Hyperion Project

The Hyperion Project was a top-secret military project that was carried out over a 20 year period at Area 51. The project revolved around genetic modification and supersoldiers, and was the Atlas Coalition's first large step in transhuman development.

Pre-Hyperion Groundwork
In the early days of The African War, there were multiple sightings of PRGA 'Abominations,' which were genetically modified inhumans that stood 10 ft tall and were nearly bulletproof. After Atlas scientists studied the genetic structure of these monstrosities, they noticed and identified a similar genetic state they dubbed the 'Goldilocks Zone' for genetic modification. In this state, the DNA was highly susceptible to mutation, allowing for massive genetic restructuring. Unfortunately, all attempts on living subjects to insert the Abomination genetic modifications resulted in slow and horrifying deaths. So the project went back to the drawing board.

In 2016, the Hyperion Project was formed with Doctor Paddy Jameson at its head. The goal was to experiment with radiation exposure to try and replicate the 'Goldilocks Zone' that was observed in the PRGA Abominations. Under Jameson's controls, at least 5 attempts were made every day to replicate the conditions for mutation. The experimental subjects were all convicted criminals, and by the end of the experiments any survivors were liquidated under Jameson's orders. Until the aftermath of Operation Cobalt Hue, Jameson was unable to replicate the effects that created the PRGA Abominations.

The Hyperion Soldiers
Following the events of the ATLAS Operation Cobalt Hue, Nestor McKellen, Jewel Mondragon, Sergei Chernov and Eric Connelly were left irradiated. By pure chance, this mutated their genetic code into the coveted 'Goldilocks Zone,' and this was discovered shortly afterwards in the emergency medical examination.

Jameson quickly moved the group to Area 51, where he convinced them to join the project. Jewel took the most convincing, but Jameson managed to lie to her and secure her assistance.

The Original Four
The four Atlas soldiers were then subjected to brutal genetic modifications that left them changed in multiple ways. While the effects were not instant, they later on evolved into true metahumans. This was unexpected, as Jameson would never have allowed them to return to war if he thought their bodies would accept the modifications he had installed.

The Hyperion Seven
Using genetic material taken from the four soldiers, Jameson created seven artificial human beings, born from a test tube without any human connection. Each of the seven was designed to be beyond human, with athletic prowess greater than an Olympian, reflexes greater than a martial artist and intelligence on par with any great scientist.
 * Hyperion I
 * Hyperion II
 * Hyperion III
 * Hyperion IV
 * Hyperion V
 * Hyperion VI
 * Hyperion VII

Unfortunately, the creation process was imperfect and this led to the Hyperion Soldiers developing defects in their genetic structure. Some, like Hyperions I, VI and VII have little to no defective genes, while III and V have critical defects that affect their day to day lives.

Loss of Hyperion VI
Hyperion VI vanished and was considered M.I.A. during The Valentine's Day Disaster, aided by the sabotage efforts of Jewel Mondragon and Scotty Ross. Further attempts to locate any affiliated members of this incident, including the efforts of Eric Connelly, were in vain resulting in little information, most of already known.

Loss of Hyperion VII
Hyperion VII escaped in late 2037, leaving behind a bloody trail. The night of his escape, two high-profile figures in the Hyperion Project were killed. Dr Jameson was found in his officer with his neck broken, and security footage showed Hyperion VII killing him with his bare hands. Sergei Chernov was also found dead, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound that finally killed him. Autopsy reports show that even after he died, his healing factor closed and healed the wound before finally ceasing approximately 8 hours after brain death.

The Atlas Protectorate
In 2039, the Hyperion Soldiers were revealed to the public as The Atlas Protectorate, a group of powerful heroes and political figures to serve as heralds for a new generation of Atlas Propaganda. They made their debut arresting Jack Gage, and proceeded to become a household name in the year to come. In Washington DC, there is a statue of each of the five members outside the Council Tower.

Every school has posters of them, every child wants to be one, and every Resistance Member fears the silhouette of Hyperion Power Armour.