K'ois

K'ois is one of the few indigenous species in the known galaxy that originated from Sedantis. It behaves similar to fungi from human colonized worlds. However, its growth is more aggressive: it does not require an atmosphere to reproduce and spores can mature in minutes. This is due to the millennia of genetic modifications to the species has been subjugated.

History

The Virtual fossil record, hosted in Leto's Realm, shows fossilized fungi that are believed to be ancestors of the k'ois. Their phylogenetic reconstruction has been largely ignored until recent years, as the Hives have taken an interest in the wildlife of their home planet. Nevertheless, what is known is that Sedantian fungi were once the most prominent kingdom until their great extinction billions of years ago. The most prominent hypothesis is that this event was not so much triggered by environmental changes, but rather by a highly competitive and fragile ecosystem. As the food chain became unsustainable, the fewer surviving species of fungi became more resilient, albeit took a peculiar evolutionary strategy. Their growth is said to have become slower and species such as k'ois were limited to a smaller radius, almost as if hiding inside the cracks of the cave walls.

The ancient reproduction cycle of k'ois is not year clearly understood. Many Vaurcesian legends claim that the fungus would 'die' once touched, making domestication impossible. However, this did not stop the early Vaurcae from seeking nourishment in k'ois. The bacteria inside a Vaurca's gut is specialized to acquire all required nutrients from the fungus, having evolved to perform this task long before agriculture. One common theory is that the proto Vaurcae, similar to wild V'krexi, lived a nomadic life in small caverns and relied on the native species inside the walls.

K'ois became important to the Vaurca in their early history, overshadowing other available resources. The dominion for k'ois-rich regions was what gave rise to the Warrior nomadism, causing great wars in the name of the fungi. As Vaurcae domesticated k'ois, selective breeding of the species made the fungus larger, with a faint glow and a faster dissemination rate of the spores. Throughout the periods known as the Age of Death and the Era of Augments, genetic modifications allowed for the k'ois to survive in extreme environments, as well as reproduce uncontrollably. Since their introduction to the Orion Spur, scientists of different species have attempted to maim their spread, as they are a health hazard for other sapient species. The results have been largely futile, with uncontrolled k'ois populations in the dunes of Luthien or the asteroids near Pid.

Phorogenesis

The Orbs hang from the ceiling below where k'ois grow, to ensure they can absorb the phoron properly.

One of the main characteristics of the fungus is its ability to produce phoron, in a process known as phorogenesis. How it occurs is that it transforms available gases from the atmosphere, such as oxygen, and changes them to small amounts of phoron. As the quantities are minuscule, it rarely if ever creates enough of the substance to be released into the air. However, the phoron produced in this process is usually referred to as ‘tainted,' as it contains proteins of the fungus. A recent study conducted amidst the phoron crisis proved that phoron produced by k'ois is contaminated even at the subatomic level, with potential spores stemming from the molecule.

Additionally, phoron produced by k'ois is only sufficient for Vaurcae in the short term. For the management of their phoron reserves, Vaurcae developed a bioform known as Zk'reii, known in Basic as ‘the Orb.' Orbs are only kept in Hiveships or k'ois growth chambers and are considered prized possessions of the Hives.

These bioforms hang upside down along constructed railings where a mix of k'ois and other various nutrients are transferred to the Orbs. Being able to remove what phoron they need, even down to the molecular level with excess, they are able to store this in a form of trophallaxis; where Vaurcae can then extract this excess phoron for themselves.

Dangers in human space

K'ois phoron as a fuel source is unreliable and often deadly. Even before the Great Evacuation, Vaurcae knew that pure phoron crystals were required for their Hiveships, as k'ois were not a proper catalyst. Nevertheless, this has not stopped a few Queenless and oblivious humans to seek ways to make a rapid fortune.

The selling of k'ois phoron is an issue endemic to Flagsdale, dubbed as ‘bootleg phoron' by the media. In reality, most of the time the gallons sold contain little to no phoron and are instead rich in ammonia, water, and k'ois. This has led to deaths by mycosis, as well as the loss of plenty of vehicles that require reparation.

Mycosis is one of the greater dangers of k'ois. As active spores are released into the air, humans and other species are in danger to developing a fungal infection inside their lungs. This can become deadly in hours, as the rich oxygenation of the organ causes phorogenesis to fill the lungs with phoron and paste. As k'ois are hard to remove, it requires exhaustive surgery and lengthy medical treatment to remove all remnants.

Because of the mycosis scare in recent years, some insurance companies in Biesel have extended their policies to include a k'ois infection. Nevertheless, it is rarely covered by employers, with the exception of those working in a field that requires k'ois investigation.