Chapter 63

In an unknown place in the United States, there exists a building. Deep within that building existed a desk, and within that desk were documents. Documents that outlined and detailed certain experiments.

These experiments are nothing more but words on a piece of paper wedged in-between files. But even still, the knowledge they hold is at least illuminating for some. Thought provoking to others, and controversial to most.

This is one such file.

File Three: Project Ichor

Test Subject One Notes:

Test Subject One, or TS-1, meets the age parameters. Physical condition is below optimal parameters. TS-1 is of average height according to their age and gender. TS-1 is female with short brown hair and green eyes.

TS-1 has no combat experience. Likely due to illness.

TS-1 suffers from Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as Brittle Bone disease. This is likely also the reason that her physical condition is below average standards.

TS-1 is calm. Soft spoken. Wearing a small smile everywhere she goes. Despite her illness, she seems quite well mentally. (Not sure if their general disposition or mental wellbeing should be noted, but I’ve decided to play it safe for now. Will remove later if it becomes redundant.)

TS-1 has joined the project in order to cure her Osteogenesis Imperfecta. She has been made aware of the risks involved with the experiment and the possible outcome that her disease might not even be cured.

TS-1 has inquired as to the likelihood that upon success, if the experiment would treat her illness. To which she was answered with the truth. That being very likely.

But only if she survives.

TS-1 offered her thanks for responding to her question. Despite her obvious skepticism, she seemed all too willing to jump in the project at hand.

Experiment: Injecting TS-1 with a small dosage of [REDACTED] directly into her bloodstream.

(In case of any leaks, I’ve decided to call it Ichor for now.)

Result: Immediate loss of consciousness. Subject became deceased within seconds.

(Unfortunate, but not entirely unexpected. If I hadn’t considered this to be a possibility, I wouldn’t have started these tests.)

TS-1’s blood had a normal color, but the contents of which had a similar acidic level almost equivalent to battery acid.

(A possible connection?)

Test Subject Two Notes:

Test Subject Two, or TS-2 exceeds age parameters by a wide margin. TS-2’s physical condition also exceeds parameters. TS-2’s height is slightly below the average for their age and gender. TS-2 is male, bald, and has blue eyes.

(Hair apparently used to be black. This matches up with their eyebrows. Only noting this just in case.)

TS-2 has a decent amount of combat experience. Three years of military training before being dishonorably discharged.

TS-2 has no apparent illnesses, besides a small case of gingivitis.

TS-2 has a below average mental state. TS-2 has shown to be quite nervous and paranoid. Shows obvious apprehension about testing. Asks a lot of questions, but doesn’t appear to be actually interested in the experiment itself.

TS-2 has complained about his living conditions. An example given was that his amenities were too small.

(A fair point. The beds were made for those who actually fit the age parameters, after all. If he survives testing, I will perhaps upgrade his amenities to a suitable size.)

TS-2 has joined the project for money. Apparently, they have an outstanding debt that needs to be paid back in Gotham.

As TS-2 approached the testing chambers, they became increasingly agitated and stated that this wasn’t a part of the deal. Which was an obviously false claim. Despite this, the subject still went on with the experiment willingly. Though they needed several minutes of persuasion to get into the chair.

Experiment: Injecting TS-2 with a small dosage of Ichor directly into his bloodstream.

Result: Subject complained of feeling uncomfortable for a minute before experiencing brief pain that quickly faded. Subject likely suffered some severe nerve damage, as his body began to melt into a puddle on the floor. His skin and blood mixing into a type of slurry on the ground.

Unlike TS-1, TS-2 was also highly toxic. Forcing everyone to leave the premises for safety until it was cleaned up.

(The entire reason someone this old was chosen for this project was to serve as a sort of stress test. If not even a fully grown adult male who’s decently healthy can endure the Ichor, what odds does everyone else even have?)

(The dosage has to be lowered. And perhaps delivered into a different form that’s not just straight injecting it into the bloodstream?)

Test Subject Three Notes:

Test Subject Three, or TS-3, is slightly below age parameters. Their physical condition is above average. Their height is average for their age and gender. TS-3 is male, has black hair, and hazel eyes.

TS-3 has a bit of combat experience. Was an orphan on the streets of Gotham.

TS-3 is HIV positive.

TS-3 is quiet, and afraid. Their mental state isn’t in the best of places. Upon walking into the test chambers, they started to tear up. Likely thinking they were going to die.

(It seems that the general consensus for the other test subjects is that being sent here is a death sentence. Likely because TS-1 and TS-2 didn’t come back to their living quarters.)

TS-3 wishes to cure their illness, and thus has joined the project. Citing that they do not wish to pass it on to anyone else.

Experiment: Ichor was distilled into a pill form, which was taken by TS-3.

Result: TS-3 got a minute boost in energy, strength, and speed. Causing TS-3’s mood to improve as they ran around the testing chamber. After several minutes, the pills effects wore off from their bloodstream, leaving them extremely drained and tired. Far more than what was expected.

Subject did not suffer any further ill effects and was escorted back.

(The effects were small and negligible. It lasted for a short period of time, and it had an exaggerated drawback. Even still, this proves three things.

One, as expected, the Ichor can be used to help others as thought.

Two, it seems that trying to find other ways to distribute the Ichor into the blood is the correct call and opens up different avenues to explore.

Three, I can apparently create some sort of ‘Super Pill’ now. Though it definitely needs to be refined if I want it to not only stick, but actually be useful.)

Test Subject Four notes:

Test Subject Four, or TS-4 meets age parameters. They are in average physical condition. Their height is slightly above average for their gender and age. TS-4 is male. Brown hair. Blue eyes.

Test Subject has no combat experience to speak of. Despite citing two apparent school fights.

(…uh…okay?)

TS-4 has Polstcystic Kidney Disease (PKD).

(A genetic disease which causes cysts to grow overtime on Kidneys and disables them. Noted this due to reasons down below.)

TS-4 is quiet and broody, though has an obvious sort of curiosity about them. Given how they look around the room as well as the tools inside. They seem rather normal mentally.

TS-4 joined the project not only to cure their PKD, but their mothers PKD as well. Who apparently only discovered it after it had gotten worse.

(Wasn’t sure how to respond to someone who might want to cure others outside the experiment. Though I settled on the truth, that being it needs to be tested thoroughly before it’s distributed to the public.…If I even get through testing, at least.)

Experiment: Ichor distilled into a perfume bottle is sprayed onto the subject.

Result: Subject notes discomfort in the area sprayed, and indeed it seems to have developed a slight rash. Despite the subject scratching at it, it wasn’t actually itchy. After half an hour, the rash and discomfort went away.

(Well. That was a colossal waste of time. What other ways of administering medicine even are there? Shoving Ichor up their nose? Their ass?
I might need to get creative.)

Test Subject Five Notes:

Test Subject Five, or TS-5 meets age parameters, though pretty close to becoming above average. They are in decent physical condition, sans a few bruises. Their height is slightly below average for their gender and age. TS-5 is female. Blonde hair. Green eyes.

Test Subject has an interesting degree of combat experience. Her family apparently prided itself on their ability to be of use in any situation. Which includes a small amount of combat training.

(She’s British, from Wales specifically. The way she talks about her family is…odd. Very lovingly and kind, but refers to them as…almost like a commodity? Possible problem with her mental health? Whatever it is, it sparks my curiosity at the very least.)

TS-5 has Hepatitis B.

(No vaccine? Asking for medical records from any subject is a pipe dream, but even still. I find myself interested in what I might find. Or maybe they just forgot.)

TS-5 is rather calm and composed, but occasionally rubbing her arms in discomfort. Due to how well she’s taken care of her hygiene and her politely asking for hygiene related products for not only herself but the other subjects, it would seem that she’s more familiar with a high standard of living.

(Due to the posh way she speaks, I believe her family might have been on the richer side. But considering she’s here of all places…well, it says it all, doesn’t it?)

TS-5 joined the project for money, as well as to cure her illness. Apparently, she came to Gotham to find her grandfather. Unfortunately, she quickly ran out of funds and had to take up rather unsavory jobs for living expenses. Thus, explaining how she contracted her illness.

Experiment: Ichor is embedded into her epidermis near the ribs.

(Not unlike a tattoo. Okay…I was running out of ideas. Sue me. I at least made it look nice in the shape of a tree.)

Result: Subject expressed great discomfort and pain for about twenty minutes. Sweating heavily after the experiment was conducted. Groaning in pain and being relatively unresponsive for large portions of time.

Finally, TS-5 seems to have recovered. After testing their physical condition, it was shown that their strength, speed, stamina, and even skin seems to have increased drastically. Yet not enough to actually give her an increase in her musculature.

(I forgot to note down that her skin had gotten a bit paler as a result, though that’s probably due to the stress of the experiment, and will quickly fade away. Her eyes also seemed to have lost their…color? Notes and the subject state their eye color was green. Now they’re yellow. What the fuck?)

Effects haven’t worn off yet. Possibly indicating they’re not temporary. Further and longer observation is required.

(This might just be the answer. Need to conduct more research but this path seems pretty positive,)

Test Subject Six Notes:

Test Subject Six, or TS-6 meets age parameters. Physical condition is below parameters. Their height is below average for their age and gender.  Subject is male. They have blonde hair and blue eyes.

TS-6 has no combat experience to speak of.

TS-6 has some sort of disease that compromises their immune system. Making them constantly sick in response.

(The subject doesn’t even know what it’s called, and I’m not nearly knowledgeable enough to even begin to guess what exactly it is.)

Subject showcases a lack of hygiene and care about their physical features. They seem relatively unkempt, dirty, and smelly despite having access to clean water and a bathroom. TS-6 doesn’t seem to ask questions, only doing what they’re told to do.

TS-6 joined the project for money.

(They didn’t seem inclined on further embellishing what for. And it’s not really my place to pry.)

Experiment: Ichor is embedded into his epidermis near the ribs.

(Have to make sure results can be replicated.)

Result: Similar to TS-5, TS-6 exhibits great discomfort and pain after the process. After fifteen minutes of thrashing around and screaming, wounds started to open up around their body. Causing them to bleed out.

By the twenty-minute mark they passed away. Not by blood loss, but by their heart suddenly ceasing to work.

(I’m unsure if TS-5 had greater pain tolerance, or if there was something about TS-6 that actively rejected the Ichor and thus made it that much painful looking. So, one subject was able to survive the process, while the other wasn’t…I wonder what exactly caused this difference? Gender? Physical condition? Mental State? Disease, possibly?

This needs to be narrowed down if I’m to make a safer version for [REDACTED] usage.)

Test Subject Seven Notes:

Test Subject Seven, or TS-7 meets age parameters. Physical condition meets average parameters. Height is slightly above average for their gender and age. Subject is female. Blonde. Blue eyes.

(Note that while the subject technically has an above average physical condition on the surface, it’s tainted due to drug use. Which would normally make her below average, but instead I just settled for the average of the two.)

Subject has copious amounts of combat experience, due to joining a gang at a young age.

(Smart move. Especially as an orphan on the streets of Gotham it can be difficult to find protection. That goes double for girls.)

Instead of a tradition ‘disease’, TS-7 is addicted to cocaine.

TS-7 is silent but seems to be constantly annoyed. Scratching at her arms and neck when not occupied by anything else. Despite being relatively clean, there’s a certain smell that comes from her. Likely pointing to cocaine not being the only drug she’s used.

TS-7 shows sign of distrust and paranoia. Constantly asking for the purpose of the tools that are indicated to be used on her. TS-7 also shows aggressive verbal behavior, constantly muttering insults under her breath.

(Amusing. She’s only been verbally aggressive, otherwise submitting to everything asked of her, if sometimes begrudgingly. Thus, it’s my opinion that her mental state is perfectly normal.)

TS-7 has joined the project in order to rid herself of her addiction. Citing obvious dissatisfaction and hatred towards herself for having a dependence on it.

(Interesting. I’ve considered Ichor to be capable of possibly curing actual diseases, but addiction? That seems to be a whole other ball game. Though I’m interested in seeing if it’ll work. When I informed TS-7 of my thoughts, she simply asked if she was wasting her time here or if it could be possible.

I answered truthfully, to which she rolled her eyes before continued to subject herself to the experiment. Even with the project having only a chance of curing her addiction, she still submits herself to it. If I had to guess, it’s a sign that she’s already given up on beating her addiction through will power alone.

And considering how astronomically important self confidence is in this instance, she’s likely already defeated herself in that respect.)

Experiment: Ichor is embedded into her epidermis above the ribcage.

Result: Subject experiences great discomfort for thirty-two minutes. Holding in most of her screams and only painfully grunting about the place. Similar to the previous subjects, she also started to sweat quite heavily. After the twenty-five-minute mark, subject lost control of their bladder.

After thirty-two minutes have passed, the pain seemed to immediately stop. TS-7 needed several minutes to catch her breath and be able to stand for testing.

Just like TS-5, her physical condition seemed to be enhanced and didn’t seem to be temporary either. TS-7 exhibited signs of euphoria and almost a sadistic tendency by tearing apart the testing equipment.

TS-7 musculature has increased slightly, unlike TS-5.

(Just like with TS-5, her skin seemed to lose a little color, and her eyes have turned a strange faded yellow hue. Fascinating, what could possibly be causing this?

No, more importantly, TS-5 and TS-7 were successful while TS-6 wasn’t. So, they shared something in common that TS-6 didn’t, and might be the key to making this process safer.

The first thing that jumps up at me is the fact they were both female, while TS-6 wasn’t. But I should also keep in mind the other distinctions. Such as combat experience, potentially their mental state, and physical condition.)

Further observation of the subject is required. As well as testing on female subjects.

Test Subject Eight Notes:

Test Subject Eight, or TS-8 meets age parameters. Physical condition is average. Height is average for their age and gender. They are female. Black Hair. Brown eyes.

TS-8 has no combat experience.

TS-8 has type 1 Diabetes.

TS-8 is rather normal. Not very aggressive, nor too submissive to orders given. Showing curiosity by looking around the room, but not enough to actually ask about what she sees.

TS-8 joined the project in order to cure her disease.

(A pretty normal reason.)

Experiment: Ichor is embedded into her epidermis near the ribs.

Result: Subject experiences great discomfort and pain for fifteen minutes before suddenly dying. Thirty seconds later something in the subject’s chest explodes internally, cracking her ribcage open.

(How very odd. It seems gender has nothing to do it, and now there’s some sort of chest explosion thing happening? The autopsy wasn’t able to give me much information due to every organ in the chest region being fucking pulped.

What is the common trait shared between TS-5 and TS-7, but not TS-6 or TS-8?

I believe I might need a slight break on this line of research. Otherwise I might end up wasting lives for no benefit. Instead, I think I’ll shift focus towards enhancing a pill form of Ichor, and examining how TS-5 and TS-7 are holding up.)

(Perhaps examining them will give me the clues I need to continue?)