Glossary

A germ, or pathogen, such as a bacteria or virus, whose presence and actions can be harmful to the health of the BioCosmos. The spread of a microbe within the BioCosmos can lead to a disease and ill health.

The study of microscopic life forms such as cells, viruses and bacteria. Marcus Hawking is an accomplished microbiologist.

The NKC’s are the Immune System’s most feared and stealthiest BioWarriors, gifted with sensors that allow them to locate infected BioWarrior and tissue cells alike, no matter how well-hidden. Their cytotoxic blasts reduce corrupted cells to organic debris that is reclaimed by the BioCosmos. They are often called the “Silent Killers” by their BioWarrior comrades both because of their ability to arrive at a battlefield without warning and their aloofness.

The mammoth super highway through which messenger nerve cells travel, carrying information from one sector of the Cosmos to another at the speed of thought. Every thought, conscious and unconscious, travels through this endless array of the neural highway.

A highly advanced, tiny mechanism attached to the base of the spine of The Combine agents that enables commanding officers to transmit signals directly to their nervous systems.

A cell that has broken its natural imposed limitations and gains access to its entire genetic code. This is dangerous as the mutated cell can call up the genetic powers of any other cell, become almost all powerful, and nearly unstoppable. The Omni-cell poses an even greater threat because of its ability to genetically warp other cells, turning them into zombie-like slaves.

A life form, a living creature that can replicate. Organisms may be nomadic like bacteria, or may work together like cells comprising the whole of the BioCosmos. Viruses are the only creatures not to be classified as organisms as they are purely bred for destruction. They cannot reproduce without destroying another life form.

Invasive organisms, such as bacteria, viruses and worms, that take sustenance from the bodies of other living creatures. They can be harmless, but many are threatening to their hosts—as Raze, Viron, and Tenzor are to the BioCosmos of Alex Hawking’s body.

An infectious life form that infiltrates the BioComos from The Beyond and begins to replicate and spread. Gram negative bacteria and viruses are both pathogens as their presence is a menace and a poison to the health of the BioCosmos.

Leader of the Macrophage Corps, the Universe’s deadliest defenders. A legend in his own right, he often finds himself caught between reining in Scathe and harnessing his skills. Like other members of his Corps, he can fire chemical heat blasts, pull enemies into his acid-filled abdominal cavity with his tentacles, and grow to greater size and strength in preparation for battle.

Tentacle-like arms used by bacteria to transfer their genetic material to a weaker strain. Upon the transfer of the genetic material, the weaker strain undergoes immediate transformation, mutating into a more powerful and infectious bacteria.

A disease that becomes widespread and which has a high mortality rate among its victims. One example is The Black Death, which took millions of lives during the Dark Ages. Some believe it eventually gave rise to the Renaissance—and it is this cruel dynamic that The Combine wishes to reenact.

Clear-colored fluid which runs through the many corridors of the BioCosmos.

Severe pathogen invasion of the thoracic region causing damage to the lungs. It can be fatal if not treated swiftly and effectively.

The process by which the BioCosmos utilizes the remains of the defeated, whether that of microbes destroyed by the Immune System, or BioWarriors themselves. In this manner, nothing goes to waste—life and death are a continuous cycle that only ends with The Eternal Darkness.