: AEP-439
Enclosure Designation: Noctis
Threat Classification: PATH-04
Adaptive Enclosure Protocols: All areas found to contain instances of AEP-439 are to be quarantined and searched by an ART detachment with an armored hazmat suit to deal with instances of AEP-439-1. All AEP-439 fungal growths found are to be destroyed with fluoroantimonic acid immediately. All people found within 25 miles of AEP-439 are to be detained temporarily for 2 days to ensure they have not become infected. All instances of AEP-439-1 are to be left to self-terminate, except when interfering with Association Personnel. Any room containing AEP-439 or 439-1 is to be cleaned immediately after of Class-T personnel.
Description: AEP-439 is a fungal derivative of ophiocordyceps unilateralis that spreads through salivary and blood contact between humans. Upon entering the human body, AEP-439 will begin to feed off of the host, spreading rapidly throughout the body and intertwining itself into the brain stem. After anywhere from 10 minutes to 12 hours, the subject's brain will lose control of the body, and AEP-439 will begin stimulating the nervous system to move the subject. The subject is to be officially considered brain-dead from this point forward and is now an instance of AEP-439-1.
Due to the lack of human qualities, AEP-439-1 does not tire, making it able to outrun a human easily. They are easily stronger than any human, and will attempt to spread the fungus via blood contact. AEP-439-1 will expire after approximately three days, as all instances of AEP-439-1 show no will to self-preserve, and will die from dehydration. Soon before AEP-439-1 expires, spores from AEP-439 will explode from the body, and AEP-439 becomes locally airborne.
It was first discovered in Southern Brazil after the Federal Department of Paranormal Investigation responded to a report sent from local authorities. A.R.T. Tango-II responded soon after, and discovered both AEP-439 and hundreds of instances of AEP-439-1, as well as the remains of the FDPI agents. ART Tango-II attempted to neutralize the threat, but were quickly overrun. Nearby teams Psi-II, III, and IV responded and neutralized the threat immediately.
Value assessment: This fungus must be exterminated immediately before it somehow evolves to be completely airborne. Sample-array dating leads us to believe that this fungus is multiple thousands of years old, and only now chose to attack humanity. Why? Doesn’t matter. Kill it dead. -Dr Branton