Z-29

Z-29 is an Imperial bioweapon before the Trans-Galactic War, left to run amok in No Man's Space.

Capabilities
Z-29 is a semi-sentient viral bioweapon that can grow from tiny specks to planet-swallowing biomass. Z-29 grows in the form of Z-Cores, large chunks of biomass that send out smaller units. Z-29 is mainly known for reanimating corpses as zombies, often referred to as Bleeders. Z-Cores grow at a very slow rate, and thus Z-29 relies on its creation of zombies, most often achieved from initially infecting a single victim. The virus will kill victims in hours, and then reactivates their brain, but only the part that controls motor skills and movement. Within a host, Z-29 grows into a fungus-like tumor, which links it to a hivemind located from the Z-Core of origin, which has loose and basic control of the infected. Several soft tissues within the bodies of victims, mainly the eyes, will be eaten away, giving the appearance of crying blood, thus giving the name of Bleeders. Bleeders are nearly blind, their eyes replaced with biomass-based receptors for bright lights, but have enhanced hearing and smell. They can run and climb up sheer surfaces, and have somewhat more strength than living members of their races. The Z-Core will use Bleeders to destroy resistance, and collect biomass, which it will use to return to the Z-Core and allow it to grow. Z-Cores can grow to the size of overwhelming planets and creating biomass-based superplanets, and although they cannot absorb metals and hard materials, they can integrate it as armor. Large Z-Cores can even work crude computer systems. Z-29 biomass is resistant to heat, although extreme heat and other forms of energy are able to damage it. Biomass often absorbs and disperses physical and other kinetic attacks, although shockwaves will blow it apart. Z-29 can live without supplements for years, but will eventually break down into nothingness. The first known cure for Z-29 was a group of white liquid-filled spores that grew from the Z-Cores themselves, implemented by the Imperials as an inevitable mutation and a failsafe. The liquid is Z-31, which dissolves Z-29 and can cure those recently infected, but not those who have already turned. Z-29 can naturally mutate into Z-30 in concentrated areas, forming hulking mutant Bleeders.

Background
Z-29 was developed by the Intergalactic Empire to destroy primitive, insufficiently advanced, or underequipped worlds they could not waste invasion fleets on. Many times, the bioweapon would also take advanced worlds by surprise, and overrun them before they can launch a counterattack. Z-29 was left to its own devices by the time of the Trans-Galactic War, forming a mobile superplanet of biomass known as The Scourge, which patrols the deepest and darkest places of No Man's Space, devouring all planets it comes across. Z-29 was used as the basis of Z-X9.