Arctic BioSystems

Arctic BioSystems is a facility that features in Helix.

History

Originally, the facility was a old Russian trading base that was built around the 1850's. (Episode: Level X) Following its creation, the base expanded from the original laboratory that became designated Level R. This area contained its own ventilation system separate from the larger facility. (Episode: 274)

Periodic supply drops were made to Arctic BioSystems from the outside in order to provide plenty of food and material for the base. (Episode: Single Strand) For a number of years, around thirty children were abducted from the local settlements around base. (Episode: Aniqatiga)

A special gene therapy project designated NARVIK was created to create a viral delivery system to cure cancer. (Episode: Aniqatiga) Peter Farragut who was stationed at the Antarctica base had been working on viral mutations in samples NARVIK-A and NARVIK-B. The second project was responsible for creating a virulent infection turning individuals into feral Vectors that sought others in order to infect them with the virus. (Episode: Vectors) After the viral outbreak at the base, Alan Farrugat proposed turning the original laboratory in Level R into an isolation floor in order to better contain the people infected by the unknown disease with around forty three suspected infectees. At this point, a rapid response test had been created in determining the infected from the uninfected with those positive with the virus being contained in Level R. However, one of the CDC personnel who became infected and trapped in the isolation barracks determined that the test was flawed but communication was severed with the surface thus preventing her from revealing her findings. (Episode: 274) Several of the detainees in Level R attempted to force their way into freedom by shutting down CO2 scrubbers with this being stopped by Hatake. (Episode: Single Strand) On Day 5, it was discovered that Major Sergio Balleseros who was assigned to the CDC team was working with outside interests in obtaining research from the facility. (Episode: The White Room) On Day 6, a flight from the Ilaria Corporation arrived at Arctic BioSystems. (Episode: Aniqataga)

Sutton's forces managed to take full control of the facility as they sought to acquire the virus. Her plans, however, ended when her guards were eliminated by the staff at the facility with Hatake killing Constance Sutton. (Episode: Bloodline) Following no contact from Sutton, the retrieval protocol was initiated whereby a hundred mercenaries were tasked with eliminating the population of the base in order to recover the NARVIK virus. (Episode: Black Rain) The facility was late destroyed by Ilaria though the survivors of the NARVIK outbreak managed to escape with Alan Farrugat seeking out the captured Julia Walker that had been kidnapped by the Scythe. (Episode: Dans L'ombre)

Overview

Its research personnel included 106 scientists from 35 nations and a support staff of 15 personnel. (Episode: Pilot)

RFID chips were injected into the palm of the hand that provided access to the facility though it was possible to restrict individuals from certain locations. (Episode: Pilot) An intercom system warned of any incoming flight's that were arriving at the base. (Episode: Aniqatiga)

In time, the base expanded and the original laboratory became known as Level R. (Episode: 274) This section contained the CO2 scrubbers designed to maintain the life support functions of the facility such as the oxygen levels. As it was a large levels, there was plenty of air within the region that allowed it to outlast the ones above it. (Episode: Single Strand) It was believed that Level R was the lowest section of the base but in fact there was a Level X that was a virus vault holding the original core samples of various viruses. (Episode: Level X) Level D consisted of a hematology laboratory with Level E holding the urology laboratory. (Episode: The White Room) Underneath the base was a reinforced bunker that was designed to handle earthquakes. (Episode: Black Rain)

A number of projects were kept within the facility which included:

• Transgenic laboratory : a lab that studied viruses and tested them on live animals. (Episode: The White Room)
• Fusion laboratory : created into a study in fusion research based at Level R until the experiments were abandoned. (Episode: 274)
• SODRA : a proprietary anti-viral treatment program that offered a 100% cure rate with complete viral elimination that did not do any damage to the hot cells but there was a mortality rate of over 75%. (Episode: 274)
• NARVIK : a secret gene therapy project that designed a virus with a genetic payload that was claimed would treat cancer's all five classifications but led to the creation of Vectors. (Episode: Aniqatiga)
• Cryo-therapy : headed by Dr. Victor Adrian who was involved in experimental research in cryogenic cooling systems involving FVC immersion hypothermia where subjects were kept in a frozen state. (Episode: Aniqatiga)

An inside joke among the scientists was that they were all in the White Room because of the arctic conditions of their environment. In reality, there was a portion of the base located outside in the snow where rope lines guided those on the outside. The ropes were vital as the intense cold and high winds meant that people who went outside could be lost where they would eventually die. One of the rope lines led to a part in the snow where a scientist's head within a cryo-tube emerged from the ground for consultation. (Episode: The White Room)

Outside the base, there resided a satellite facility known as Echelon Station that had radio equipment with a dish with it. (Episode: Black Rain)

Occupants

• Hiroshi Hatake :
• Peter Farragut :
• Daniel Aerov :
• Sulemani :
• Philippe Duchamp : a male doctor who was involved in the SODRA project. (Episode: 274)
• Dr Hvit : a scientist who developed an immunity deficiency that forced him to operate from a secret laboratory. (Episode: The White Room)

Appearances

• Helix: "Pilot"

External Links

• Helix Wiki Entry

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