Subject:  Internecivus Raptus (Stage 3) A.K.A:  Adult/Drone/Soldier/Warrior Intelligence:  Moderate - High Habitat:  Hive Structure Temperament:  Extremely Hostile/Aggressive Life Span:  as yet to be determined Contact History:  2122:USCSS Nostromo - 180286 2179: Zeta II Reticuli Beta IV: LV-426 2179: Fiorina 161 2382: USM Auriga

4.1 Physical Attributes
4.2 Body-Emitted Thermal Radiation 
4.3 The Head
4.4 Dorsal Spines
4.5 Secondary Jaws
4.6 Spitting
4.7 The Tail
4.8 Creating Eggs

Stage 3 Image Libraries

Library 4.1 - USCSS Nostromo, 2122, Zeta II Reticuli IV (LV-426)
Library 4.2 - Hadley's Hope, 2179, Zeta II Reticuli IV (LV-426)
Library 4.3 - Fiorina 161, 2179
Library 4.4 - USM Auriga, 2382

>> Click on any image in the following essay to open supplemental material.

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>> Entry 4.1

Physical Attributes

This, the final stage of the Alien's development, is undoubtedly the most hostile -- both structurally and in behavior. It stands approximately 2 meters tall, is generally bipedal, possesses a strong tail that extends to a length equal to that of the body, and has an impressive physical strength considering its body size. Aside from the tail the most prominent aspects of the adult Alien's physical structure are the elongated head, dorsal spines, and powerful secondary jaws.

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>> Entry 4.2

Since the LV-426 infestation this subject has remained of great interest to Earth military forces, bio-weapons research, and biological/xenobiological studies. The USCM dispatch reported that the Aliens did not show up on their Infra Red imaging units. This has been thought to be due to, in part, the extreme humidity reported within the hive structure. Such levels of humidity had been known to cause condensation in both the helmet mounted IR units and the IR tracking systems of the M56 Smart Guns - effectively rendering them inoperative. Further reports state the two members of the gun team opened fire with M56 Smart Guns. This has raised the question as to whether the guns were actually tracking viable targets, or if the team members were merely firing blind. The heat maintained within the hive structure could suggest that these creatures are ectothermic, in which case they would not appear on the IR imaging units or in the M56 tracking system.

The Alien's high activity levels would indicate that the creature is endothermic in nature. However when held against the records of the infestation of Hadley's Hope problems and inconsistencies begin to arise. The average temperature inside the hive structure was recorded as 37.6° Celsius with a relative humidity of 89%. Existing for extended periods of time in such environmental conditions would become intolerable to an endothermic creature - especially if the creature held a body temperature low enough not to register on an IR scanner. Dehydration would set in extremely fast, and the high levels of activity for sustained periods of time noted to the Alien would become difficult to maintain. Under such conditions the ideal life of the hive would be one of dormancy, with very little energy expenditure. Yet the actions of the Aliens on LV-426 and the USM Auriga prove otherwise.

It has been suggested that the slime covering the Alien may be a form of perpetual perspiration to aid in the creature's existence in a high temperature environments, such as the hive. However, there are a few problems with this theory. 1.) The slime is quite viscous, which gives it a very low evaporation rate; 2.) Such a viscous substance may work more as an insulator - trapping body heat, which would make life in an extremely warm environment unbearable; 3.) The air within the Alien hive stagnates due to being so still - making the slime almost useless as a means of perspiration.

With these problems in mind it has been suggested that the Alien may be ectothermic. However ectothermic creatures do not exhibit long periods of high activity (this is usually associated with the high metabolic rates of endothermic creatures). Also the average surface temperature of post terra-formed LV-426 was 15.6° Celsius (fluctuating between 14.8° and 16.4° depending on wind speeds, cloud cover, humidity levels, and time of day). Such temperatures can support ectothermic life, but their behavior and response time is somewhat slowed and lethargic - especially for larger creatures (we see a decrease in activity levels that is directly proportionate to the size of a given creature when studying ectothermic beings in temperatures within this range). Yet it was reported that the Aliens seemed to be most active after nightfall - when the surface temperate would be at its lowest.

Another idea - one that is the most sound theory presented to date - may be linked to the Fluorine found in the Alien's physiology. When Fluorine is combined with certain hydrocarbons the resulting polymer has the ability to effectively create a thermal shield that renders it invisible to such sensors. The polymer is able to restrict thermal diffusion and to subsequently convert the thermal energy into bioelectric current (this is examined further in the Exoskeleton Essay). This particular theory also points toward the Alien as being endothermic. It would be able to generate it's own body heat and maintain it consistently and evenly without fear of over-heating. This would also indicate that the Alien could adapt remarkably well to extreme levels of cold.

A side note of interest: Because of the recorded difficulties experienced by the Marines, at Hadley's Hope in 2179, Dr. Wren had the Auriga's computer programmed to monitor specific non-human patterns of movement not accompanied by thermal signatures. The algorithms used in the program were based on a wide array of predictable patterns as seen in various insect and mammalian predators. Removing the secondary protocols of scanning for specific heat patterns proved, overall, to be an effective means of tracking the Aliens throughout the ship. The exact percentage of effectiveness is not known, but according to transmissions prior to evacuation the ship's computer was able to accurately track and locate the majority of the rogue I. raptus adults. Research regarding implementing such tracking methods by the United Systems Military, various biological studies centers, and the USM Bio-Weapons Corp. are currently underway.

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>> Entry 4.3

The Head

There are several striking features that stand out when examining the adult form of I. raptus. The first, and perhaps the most prominent, is the head. Its seemingly disproportionate size indicates that there is a structural reason for this development. Its size could be due to an enlarged brain. This would not necessarily indicate a greater intelligence, but perhaps a more complex/sensitive brain that is designed to work not only as a means of assessing and thinking, but as an organ designed for extremely accurate sensing abilities. The idea of an enlarged brain has recently fallen under much speculation and debate within the scientific community - the idea as to whether or not the cranium is strictly for housing a brain may not be accurate.

A great many researchers believe that the cranium houses only a moderately sized brain - perhaps only occupying one quarter to one third of the head. The remaining portions of the cranium are believed to house complex nerve centers that aid in collecting and processing sensory acquired stimuli, pheromone glands, an array of communicative emitters, adrenal glands, and a compression chamber for use when striking with the secondary jaws. It is the general belief that the majority of the cranium's volume is geared towards the processing and interpretation of sensory acquired stimuli as well as the emission of various signals designed for the purpose of communication. Aside from the maintenance of the hive structure, and tending to the producing Queen, the primary role of an adult is that of a forager - acquiring food and host material to further the hive. With such a specific role it would logically follow that the Alien would rely heavily on its senses for the location and acquisition of prey, and understanding it's environment. This being said it is then the general belief that the head represents the center of sensory reception and communication for the Alien. The working model for stimuli reception is as follows: The head is covered with pore-like receptors - each dedicated to a specific stimuli - Olfactory/biochemical reception (i.e. - pheromones), thermal detection, bioelectric detection, and auditory reception. The pores gradate from back to front, meaning that there is a higher concentration of sensory receptors at the domed anterior portion of the head as compared to the back. This gives I. raptus 360° lateral sensory ability, and approximately 180° vertically with the area of optimal overall clarity being at the front. It is estimated that the total range of optimal clarity is 100 degrees radiating 50° on either side of the center-front of the cranium laterally, as well as 70° radiating vertically from the same point. This then puts the remainder of stimuli within varying degrees of peripheral reception.

Next to the head it is believed that the hands and feet are responsible for the second largest amount of sensory input. The pads that cover potions of these extremities are believed to be the primary receptors of auditory vibration through substrate as well as additional biochemical reception. It is thought that the latter is designed for identification and recognition hive mates and pheromone trails.

The head may represent the center of sensory reception, but it also believed to the center of communicative emission. Going under the belief that I. raptus utilizes bioelectric radiation and ultrasonic emission as primary means of communication with a secondary means being biochemical the head becomes the focal point for the majority of this activity. It is not clear if ultrasonic emission as released via the mouth, or through pore-like emitters similar to those used in receiving stimuli, but the current assumption is that it is produced within the head and emitted in a radiating pattern from the surface of the cranium. The same principle also applied to the emission and radiation of bioelectric signals. (This is discussed in further detain in the Communication essay).

It has been suggested that the indentations - or "pits" - that have been observed along the cranium of various Aliens may be an indication of its age. On the Nostromo, Fiorina 161, and the Auriga I. raptus was noted as having a glossy, almost, translucent cowl extending the length the head which covered the upper half of the cranium. The creatures encountered on LV-426 were missing such a cowl, and had very textured craniums. It has become the excepted theory that younger adults have a hard crown covering the length of their head. As the adult matures this crown is lost - either through molting, or it tightens and becomes part of the cranium - revealing the textured, cranium observed on LV-426. The primary force behind this theory is that the Aliens that infested Hadley's Hope were nearly four weeks old at the time of their encounter with the USCM dispatch - whereas in all other encounters the Aliens ranged in age from less than 24 hours to only a few days. The reason for the existence of such a cowl in younger Aliens is believed to be that the cranial structure is still in the process of development - in which case the crown would form a protective "blister" over the head.

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>> Entry 4.4

Dorsal Spines

After the head the next most prominent feature are the dorsal spines. Though "spines" may not be the most correct term (considering only one of the five "spines" is a true spine), it has become the term most commonly used.

The uppermost spine is nothing more than an exaggerated vertebra. Perhaps designed to aid in warding off attacks from the rear, or simply to add to the creature's profile by creating the illusion of being larger.

The four tube-like spines that extend from the middle back (two left of the spinal column, two right of the spinal column) appear to be functional, but to what end is not clear. It has been suggested that the dorsal spines may be used in the excretion of the resin used in hive construction. Though this is a plausible notion it is not a widely accepted theory - primarily because of the inconvenience involved: it would be much less cumbersome to simply regurgitate the substance. A greater control of the formation and placement of the resinous material could be had if excreted orally as well. It would also seem rather difficult to cover lower areas of the hive with the necessary resin if the primary means of excretion were located in the Alien's upper back.

The reported lack of dorsal spines on the Alien recorded on Fiorina 161 appears to be an aberration caused by the introduction of its host DNA into the Alien physiology. Combining the preferred quadrupedal stance and means of locomotion the dorsal spines would have been in the way of the head, thus restricting its movement and position when on all fours. It is generally believed that whatever purpose these spines hold was redirected to elsewhere in the body for this particular variant. However, there are those that believe that the inclusion of animal DNA caused a variation in the creature's behavior: The Alien encountered on Fiorina 161 was considerably more predatory than previous instances. Some groups feel that this Alien was more of a nomadic and solitary creature as opposed to those previously encountered. This possible solitary nature may account for the lack of the dorsal spines: no hive structure or resinous coatings were ever found on Fiorina 161 - which some feel is clear indication that this Alien had no use for spines. Yet the Alien responded submissively to the presence of a Queen, and refused to harm its host. This entire notion, however, relies heavily on the idea that the spines are used as a means of excreting resin - which (as mentioned in the previous paragraph) is considered to be unlikely.

The most probable hypothesis is that the dorsal spines are an advanced form of spiracle. It is generally accepted that the Alien does not possess lungs, but rather filters it's atmospheric requirements in a fashion that may be similar to the way fish filter oxygen from water. The Aliens that infested the Auriga were reported to have the ability to remain submerged in water for extended periods of time with little need for gaseous atmosphere - further emphasizing the lack of a lung-based respiratory system. It has also been noted that the placement of the spines on the Alien mirror the placement of the mesothoracic spiracles found on some forms of insect (specifically - ants).

This theory rides piggyback on another theory that suggests that the Aliens employ an open circulatory system. As a biological constant all creatures that exist with such a circulatory system are without lungs: the circulatory fluids are "oxygenated" via spiracles and a connecting network of tracheal tubes and tracheole (the term "oxygenated" is used loosely here due to the fact that it is unlikely that the Alien requires oxygen to exist). It is believed that the spines filter out the necessary elements that are in the surrounding environment - be that environment liquid or gaseous in nature - these elements are then introduced into the circulatory fluids. The general belief here is that I. raptus is able to process and use numerous types elements - either in conjunction, or separately - so as to make it more adaptable to varying environments. The primary arguments against this theory are the low rate of air dispersion through an open circulatory system, there is always a sharp oral intake of air just prior to an attack from the secondary jaws, and the Aliens aboard the Auriga were observed to orally expel cooled atmosphere.

Those that support the idea of the dorsal spines being employed for respiratory filtration feel that the Alien is doing one, or more, of the following three criteria: it must be taking in vast quantities of gaseous elements, it employs an advanced Tracheal network that utilizes muscles, or it has an auto-responsive internal segmentation that expands and contracts to force adequate dispersion of air throughout the body. One of the key limiting factors with regards to the maximum size a creature with an open circulatory system can reach is the low rate of air dispersion brought on by the implementation of spiracles and a tracheal network. The larger the creature, the longer it takes the air to travel through the body and reach each cell, resulting in asphyxiation if the creature grows too large. Thus, the Alien would need to employ some means of dispersing air though the body.

The intake of air prior an attack may be due to the Alien using this air to build pressure so as to aid in the projection of the secondary jaws - much in the way a pneumatic device requires air to function. It is also felt that the expelled air witnessed aboard the Auriga was an aberrant reaction due the high levels of human DNA that were present in the creatures' genetic code - a result of Dr. Mason Wren's experimental tampering. All previous encounters were of a much "purer" strain of Alien, and as such did not exhibit this trait.

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>> Entry 4.5

Secondary Jaws

Perhaps the most interesting, and disturbing, feature of the adult I. raptus are the vicious, and incredibly powerful, secondary jaws. These jaws are part of a modified tongue, and are used in an offensive, rather than defensive, manner. The tongue is approximately 50cm in length with a striking distance of up to 40mm from the creature's mouth. The organ would appear to be comprised almost entirely of muscle with an external structure that is similar to cartilage in design. This design offers a flexible range of movement while retaining enough tensile strength to withstand the crushing impact of bone, or other rigid material.

In a relaxed state the tongue is relatively flaccid. It isn't known if the jaws located at the anterior end of the tongue serve a purpose in this state (i.e. - the aid in moving food from the mouth into the throat, etc.), or if the jaws sole function is that of maiming prey. In a state of activity the tongue becomes extremely rigid, yet remains flexible to a limited degree so as to withstand the force of impact with bone or other such solid material.

The primary use of the secondary jaws is as a means of crippling prey so as to immobilize perspective host organisms. The Nostromo's Chief Engineer and Warrant Officer reported that Chief Engineer's Mate Brett was still screaming and moving of his own accord even after the primary attack was over. Corporal D. Hicks of the 2nd Bat. 9th Reg. USCM also reported that the squad Sergeant was recorded as still being alive, by the APC's TOC, even after a direct blow to the face. Records also, though somewhat vague, seem to indicate that General Perez, of the Auriga, was still conscious following a direct blow to the back of the skull.

When used in an attack on the cranium the Alien has the strength to thrust these jaws with such force as to shatter the surrounding cranial surface on impact (the tensile strength of the tongue during such an attack is far greater than bone). The result is a large crater of bone and flesh. The articulation of the jaws furthers the damage of the strike: when the tongue reaches its maximum strike length (approx. 40cm) the jaws close and the tongue is retracted, causing severe tearing of the surrounding tissue. It has been observed that prior to such an attack there is an intense and sharp oral inhalation of air. Considering theories that revolve around the Alien's respiration it is believed that the Alien's secondary jaws and tongue may be the biological equivalent to a pneumatic piston. Through this theory the air is brought in and contained in a small chamber, or group of chambers, connected to the posterior end of the tongue. Once the desired pressure has reached it is released with an explosive force thrusting the secondary jaws out of the mouth. The muscle of the tongue then acts as a spring retracting it back into the mouth completing the strike. With the onset of this theory new considerations have been made about the possible reasoning for the shape of the head.

The Exobiology guild has recently put forth an interesting theory that presents the secondary jaws being used primarily in food intake. The maiming of prey is then seen as a secondary application. Through this theory I. raptus relies almost exclusively on expectorating its own reactive fluids onto a food source, and then using the tongue as a form of siphon to pull in the liquefied material. The teeth and mandibles that tip the tongue are then used in the tearing and ingesting small portions of soft tissue when expectoration is not required. The theory came about during a study of the Alien's over all physical structure and proportions: it was felt that the neck - in order to support the head - needed to be comprised largely of muscle, thereby leaving little room for an esophagus designed for ingesting large pieces of food. However, given current views on the incorporation of carbon on the Alien's exoskeleton the amount of musculature employed in the neck for head support may be lessened in favor of allowing the strength of the exoskeleton to absorb most of the supportive needs.

It would also appear that these jaws could be used as an aggressive display of strength or as a threatening gesture. Several instances were recorded from LV-426 in which the secondary jaws were displayed prior to any attack occurring. It has been assumed that this is a threatening posture.

Interestingly, the Alien can utilize the secondary jaws as primates would a hand or an arm. As was recorded aboard the Auriga: an Alien (believed to be the Alpha from the group contained in the Quarantine Containment Cell 3 - see the Social Behavior essay for more on this) used its tongue to activated the liquid Nitrogen fail-safe inside the cell to deliberately kill a member of the crew. It would appear that I. raptus - like rats or other such animals - does not readily recognize the ability to employ limbs or extremities when performing a specific action, even when the button or lever is within reach of the limbs. Just as a rat conditioned to push a lever to acquire food will use it's snout, so will an Alien use it's head or secondary jaws (this is also evident in the Alien testing the plexi-shield of the cell with its head as opposed to its hand or arm). Though the creature may understand the reaction that will follow the act of pressing a button it may not understand its design, or intended implemantary use.

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>> Entry 4.6

Spitting

The ability of I. raptus to subdue prey through expectoration has been subject to speculated and debated since records of its initial encounter aboard the Nostromo. However, there were no records to substantiate such a belief. It wasn't until the events that transpired on Fiorina 161 that evidence outlining an ability to spit acidic fluid was recorded.

Prison Medic Clemmons first found residual evidence at the scene of inmate Murphy's death: a mark that indicated corrosion was found in the ventilation shaft approximately 3 meters away from the inmate's dismembered body. Following the close of the facility Weyland-Yutani clean-up crews noted that the corrosion was brought on by a steady flow of a heavily diluted low pH substance released in a concentrated stream. Further analysis found trace elements that coincided with the Alien physiology (fluorine-based compounds and specific non-human enzymes and amino acids) It was quickly realized that this was not a burn caused by an injury inflicted upon the creature.

It wasn't until the incident aboard the Auriga that it was documented and confirmed that the Alien has the ability to spit. Unfortunately this expectoration wasn't examined under the controlled environment of the Auriga labs, so there are still a certain degree of unknown factors regarding the Alien's spitting tendencies, and the composition of the substance. It is clear that the acidic properties if the creature's expectoration are less virulent than its circulatory fluids. This is most obvious when comparing the records detailing PFC Drake's death on LV-426, and the records surrounding the attack on Christie (designation unknown) of the Betty crew while on board the Auriga. The damage caused to PFC Drake from the spray of internal fluids was extensive and extremely fast acting, where as Christie was recorded as displaying far less tissue damage considering the amount of fluid that made contact with his flesh. Both individuals died of their wounds rather quickly, but it is believed that Christie would have survived longer than the recorded three minutes if he did not prematurely terminate his own life. Accounts indicate that his response time to auditory and tactile stimuli had diminished, but there was still a level of lucid judgment being employed.

Unlike other creatures prone to this type of behavior, the Alien does not have to rely on blinding its prey. In comparison: the Spitting Cobra deliberately spits toward the eyes of its prey so as to blind it even before the reptile is within striking distance. The reason for this is simple: prey cannot attempt escape from a predator it can't see. It would appear that the Alien has an added benefit in its ability to spit that other such creatures do not have: it's expectoration has the ability to cause a system-wide toxicity regardless of where contact is made. It is believed that I. raptus employs Hydrofluoric acid - or a compound closely resembling this - as its circulatory fluid. Hydrofluoric acid is an extremely virulent compound that reacts aggressively to nearly any material it comes into contact with, but has a specific affinity for calcium and silicon. It also has the unusual ability, among acids, to easily penetrate soft tissue and cause liquefactive necrosis (whereas most acids tend to cause coagulative necrosis). The incorporation of this acidic fluid into the creature's expectorations is as effective as introducing a neurotoxin, without having to manufacture one - the Alien's own fluids, when diluted, can be used to cause a full system toxicity that surpasses most known myotoxins in effectiveness and speed. (For a detailed examination see the Blood Essay)

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>> Entry 4.7

The Tail

The tail of the adult form of I. raptus is equal in length to the Alien in height (approximately 2 meters). It is extremely powerful and has four forms of use: stability and balance; a weapon to be wielded; a means of immobilizing prey for cocooning; and introducing gene altering material into a host so as to construct a viable egg.

The creatures encountered on LV-426, the Nostromo, and the Auriga relied on this tail, primarily, as a means of balance and stability, which made them extremely agile predators. Its ability to be used in a prehensile manner gives the Alien the ability to actually drop down onto a victim, or hold itself steady while attacking from a precarious position. It was shown to us in the encounter on Fiorina 161 that this tail aids in hyper-accurate maneuvering abilities when in pursuit of prey as well. By shifting the tail to counter the momentum of the creature's body it is able to out-turn (and therefore out-run) almost any type of prey. The muscles that start at the base of the tail and run its length are powerful enough to hold the tail rigid so as to act as a sufficient counter weight/momentum dampener to aid I. raptus at high speeds. The incident aboard the Auriga demonstrated that the tail can also be employed as a means of propelling the creature through water in a manner very similar to that of some reptiles - such as the Marine Iguana or Sea Snake. Giving the creature an astonishing grace and agility while in pursuit of aquatic prey.

The Alien has demonstrated that it can use its tail as a means of defense, or offense, against would-be attackers and potential threats. With the same muscles that are used to keep the tail rigid while running the adult Alien has the ability to not only swing its tail as a whip, but jab, and strike with frightening precision.

The third use of the tail is as a means of immobilizing prey for embryo implantation. It has been verified that the spine at the very tip of the tail is a stinger that can be used to deliver a mild neurotoxin of (as of yet) undetermined composition into the body of a potential host. As was recorded aboard the Nostromo the Alien used this stinger to immobilize the ship's Navigator, Lambert. It is also believed that the same method of capture was employed against the ship's Captain, as well as Chief Engineer's Mate. Records of such actions are limited and incomplete from the recorded data taken from Hadley's Hope - as they are from the Auriga. And no records exist from Fiorina 161 of such behavior.

The neurotoxin used is known to be fast acting, but relatively mild in comparison to the affects brought on by the Facehugger's neurotoxins. Prey that is captured and immobilized via the creature's sting seem to only remain unconscious for short periods of time (a time frame that is estimated to be within 1 - 2 hours). This is believed to be done for reasons of implantation: since the prey will be unconscious during implantation it would be unnecessary to immobilize the prey for anything longer than enough time to transport them to the hive and cocoon them. It also lessons the possibility of further damage to the host organism caused by thrashing and resisting.

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>> Entry 4.8

Creating Eggs

Rumors circulated and surfaced from time to time over the decades that followed the incident aboard the Nostromo. Each speculated that a solitary Alien had the ability to create eggs in the absence of a Queen. Weyland-Yutani's Bio-Weapons and Special Projects Divisions very successfully kept such rumors under control and out of the scientific mainstream to the point that they were forgotten and considered to be nothing more than myths and space-fairing legend. However, following the corporate buyout of Weyland-Yutani by Dykstra Global Industries in 2328 records began to surface, which indicated these rumors might have been legitimate claims. By 2335 various reports were made available to select scientific circles - reports that had been filed and transmitted by the Nostromo's Science Officer, Ash, as well as testimonials from Warrant Office, Ellen Ripley clearly indicated that the Alien aboard the Nostromo had not only begun to create a hive structure in a landing strut bay, but had initiated the process of creating eggs. It would appear that under orders of Weyland-Yutani Special Projects and Bio-Weapons Divisions Ash had not only safeguarded the Alien's existence while on the Nostromo, but would periodically observe its behavior so as to better inform the various divisions involved on the creatures biology and behaviors. Unfortunately, Ash never had the opportunity to fully examine the process by which I. raptus creates eggs when isolated from a hive environment and Queen. Based on the information that is available from Science Officer Ash, and Ellen Ripley it would appear that the Alien does not have the ability to create and deposit eggs in the same manner as a Queen (due to obvious biological differences) - as a result it relies on a complex transformation process involving organic matter: specifically a host organism. It is believed that further information regarding the cocooning and transformation process was recorded by the ship's Science Officer, but had not yet been transmitted at the time of his malfunction and eventual termination.

Initially theories were formed that revolved around the Alien being able to spontaneously change gender from male to female so as to produce eggs in the absence of a Queen. However, this is a fanciful notion, which was created out of convenience and is an unscientific means to an end. It also relies on the creation of the egg being a gender specific action - when in fact no egg is ever laid (as it is with a Queen), but rather one is created using external methods and organic materials. As such the gender of the Alien creating the egg is no longer important, and should not be considered a viable variable in the equation.

The current and accepted theory that has been put forward regarding this behavior is that the Alien utilizes the stinging barb at the end of its tail to introduce an viral mutagen into the host organism. This mutagen appears to be similar in fashion to that which is introduced during an attack by a Facehugger. However, this particular virus works on a much larger, and outwardly obvious, scale than the one used in embryo creation. Instead of modifying a host's DNA to "program" for the creation of a malignant growth this modifier changes the host's entire genotype. The type of genetic restructuring and modifications necessary to cause a host organism to physically change into an entity of a separate species are massive, and truly an amazing feat of biological prowess.

The initiation of the mutation is believed to be very similar to that of the DNA Reflex, but the transposons located at the nucleus of the virus are very obviously different. These sequences of DNA create a mutation that is system-wide - it can't be accurately stated that the nature of the mutation and growth is metastasizic, hyperplasic, or even dysplasic - the restructuring and consumption of tissue in such a way has never been previously recorded. This raises the question as to whether I. raptus can be classified as a chimera - a creature that carries more than one distinctive sequence of DNA. The adult Alien not only appears to carry genetic material native to I. raptus, but it has incorporated genetic material from it's host organism, and is capable of initiating the creation of an egg sustaining a Queen-bearing Facehugger. This means that there are a possible minimum of five different genetic sequences within a single adult Alien: Host, Alien, Egg, Facehugger, and Queen - with each sequence playing specific role in life of the adult Alien. Even with this possible inclusion of additional genetic sequences it is believed that the dominant and active DNA is always the native I. raptus code. The genetic material that is relevant to the creation of the Egg, Facehugger, and Queen are believed to be included only as a means of reproduction, as such the protein expression and gene creation that are initiated by the adult I. raptus DNA maintain that these additional genetic sequences are isolated to the reproductive virus.

It is believed that the introduction of this viral agent is controlled and not released reflexively when a sting is made. This then offers the Alien the opportunity to choose how the host organism is to be used: for the creation of eggs, or as host material for a Facehugger. It is further believed that once the egg is fully developed and housing a viable I. raptus parasite, that this Facehugger is of Queen bearing nature. The ability to create a Queen in this manner helps explain how the infestation of LV-426 occurred in such a quick timeline, and offers a look into how easily an entire hive can arise from the presence of a single isolated Alien. Such an idea raises the bar on the Alien's lethality, and further illustrates how the incorporation of a single creature into a planet's environment could easily precipitate a planet-wide infestation.

The time frame that is needed to completely alter a host organism to be a viable parasite-bearing egg is estimated between 24 and 36 hours. Based on reports from Ellen Ripley the adult Alien was able prey upon the members of the Nostromo's crew in less than 24 hours. Chief Engineer's Mate Brett was the first victim of the adult Alien, and in less than 24 hours was approximately 85% transformed when found by Warrant Officer Ripley. It is believed that another 6 to 12 hours would have yielded a complete transformation. This time frame raises a question about the state of Captain Dallas - who was captured by the Alien approximately 40 minutes to an hour following Chief Engineer's Mate Brett, yet appeared to have not undergone any transformation. Why is this? When reports of Dallas' cocoon are cross-referenced with records of the infestation of Hadley's Hope there is a marked similarity in Dallas' cocoon with those found in the nursery of cocooned colonists. Therefore it is likely that Dallas was intended as host material for the Alien's offspring, and not meant for egg creation.

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