15.1
The Hive Structure
15.2 The Resin and Composition
15.3 The Hive as Camouflage and Camouflaging the Hive
15.4 Hive Construction
- Hive Image
Libraries
- Library
8.1 - USCSS Nostromo, 2122, Zeta II Reticuli IV (LV-426)
Library 8.2 - Hadley's Hope, 2179, Zeta
II Reticuli IV (LV-426)
Library 8.4 - USM Auriga, 2382
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Entry 15.1
The Hive Structure
 I.
raptus constructs a structure for the purposes of breeding and
colonized habitation. This structure is generally referred to as a "hive."
Other terms such as "colony" and "nest" are also
used, and are appropriately applicable, but "hive" remains
the preferred term within the scientific communities. The physical location
of an active hive is generally referred to as a "site." However,
here too, the terms "nest" and "colony" are equally
applicable, but "site" remains the preferred terminology.
The hive appears
to be an elaborate sprawling maze-like structure built around a central
egg chamber, also referred to as a "royal chamber." It is
here that the Queen produces the foundation for her brood.
Overall, the hive
seems to only follow vaguely similar patterns of construction from site
to site. For example: The central area consistently appears to be the
egg chamber, with a nursery situated just outside, or next to this.
Beyond this the hive seems to conform more to the topology of the environment
in which it was built, rather than a predisposed configuration. The
shape of the egg chamber and its corresponding nursery even seem to
cater to the parameters of the original environment rather than following
a specific pattern of construction. As an example, the hive found on
LV-426 made elaborate use of the Atmosphere Processing Station's structure.
It was built around, and over, the human construction. Effectively integrating
it into the hive's structure, and using it as a means of setting-up
a basis for topographical definition. The same applies too the hive
created on the USM Auriga, and the USCSS Nostromo. However, the hive
that was found aboard the Nostromo, was in the very early stages of
development, and is considered by many to be more of a lair than a hive.
 The
ability to integrate a given environment into the construction of a
hive is perhaps one of the most outwardly visible aspects of the alien's
ability to adapt to an environment. Although it has been argued that
this is not so much an adaptation to a given environment, but rather
adapting a given environment to the needs of the alien - thereby creating
a form of reverse adaptation. This idea has raised some question as
to how adaptable the alien really is once it emerges from its host.
It is able to exist with relative ease in environments of drastically
varying pressure and temperature, but this appears to be a genetic predisposition
- not something that is learned or a modified behavior due to the presence
of environmental stimuli. The consumption of an environment in creating
a hive, and the collecting of hosts from the surrounding environment
for the purpose of creating more aliens has been argued to be the alien
forcing it's environment to accommodate it, not the other way around.
The alien obviously begins adaptation prior to birth by acquiring host
DNA to take on gross anatomical traits to be better suited for existing
in it's current environment and hunting the given prey of that environment.
But it has been questioned as to how much adaptation really goes on
once I. raptus is born. What has been classified as adaptation
by some, is seen as an inherent ability by others.
Despite ranging
variables from site to site there are aspects of hive construction that
do remain consistent: such the general appearance of the internal areas.
The outlying tunnels and passageways are very organic in their appearance
and surprisingly uniform in construction. The walls are very evenly
textured and bear heavy rib-like extrusions, and have the appearance
of something that was grown, rather than constructed. This actually
occurs in stark contrast to the nursery, which is constructed in a far
more chaotic manner. The resin deposits that form the nursery lacks
the uniformity and organic symmetry that appears in other areas of the
hive. This likely stems from the underlying purpose of the nursery,
and that much of this area is comprised of cocooned hosts (both spent
and living). The resin deposits here are strictly for the immobilization
of hosts, and as the number of host bodies increases the more uneven
the chamber's surface is likely to become.
It has been theorized
that I. raptus could construct a freestanding hive in the absence of
any supporting structure(s). However, there is no physical proof of
this, and to date this remains strictly a speculation.
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Entry15.2
Resin and Composition
 The
material used to construct a hive is generally agreed to be a secreted
resin, of organic origin. Whether it is regurgitated, another form of
excretion (such as waist material), a residual build up of the viscous
fluid that tends to cover the alien, or a residual build up of the aliens'
salivary fluids is unclear. It is also unclear what this resin is composed
of. Initial thoughts were of a silicon-based material, perhaps a form
of silicate waste brought on via respiration in oxygenated environments.
(see the Blood Essay for more on this).
However, the resin appears to be able to withstand the alien's corrosive
fluids, and if the working model of a hydrofluoric acid-like substance
is accurate then a silicon-based material would quickly succumb to the
effects of such a fluid. Hydrofluoric acid reacts with alarming virulence
when in contact with silicon. In laboratory use it is one of the few
acids that cannot be contained within a glass vessel because of its
reactive nature to silicon (see the Blood
Essay for more on Hydrofluoric Acid).
Fluoro-Collagen
Variant
There are currently three working theories as to what the secreted resin
is composed of. The first is that the resin may be similar to a proposed
theory regarding the alien's exoskeleton. The resin may be a collagen
mimic - specifically a hyper-stable fluorinated collagen variant. Based
on events recorded aboard the USCSS Nostromo and on LV-426 the resin's
overall appearance seems to remain consistent with crystalline collagen,
and if this protein is already being heavily employed within he alien's
own physiology it is possible that it could be employed elsewhere. (see
the Exoskeleton Essay for more information on the potential use of collagen
in the alien's exoskeleton). Collagen also has broad-range biocompatibility,
allowing it to exist in, and with, a wide range of organisms and environments
with little risk of toxicity. And being a non-pollutant, as well as
biodegradable, it offers benefits to ecosystems.
 It's
physical properties in the use of cocooning hosts also seems consistent
with excreted collagen - such as that seen in terrestrial muscles when
anchoring to boats, rocks, pylons, and the similar out-croppings. On
LV-426 it was noted that the resin holding Rebecca Jorden had only partially
solidified, thereby allowing Lt. Ripley to break it away and free the
young girl. Areas of the cocooning resin were still in a semi-liquid
state. It's believed that had the resin had further time to solidify
Lt. Ripley may not have been able to free the girl. Byssal, the form
of collagen excreted by muscles to form anchoring byssal threads also
has its start as a viscous fluid. As it hardens its anchoring strength
increases, and as the number of byssal threads multiplies the strength
of the anchoring mass increases. (see the
Exoskeleton Essay for more on this) It's believed that once the
alien's resin is completely solid it is able to withstand stressors
of extreme intensity. It was recorded that when the USCM APC was driven
through a resin barrier, on LV-426, that the alien structure not only
caused structural damage to the vehicle, but crumbled in surprisingly
large pieces - which remains consistent with a material of a tight molecular
bonding and/or a dense crystalline matrix. The large irregular pieces
indicate few overall fractures, and few areas of structural weakness.
It also indicates a complex molecular structure. Generally, the manner
in which a material fractures and splits is directly related to the
manner in which its molecular structure is arranged - both in formation
and the elements that form its binds. Due to collagen's unique and tight
coil it is able to withstand a great deal of physical stress, making
it an extremely durable protein.
However, the working theory
regarding the alien's exoskeleton relies on the presence of iron to
aid in its solidification, and resulting strength. It's likely that
much of this iron would be gained through gestation. However, it is
unclear as to how iron could be incorporated in sufficient quantities
to offer the same structural benefits to the hive resin. This would
ultimately mean that the resin may not be able to maintain the same
tensile strength as exhibited on LV-426.
Biological Slurry
The second theory has its origins in the heat that fills the alien hive.
Through this theory it is believed that the hive structure is something
other than just the protein that I. raptus employs for the development
of its exoskeleton. The resin's origins may be in the same protein,
but it's believed that resin may "grow" of its own accord
over time, allowing the hive to expand and increase in size and capacity.
Which means that the material excreted by I. raptus may be a biological
slurry containing heavy concentrations of single celled organisms, and/or
enzymes, which would aid in the further creation of hive material. Considering
the efficiency of the creature, both in life cycle and physiology, the
idea of allowing the hive to essentially create itself seems to almost
naturally follow suit. This is not to say that the alien does not actively
take part in the creation and maintenance of the hive, it's believed
that it does, but current theories suggest that this activity may be
relegated to initial construction, the new construction of large portions,
or large-scale routine maintenance/repair. It is believed that these
single celled organisms and/or enzymes, then play an active role in
the creation of additional protein matter via metabolic processing and
pathways. It isn't clear if these processes rely on material from the
environment to form additional proteins, or if they are able to produce
the necessary proteins internally.
The nature of such
single celled organisms is still uncertain. It has been suggested that
they may be anything from aggressive and biologically virulent, to more
innocuous benign organisms. These suggestions rely on the fact that
the relative temperature maintained within a hive structure is high
enough to sustain high levels of active growth and reproduction of such
organisms. And it's considered likely that the temperature within the
hive serves more than to aid in hive expansion, but to help maintain
a brood's egg collection as well as aid in the rate of exoskeletal development
(see the Exoskeleton Essay for more on
this).
Using
Native Biological Organisms
 However,
looking beyond the heat within the hive, and taking into consideration
other aspects of the hive's environment - such as humidity levels, air
movement, and quality of air - additional thoughts began to arise. Specifically
with regard to the high level of bacteria that would be present in the
nursery as the number of spent host bodies increases. With the high
degree of humidity and stagnant air the nursery would quickly become
a breeding ground for more than just alien young. Bacteria, molds, mildews,
and other fungi would quickly take up residence and spread with an alarming
rate. Creating an environment that would be toxic to nearly any creature
that entered the chamber and outlying passageways. Over time the entire
hive could become a festering cesspool of bacteria, fungi, and fungal
spores. This idea spawned a new line of thought about how the hive itself
may be constructed. Specifically, that it may "grow," or expand,
on its own over time using native bacteria and fungi as a vehicle for
expansion. The biological agents responsible for this are, as of yet,
still unknown. But two separate theories have come about regarding this.
Hydrocarbon Compounds
that incorporate fluorine (an element known to be present in the aliens'
physiology) are somewhat uncommon in standard classified biological
life. Currently, they are found only in a very few terrestrial - as
well as extraterrestrial - microbes and plants, as well as a few species
of extra-terrestrial mold. Some terrestrial plants are known to produce
fluoroacetic acid: a very effective metabolic toxin, which is used as
a defense mechanism against various grazing animals. And fluoropolymers
, are not considered to be naturally occurring outside of the theoretical
scope of I. raptus (See the Exoskeleton
Essay for more on this). Which means that it may be one of the first
organisms capable of self propagation that is able to naturally construct,
and incorporate, fluoropolymers within it's own biology. However, being
that fluorine is topologically similar to hydrogen (with regard to molecular
shape, and therefore biological recognition) it can have a similar molecular
impact: it can often replace hydrogen without causing widespread molecular
reformation. So, it is considered a possibility that the alien's resin,
when excreted, consists of fluorosacchrides or fluoroglycerides, which
would then be consumed by bacteria native to the hive's location. These
compounds would likely not digest within bacteria the way their non-fluorine
bearing cousins would, and it's here that it is believed the resinous
excretions expand.
Assuming the secretions contain
a given fluorosacchride, which upon glycolysis, forms the necessary
monomers to form a Polytetrafluoroethylene-like polymer. There by allowing
the hive structure to remain relatively impervious to the alien's own
corrosive internal fluids. These monomers are not biologically active,
and amass in the bacteria as it grows, until a given critical point
is reached. At which time the monomers conjugate, expanding in a manner
similar to a foam sealant, and lysising the bacteria. The natural division
process of the bacteria is to form colony mats, and so the expansion
would mirror this.
In order to prevent the process
from terminating after only one layer of bacteria, it's thought that
the lysis of each bacteria releases a nutrient medium, allowing new
bacteria to affix and continue the process. This medium would largely
be based on the nature of the natively affecting bacteria. This process
would continue: building upon the original secretion until all possible
nutrient medium is absorbed, limiting the expansion potential to a given
original quantity of nutrient medium introduced when the alien first
secretes the resin. This effectively sets control of the expansion potential
entirely on the alien, but allows the chaotic patterns of local bacterial
growth to shape propagation vectors of the hive expansion.
After all of the founding
bacteria are utilized, a new biological niche is present on the surface
of the hardened substrate that, while nutrient deficient, still offers
an area for more independent bacteria to reside: specifically those
of a decomposer group. Once a supply of decomposing organic material
is present, these bacteria can begin to proliferate. This organic decomposing
material would be the spent host bodies found in the nursery.
 This
theory offers further potential to the hive and the aliens with regard
to expanding the aliens' sensory range and abilities. A common trait
found among bacteria is a pillus, an extension of the cellular wall,
which is used in locomotion, as well as other purposes. Various bacteria
will link together, extracellularly, via these pili. Because the cell
walls of bacteria bear a slight charge, they form a conductive pathway.
This (combined with oxidative nature of chemical metabolism) is the
basis of biological fuel cells. Sheets of these bacteria, spread over
the semi-conductive layer of resin, would form a rather unique material
for electrical signal conduction. Thereby allowing the alien to extend
its sensory abilities to include a much larger area than it's own immediate
location within the hive. Essentially, any living organism that is in
contact with, or close proximity to, the hardened resin would "transmit"
a bioelectric charge along the conductive pathways of bacteria. Basically,
the organism's own bioelectric emissions would be picked-up and carried
over these pathways allowing nearly any alien with in the hive to know
the exact position, direction of movement (if applicable), state of
distress (or calm), and relative size of any other organism in the hive
- be it alien, or otherwise. It should also be noted that the eggs are
physically connected to this network as well. It is possible that eggs
could translate hive wall sensory information into useful pheromonal
cues for the hive, as well as translate conductive pathway information
to the facehugger within. Thereby allowing Stage I I. raptus
to have access to sensory input that could be used in host detection.
This, coupled with the resin's piezoelelectric properties (which would
allow the hive walls to provide tactile and auditory vibration detection)
may explain the alien's apparent lack of response When the USCM detachment
initially entered the hive on LV-426. It may also explain the sudden,
and organized, response that occurred once the attack began. It's felt
that the alien may exploit curiosity in its prey, by allowing it to
enter a hive structure - should the opportunity arise. Having the hive
structure operate as an extension of the aliens' sensory abilities would
allow the aliens to perceive when an organism has entered the hive,
where it is, and when it is far enough into the structure to attack
and not risk having it escape. It also offers the ability to coordinate
an attack with extreme precision. Since each responding alien within
a brood would be aware of where the intruding organisms are in the hive,
as well as where other members of the brood are in relation to themselves
and the intruding organisms. This type of biological arrangement could
offer the alien an extreme tactical advantage over nearly any intruding
organism.
It should be noted here that
it is believed that under this theory the aliens may be able to also
use the hive for purposes of communication. It's believed that I. raptus
may be able to create subtle fluctuations within it's own bioelectromagnetic
output as a means of communication. This theory first came about when
considering the Queen's over-sized cowl. Using the potential conductivity
of the hive structure members of a brood would be able to effectively
communicate, and pass on communication, throughout a hive to more efficiently
respond to intruding organisms. And as the Queen is affixed to the hive
structure this would allow her the ability to not only communicate,
but also become aware of nearly all activity within the hive - be that
activity be alien or otherwise. This may also explain how the Queen
was able to reportedly "order" eggs to respond to the presence
of Lt. Ellen Ripley while on LV-426. (see the Communication Essay for
more on this).
"Build
as you go"
There is an older, and third, theory regarding hive development, and
that is I. raptus is directly responsible for the construction
of all portions of the hive structure via the excretion of said resin.
This theory is the initial theory put forth regarding hive construction,
and even though it is an increasingly accepted belief that the hive
expands on its own (to a certain degree), there are those within the
scientific community that still hold to the notion that the alien is
directly responsible to any and all hive construction. And until further
data is acquired about hive construction and expansion, and what the
resin is composed of this theory is still considered an equally viable
option.
Proponents of this
theory do not adhere to the notion that the hive aids in bioelectric
sensory input, and feel that any sensory input is strictly relegated
to tactile and auditory vibration. Which means that the aliens would
only be aware of given areas around them at any one time. Tactile and
auditory vibrations are limited by intensity, and the composition of
the material they travel through. The piezoelelectric properties of
a crystalline substrate can offer a greater range of dispersion for
vibrations before they diffuse, however they are still limited by the
intensity of the source and the nature of the substrate.
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Entry 15.3
The Hive as Camouflage
and Camouflaging the Hive
 As
has been demonstrated on LV-426 the aliens are able to make full
use of the hive's internal structure as a means of concealing themselves.
This observation has further stressed the idea that I. raptus
exploits curiosity in potential prey. We see this trait often in
nature - in which a predatory species will conceal itself amidst
its surroundings while offering a "lure" to potential
prey. Effectively preying on the curiosity of other organisms. It
isn't clear if the alien actually employs a "lure" of
any kind, and it is generally assumed that it does not, however
it is supposed that the unusual and curious physical nature of the
hive's internal structure may - in and of itself - be a lure.
Something else that was
noted on LV-426 was the fact that the hive seemed to disrupt video
and audio transmission. Initial ICC Network reviews of the encounter
believed that Lieutenant Gorman's assessment that it was the Atmosphere
Processing Station's structure that was interfering with these transmissions
was correct. But cross referencing this with the colony's own CCTV
network and wireless communications showed that very little signal
decay occurred as a result of the Processing Station's structure
or actions. And colony maintenance records prior to the alien infestation
indicate that these systems were checked, calibrated, and repaired
on a regular basis as per ICC regulations. Therefore any signal
disruption or decay would have been a direct result of the aliens,
or the alien structure – and not the Atmosphere Processing
Station.
Once it was
realized that the Atmosphere Processing Station was not the cause
of USCM transmission disruption it was presumed that the hive structure
was responsible. Initial theories pointed to the density of the
secreted resin, however it has been demonstrated that the resin
is far less dense than the tempered steel and poly-tempered steel
used in the Processing Station's construction. Further theories
pointed to the resin actually acting as a deflector. Due to the
resin's crystalline structure and piezoelelectric properties it's
considered plausible that transmissions of given frequencies are
disrupted via deflection or quick diffusion. This has raised questions
about the possibility of the hive acting as a polarized barrier
allowing only given radiation to enter so as to better aid in the
development of young (see the Exoskeleton
Essay on polarization and the absorption of radiation).
 It's
also considered that if the hive structure is being used as an extension
of the alien's sensory input, and it is being used to carry bioelectric
output that this could have a visible effect on the reception and
transmission of varying electronic equipment. Generally, bioelectromagnetic
fields do not have a visible impact on electronic devices that are
not specifically tuned for such use. However, in sufficient mass
bioelectric output could generate enough of an electromagnetic disturbance
to cause ambient disruption of electronic devices and fields. The
potential here is that if the hive is acting as a conductive pathway
for bioelectric output the larger the I. raptus population
within the hive the greater the bioelectromagnetic filed generated
by the hive. The notion may also play into capturing prey. Since
it is generally agreed that the alien exploits curiosity, and willingly
allows organisms to wander into a hive, it is likely that if the
bioelectromagnetic field sustained by the hive is enough to disrupt
electronics then it is considered equally viable that it could disrupt
navigational tendencies - causing disorientation in potential prey.
It has been shown that certain organisms use electromagnetic fields
to navigate and maintain a given orientation in space. Some forms
of terrestrial birds, fish, crustaceans, and insects are a few such
organisms that rely on planetary electromagnetic fields when migrating
and/or orienting to given locations. This trait is also shared by
various extraterrestrial organisms as well - such as the Arcturian
Bear Sloth, a creature that uses planetary electromagnetic fields
in outlining family group feeding territories.
It is believed that the
ambient bioelectromagnetic output of a sufficiently sized hive could
interfere with this type of behavior, thereby causing confusion
and disorientation in prey. The organism would find it difficult
to retraces steps out of the hive and/or orient itself to the direction
from which it entered. Effectively trapping the prey inside the
hive before it ever encounters a member of an I. raptus brood.
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Entry 15.4
Hive Construction
 Generally
speaking there is little speculation as to how the hive is constructed
- specifically which order various areas are constructed. Initial
theories pointed to the egg chamber/Royal Chamber as being the first
to be constructed, with all other areas radiating out from this
point. However, in scenarios such as that aboard the USCSS Nostromo
this is obviously not the case. The alien aboard the Nostromo seemed
to be constructing something that would have served as a nursery
for hosts, an egg chamber, and general habitation. Though, it should
be noted that it is unclear at this time if I. raptus creates
specific areas of the hive for habitation and dormancy, or if it
relies on a more random method of finding areas for habitation.
Some of the USCM data recovered from the LV-426 incident would seme
to indicate a ramdom approach to seeking out portions of the hive
structure for habitation/dormancy.
Based on the information
gathered from the Nostromo it would seem that if the first form
of I. raptus to inhabit an area is a Stage III adult then the initial
stages of the hive’s construction cater to a rather general-purpose
use of the hive space. As the brood develops the hive would then
begin to take on more independent, or specialized, formations. It’s
considered likely that if the first from to emerge into an environment
is a Queen that the initial stages of hive construction would revolve
around a founding clutch of eggs. It’s likely that this area
would still be a rather general purpose hive formation, but with
the immediate presence of viable eggs, and the ready production
of more on a constant basis, it would be far more specialized than
if the hive had been initiated by a lone Stage III adult. In such
an instance it’s considered a viable option that the hive
would start with an egg chamber and radiate outward, with the nursery
eventually becoming a formation unto itself.
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