BLACK SMOKE - Observation file - ADDENDUM 26 - Doctor Ronald Ross
Notations on the submitted and collected compounds designated as "The Black Smoke"; "Devil Dust"; "The Choke-Fog" and other miscellaneous nomenclature (see appendix II)
- Initial observations:
- Non organic composition
- Preservative elements present
- Deployment mechanism - multiple origins (Extrapolate)
- Staged effects of component elements
- Purpose? To be confirmed
- Anomalous as not conforming with other displayed equipment utilised by enemy forces (Corroborate with Doctor Vahlen's military liaison)
I write these notes as a record of my findings, having been seconded to the mysterious project being undertaken in London Bridge. I would state, for the record, my initial chagrin at being placed under the direction of Doctor Vahlen. However, I was disabused of any notions of impropriety and incompetence upon presentation of the reality of the project and her in depth knowledge. I have spoken with several peers and, despite the current emergency, was able to contact several eminent colleagues still within the City. All have vouchsafed that she is, indeed, to be commended and that I should consider myself deputised.
This particular portfolio documents my initial study of the chemical compound deployed in the early stages of the invasion and which has been subsequently deployed by our adversaries in prominent artillery displays. Whilst I am not of a military bearing, i will endeavour to extrapolate some form of Doctrina opportuna from their methodology.
My first observation should be noted that the Black Smoke we have been able to collect is in some form inert. Thus far, studying it in its deployed form has proven impossible, due to its apparent lethality. However, there is a secondary component here which has been observed by witnesses beyond the effective impact zones: the smoke is not 100% lethal upon contact. Indeed, it appears to act as a form of sedative.
The second observation is that the Smoke only becomes lethal when entering its apparent "inert" state, usually via the application of extreme temperature changes, turning the smoke into the fine dust that currently blankets much of western London and, if the rumours are to be believed, southern England as a whole. This particular effect was observed by soldiers, witnessing the enemy "fighting machines" spraying steam after shelling particular areas. Afflicted areas then moved into a secondary stage.
The inert smoke is not an organic compound. It is made of several base metals, and, upon investigation under microscopic analysis, something far stranger.
The smoke is, apparently, made up of minuscule geometric shapes; all uniform in size and shape. Whilst inert, these strange micro-mechanicals, as I have termed them, are motionless. However, upon the addition of organic material, they cease to be inert and move into and active phase. Observation shows that they appear to disassemble organic tissue; however, this behaviour is not consistent either! Different samples have elicited several different reactions:
Sample of pig flesh: No reactivity from the materiel
Sample of dead human tissue: minor reaction, resulting in decomposition of tissue into a "slurry" form, merging layers of skin and muscle into a paste
Sample of fresh human skin tissue: extreme activity, resulting in a "cocoon" of white-green fibre, securing the tissue to the petri-dish.
Exposure to live animal (dog): rendered animal to slurry within 2.36 minutes. Dog was rendered unconscious for the duration of this, despite material having been applied to it whilst conscious: secondary anaesthesia effects?
I have requested a live human sample but this request has been (currently) denied.
Exposure to sample of the "SECTOID" creatures flesh: no reaction
Exposure to sample of the "TALL MAN" creatures flesh: minor reaction resulting in minor regeneration of tissue
Exposure to sample of the "ROCKETEER" creatures flesh: no reaction
Exposure to sample of the "MUTON" creatures flesh: minor regenerative effects on the tissue, as well as spontaneous generation of chemical traces. These appear to match the chemicals found inside the masks of these creatures, save that this was in a liquid form. Further analysis indicates it is likely some form of aggression related chemical, stimulating the creatures, in the same way cocaine extract is shown to do in humans.(Appendix II)
This brings me to another of the observed effects: whilst the smoke is immediately dissipated by extreme heat (In the form of steam) exposure to high intensity flame actively eliminates it. All particles within the cloud are rendered slag-like and reduce it to no more than choking ash. Still an effective battlefield deterrent - the particles are particularly harmful to the human respiratory system: burning areas or setting fires to prevent the spread will simply turn one hazard into another.
Then we are onto the more alarming effect of the smoke whilst in its supposed inert form. As mentioned, with some exposed human tissue it manages to create cocoon-like webbing. This has been observed in several locations; humans bound or covered in what appears to be a fine webbing. Theories have abounded from my peers: a side effect of the atmosphere with the smoke; some form of microbial reaction with terrestrial material; some form of insect life within the smoke creating a form of nest?
Some of my peers, upon hearing of the apparent existence of large "crab like" or "ant like" (Accounts appear to vary) beings used by the invaders has led to an assumption that the webbing was a product of these beings. However, the webbing was apparent after the initial descent of the pods and far too in advance of the sightings of these unknown beasts (Despite some dubbing them "Chryssalidis Major" in some over-enthusiastic zoological naming); also, the webbing itself is not an organic resin as we would find from a living being; more a polymer of some sort, extruded from oils; organic in nature to a point but not extruded by any being that I can contemplate.
I will venture a step further: I believe the smoke itself produces the webbing. And that it does so selectively. Several peers have objected to this when I have mentioned it, citing the frank absurdity: thinking microbial machinery. I admit, when written down the idea appears preposterous. And yet, Doctor Vahlen urges us to consider the abject impossibility of these things: we have borne witness beings from beyond nightmares; seen vast machines walking in defiance of gravity and the thoroughly measured laws of physics. Observed weaponry strike our Empire that we dared not dream of.
So, to expand: I believe the weapon we have called "Black Smoke" serves a purpose: a tool, if you will, beyond just simple artillery. It bombards an area, rendering the population comatose or dead from inhalation; it then somehow selects or secures the majority of the population. We are able to extrapolate that the invaders do take prisoners. This weapons secures living beings, although it is inconsistent in doing so; this is the primary objection to my theory - surely it should be uniform. My counter is that which unnerves my colleagues: it is selective. Somehow and for some likely nefarious purpose, I believe that our opponents are seeking something with their targeting.
Others believe it is a fluke of biology: how can a weapon from another world be expected to have a universal effect on a completely alien species, such as ourselves. I will say that this has some merit. Until you consider the secondary effect on living tissue.
That is to say: Re-Animation.
The invaders have moved to secure areas and have removed primarily individuals afflicted with the webbing; but not ALL of them. Observations in the field have noted invader scouts apparently testing secured bodies and ignored some. Unsecured bodies are ignored entirely or simply (apparently) processed for nutrition. Bodies recovered from several underground facilities have ALL been covered in secured webbing; webbing which is also capable of reforming allowing for ease of packing of beings.
The remnants are left, but the inert material appears to continue working, albeit on a reduced level. The aforementioned reduction to slurry appears to only impact those humans killed in the barrage or with some sort of external inducement (dead flesh or via the application of an electrical current - this was noted when an assistant lost a finger after spilling a sample onto their hand and received a static shock. We were able to apply heat in time to save his hand) - the remainder undergo a slow shift, taking approximately 23 hours. Inhalation of the smoke would appear (Again from field observations in appendix I) to accelerate this. Samples taken from what patrols have taken to calling "The Lost and The Damned" or "Ghouls" show a cessation of normal necrosis; or rather, a severe reduction. Putrefaction appears to be markedly reduced and, indeed a sort of ossification and petrification begins - glowing, almost mineral protrusions; brittle, calcium deposits forming a brittle underlay of the skin. It appears as if the Smoke is attempting to convert the organic material into something else; perhaps this is an intentional phase; perhaps not.
The end result is a being with markedly reduced water content but no requirement for sustenance. The subject enters a form of hibernation. In this new state, it is incredibly susceptible to vibration. This appears to drive it to insanity and hysteria, sending it to the source of the sound where it will attempt to destroy the source.
This is incredibly specific behaviour and it is displayed, without fail, across the Lost. Some specimens appear to undergo petrification and are utterly inert - this would appear to be a result of complete dehydration, resulting in a completely inert husk.
These are my opinion thoughts on the material and more detailed notes, findings and analysis can be found in the attached dossier, detailing methodology, precise chemical breakdowns and observed reaction.
I will conclude several things, in this opening missive, to go back to the strategy of this tool. It is my opinion that the weapon serves a two-fold purpose: a "terror weapon" designed to instil fear and a collection tool. These roles appear to be overlapping. My feelings on the deployment and use by our enemies is as follows:
1) Initial bombardment to neutralise large population areas or areas of threat: this allows for pacification without allocation of excessive forces.
2) Application of steam to enable secondary phasing (If in a rapid advance) or allowing the smoke to dissipate and become inert itself.
3) Securing of samples (Following a scouting foray to check for suitable samples)
4) Allow remainder of affected individuals to "Re-animate" if the area is not of immediate strategic import.
Via this method, the invaders are capable of flushing out ill-prepared defenders and also allowing for the securing of flanks via an expendable military force. We do not, however, know how the Lost react to the presence of the invaders: to date, no observed interactions between them have been observed. Thus we are unable to confirm whether these beings act like an auxiliary force. Or like a land-mine.
Addendum: Countermeasures
I have been queried on possible countermeasures or preventatives against this particular weapon. In aerosol form, it appears inhalation is not necessary for the effects to occur: skin contact alone begins the initial process.
As such I advise several solutions:
1) Full body coverage, multiple layers of thick clothing. The smoke appears to only work well with skin or inhalation contact: thick clothing can block it, temporarily. The newly developed masks-for-gas, with a good air filter, also work.
2) Water: it appears to not work effectively in water (Hot or cold). The smoke works in the fluid of human lungs and veins, but in aerosol form it cannot penetrate liquids and appears to not work in large bodies - introduced to a liquid solution it disperses too much to be effective. Concentration appears to have a marked impact
3) Application of heat: naked flame removes the subsequent effects of the smoke. Burning is also effective against the Lost.
4) Steam: as mentioned, steam turns the smoke into its more inert form. This is dangerous as this is also the form where it moves into its "transformative" or "analysis" phases, building cocoons. However, it also prevents its spread and allows for the minimising of contact against organic contact (Skin etc); it is easier to remove from the ground than the air!
Final note: The smoke itself appears to have a short "life" if not in contact with organic tissue: our samples were taken from Lost or retrieved, comatose survivors. Bathing the afflicted appears to solve many issues, as does a steam-bath. We have several survivors regaining consciousness. However, this has presented further issues, detailed in Appendix V. Full security clearance from Doctor Vahlen is required for access to this element of the dossier; it is kept in the secure filing division
Yours,
Doctor Ronald Ross
Formerly Bombay Hospital