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An Elite Pirate created during Project Helix
Project Helix is the codename Space Pirates give a program that involves fusing Phazon with Space Pirate DNA in Metroid Prime. Based on previous experiments with Phazon, the Space Pirates believe that they are now ready to combine the element with their DNA. Based on their studies, the Space Pirates believe that with the help of Phazon, they can create radical new Pirate genomes. However, benevolent mutation levels are high in current test subjects and "Phazon madness" is a concern, though they conclude refinements in the infusion process should reduce the odds of mental degeneration.[1]
Beginnings[]
The initial experiments are with Space Pirate embryos. The Space Pirates hope to create what they term 'Elite Pirates' by infusing Phazon into their genome. Early results ended in failure; subjects had damaged brain tissue, making the few who survived their infancy erratic and extremely aggressive in their behavior, killing all they came into contact with. However, the sharp increase in muscle mass made the start of Project Helix somewhat of a success.[2]
Breakthrough[]
Eventually, research conducted by team Sclera makes a breakthrough, in which Parasite studies with a Phazon strain codenamed 'Vertigo' are very successful. The Space Pirates then fuse Vertigo Phazon with Space Pirate DNA with great success. Elite Pirates begin to reach maturity and become ready for field testing and training.[2]
As their experiments continue, the Space Pirates believe that Elite Pirates will be the key to obtaining dominance over their enemies. This assumption is based on their resistance to damage and their ability to transport and wield many weapons at once, not on active field testing. Although acknowledging that their slow speed will be a drawback, Science Team still believes Elite Pirates will be superior to enemy units. With a platoon of Phazon Elites augmenting the main army, the Space Pirates believe they will have unstoppable ground forces.[3] Additionally, one particular Elite Pirate, Elite Pirate Upsilon, was noted to have a much higher tolerance for Phazon than its peers. Due to this, it was infused with Phazon levels far beyond what is allowed by the safety regulations, leading to Upsilon being redubbed the Omega Pirate and heralded as the zenith of Project Helix.
Destruction[]
Once Samus Aran lands on Tallon IV and halts the Space Pirate operations on the planet, the project is cancelled or postponed due to the obliteration of the labs in the Phendrana Drifts and the Phazon Mines, as well as the loss of most test subjects.
Possible Revival[]
Although it is never directly stated as such, the appearance of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption's heavily Phazon-infused supersoldiers known as Berserker Lords and Berserker Knights in the Space Pirate armies suggest that Project Helix has been restarted, or its studies are incorporated into another program. However, it seems that the Space Pirate scientists are never able to eliminate the degradation in mental abilities, as the Berserkers are seen to attack and throw other Pirates at enemies in battle. This rather unappealing tendency of friendly fire in the thick of battle is most likely the reason why so few are deployed for combat during the course of the game's events.
On the other hand, the Berserkers are never given technological enhancements (such as plasma cannons or cloaking devices), and are noticeably weaker than the Elite Pirates and Omega Pirate. This may be the result of a lack of funding, as well as support for the project, and/or because important research data and equipment on Tallon IV have been destroyed by Samus Aran.
References[]
- ^ Space Pirate Data "Phazon Infusion": Confidence is high regarding Phazon applications. We know enough about Phazon now to begin combining it with Space Pirate DNA. The code name for this venture will be 'Project Helix'. Preliminary studies indicate that Phazon infusion could produce radical new Pirate genomes. Benevolent mutation levels are high in current test subjects. Phazon madness is a concern, but refinements in the infusion process should reduce or neutralize the odds of mental degeneration. Retro Studios. Metroid Prime. Nintendo. English. 2002-11-15.
- ^ a b Space Pirate Data "Elite Pirates": Initial Project Helix experiments with Space Pirate embryos were disastrous. The Phazon-infusion process degenerated brain tissue even as it augmented muscle mass. None of what we have termed 'Elite Pirates' lived to maturity: the few that survived their infanthood suffered severe psychotic breakdowns as juveniles, killing anything within their zone of perception. Research from team Sclera made a recent breakthrough, in which parasite studies with a Phazon strain code-named 'Vertigo' were highly successful. Since then, we have fused Vertigo Phazon with Space Pirate DNA with great success. The latest batch of Elite Pirates have reached maturity successfully and are ready for field testing and training. Retro Studios. Metroid Prime. Nintendo. English. 2002-11-15.
- ^ Space Pirate Data "Special Forces": As we continue to observe the development of Project Helix's Elite Pirates, it becomes increasingly obvious that these warriors will usher in a new era of Space Pirate dominance. They are incredibly resistant to damage, and their ability to transport and wield so many weapons at once makes them the ideal mainstays of our ground forces. Though they are not as quick as typical Pirates, it makes little difference. With a platoon of Phazon Elite Pirates in the vanguard of an army of normal and Flying Pirates, we will have a near-indestructible backbone that should turn the tide in any engagement. Retro Studios. Metroid Prime. Nintendo. English. 2002-11-15.