Yorbenites

The Yorbenite is a genetically engineered parasitic organism created by Dr. Yorbenia Xellenis as an emergency biological weapon to eliminate an otherwise unstoppable extraterrestrial organism threatening the Morningstar. Rather than attacking with conventional weapons, the Yorbenite infiltrates a host's body, reproduces rapidly, and consumes its target from the inside out while leaving nearby humans unharmed.

Derived from a modified Centi-Nematic worm from Proxima Centauri B, the organism was extensively redesigned with enhanced resistance to beta-S-Lartuvic acid, specialized mouthparts capable of penetrating unusually resilient tissues, and an engineered digestive system tailored to process the unique biochemical composition of its intended target.

Adult Yorbenites measure approximately 15 centimeters in length and possess translucent segmented bodies through which their internal organs are visible. Hundreds of needle-like legs provide remarkable mobility over organic tissue, while enzyme-coated feeding structures allow them to bore into even exceptionally durable dermal layers.

Their unsettling appearance led BRYODVA to describe them as "beautiful, in a horrifying way."

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Unlike naturally occurring parasites, Yorbenites are remarkably selective. Their metabolism is genetically calibrated to consume only the biochemical compounds found within their designated host organism, preventing them from attacking humans or unrelated species under normal operating conditions.

This extreme specialization makes them one of SIAGE's safest biological countermeasure designs despite their frightening appearance.

Once introduced into a host, a small deployment rapidly multiplies throughout the organism, systematically consuming vital tissues until the target can no longer survive.

During the Morningstar crisis, Dr. Xellenis proposed releasing just twenty-five specimens, trusting their rapid reproductive cycle to spread throughout the creature's enormous body.

Perhaps the Yorbenite's most important safety feature is its genetically programmed termination sequence. After exhausting the biochemical compounds unique to its intended host, each organism undergoes programmed cellular death (apoptosis), preventing uncontrolled reproduction or ecological contamination.

This built-in biological safeguard was a key factor in convincing Captain Herkles to authorize their deployment despite understandable concerns from the crew.

Although originally developed as an emergency measure, the success of the Yorbenites transformed them into one of SIAGE's most celebrated xenobiological breakthroughs. Today they are widely regarded as a landmark achievement in precision bioengineering—proof that carefully designed living organisms can serve as highly targeted defensive tools rather than indiscriminate biological weapons.

Their creation also cemented Dr. Yorbenia Xellenis' reputation as one of the Consortium's foremost xenobiologists.