Bloom Virus

A mutated strain of the Proteavirus (Beta, or β) that influences infected organisms to help the virus spread. The result is a process of runaway growth and self-replication: a bloom. 1. Rabiform behavior Like the rabies virus, the mutated Proteavirus targets nerve cells, altering behavior in both mobile and sessile organisms. In organisms without nerves (such as bacteria) it alters chemical signals to redirect cellular activity. 2. Complex ecosystem The bloom recruits existing organisms into a vertically integrated ecosystem. Virus is produced in adult angel combs, then pumped through titan rockbores to juvenile angel combs. Cankers release the virus into the sea, infecting new hosts and killing most smaller organisms. The cankers feed on the dead organisms, returning calories to the angel comb juveniles and from there to the adult. 3. Treatment plan The bloom must be defeated from the edge of the network. Destroy cankers so angel comb juveniles can clear the virus. When all juveniles are treated, the infected adult will be forced to open its cankers to feed. Destroy them to complete the treatment. 4. Constant mutation The bloom core contains genetic material harvested from every species in the region. This material is used to constantly generate new variants of Proteavirus Beta. Useful adaptation traits could be retrieved from this archive. Recommendation: destroy cankers around angel comb juveniles, then angel comb adults.