~~~~
As you turn to the first chapter of the historical record, you note the increasing density of the text. It seems the author had quite a bit to say for this portion. You briefly wonder who actually wrote the document. It had no listed author. Perhaps they wished to or were forced to remain anonymous, or maybe there were multiple authors. You would have liked to have a discussion with a genuine expert on those creatures, but that will have to remain an idle desire for the time being.
~--~
Chapter I: Physical Characteristics
As explained previously, the Cyangels are a primarily mechanical race, brought into the universe by an unknown creator. Their outward appearance resembles that of the average female humanoid, with the addition of wings upon their back. The exact style and type of wings can vary, but the most common are large, almost angelic, feathered wings. Hence the name, Cyangel. Although it must be noted, that is the name they gave themselves, or perhaps it was given to them by their creator. The rest of the galaxy simply adopted the term to refer to them due to its simple descriptive nature.
The average Cyangels stands anywhere from 1.5-2.5 meters tall. However, unlike other races, slight variances in height and even weight are incredibly uncommon. This is especially noticeable when watching a regiment of their military march in formation. All the soldiers in line appear identical in height and size, with only special units like officers standing out. It is easier to think of them as a series of models with slight variations in hair, eyes, facial structure, etc.
As stated in the introduction, Cyangels are believed to be 50-70% mechanical. While a complete specimen has never been retrieved, limbs and broken segments of their cybernetic portions have. Firstly, they do not seem to possess ears. Instead, they have various mechanical devices fitted where a humanoid’s ears would generally be. The exact function of these devices is unknown, but they appear to serve as auditory receptors.
As for the rest of their bodies, wings, heads, torsos, and waists have not been retrieved. All attempts to do as such resulted in those parts self-destructing. Recovered arms have been noted to be a mixture of organic and mechanical components. They have bones, skin, and muscles; however, instead of veins and blood, wires and circuits run through the arms. This supports the idea they are more cyborgs than machines. However, retrieved legs have been almost entirely mechanical, with exterior portions thought to be armor taking up the entire leg and only bones inside serving as a frame. This, in turn, reinforces the theory they are simply machines that include organic components.
Without physical examples to study, few concrete facts can be stated for the rest of their bodies. Leaving the rest of our understanding of how they function to observation and speculation. Most experts conclude the Cyangels have a complete skeletal structure with the evidence from their arms and legs. Based on direct observations, it seems their torsos and heads, at the very least, have a layer of skin. Other than that, it is unknown if they have organs such as hearts, lungs, and brains. While they seem to possess eyes, it can’t be stated for sure if they are actually eyes or synthetic replicas.
~--~
You sigh as you pour over the chapter. The information is new to you, but the amount of speculation is troubling. Besides, none of this is what you came to ready about. You’d rather know their capabilities and why they look like what they do. Thankfully, as you skim through the chapter, you come to a portion that explains precisely what you were looking for.
~--~
…Cyangel wings are perhaps the most curious and least understood part of the species. While appearing like bird wings, their flight is not limited to flapping and gliding. In fact, many Cyangels can hover in mid-air without flapping their wings at all. However, they are also clearly not for show, as damaged wings impede their flight.
The exact function of the wings continues to elude scientists, especially after reports of them flying through space were confirmed. Whatever method they use to propel themselves clearly requires no air or wind. It is so indescribable, some experts have compared it to magic, both in terms of how fantastical their flight is and comparing it to illusion.
It must also be noted that some Cyangels have been seen flying by flapping their wings, similar to birds. However, this is mainly confined to the basic drones that are not meant to see combat…
…While a live specimen has not been tested in a controlled environment, the previous war against the Cyangels has provided comprehensive data on their physical capabilities. Even the most basic drones have been seen lifting objects weighing around one ton with only a modicum of effort. Cyangel soldiers have been seen lifting ten and even twenty tons of weight with similar ease. While the upper limit of their lifting strength has not been determined, the highest confirmed was one Cyangel lifting a 100-ton spaceship.
Despite their incredible strength, their speed is perhaps even more notable. Through their wings, Cyangel soldiers have been witnessed flying over four times the speed of sound. However, the basic drones have been seen to have a plodding flying speed, almost no faster than walking. Reaction time is less well documented. However, it has been observed countless times that Cyangels in flight can dodge laser fire, even from as close as 20 meters away...
…With the amount of unknown information concerning Cyangel biology and physiology, it is difficult to near impossible to say much further concerning their physical characteristics. How they respond to disease and injury has not been observed. In fact, it is unknown if they even can experience illness. The effects of aging are also unknown, and again it is uncertain if Cyangel can age.
There is also the matter of their intelligence, which is sometimes discussed in the physical characteristics chapter of documents concerning other races. However, the intelligence of Cyangels is a complicated topic because of how their society works. It is not just because they are primarily mechanical, so they could theoretically have any information uploaded into their brains. The subject of their intelligence and its complications will be explored further in the “Society and Hierarchy” chapter…
~--~
You sigh as you flip through the remaining portions of the chapter. The amount of concrete information grows thinner and thinner. Still, at least you’ve got a better idea of their capabilities now. You decide it’s time to move onto the second chapter, “Society and Hierarchy.” You wonder what the document meant that their intelligence has to do with their society, but it’ll you’ll know soon enough.
To Be Continued…
~~~~
I supposed I could make a pun about biology or something, but I got nothing.
Until next time, Read, Comment and Enjoy
~~~~
Support me on Patreon: [link]
No comments:
Post a Comment