Project LC-17 — The Creation of Leo

Leo's existence began in 2015 within the secret laboratories of the Catalysts, a bioengineering organization led by Professor Gudran Kranan.

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Under an experimental program designated the Leonine Combat Series, Catalyst scientists sought to produce a powerful leonine humanoid capable of combining predatory animal characteristics with humanoid intelligence, advanced physical endurance, and disciplined combat behavior.

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The seventeenth experimental subject of the series was designated LC-17.

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Through sophisticated genetic engineering and accelerated biological maturation, LC-17 developed the body of a powerful adult leonine humanoid despite his comparatively young chronological age.

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His engineered physiology included exceptional muscular strength, agility, hardened protective tissues, formidable natural claws and teeth, and extraordinary endurance.

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He also possessed strong hunting instincts, environmental awareness, and the capacity to develop complex social attachments.

The Catalysts initially regarded these qualities as useful characteristics for a future combat operative.

However, they had not anticipated the degree to which LC-17 would develop an independent personality.

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Conditioning and the Defense Corps

Between 2016 and 2021, LC-17 underwent extensive conditioning, physical training, behavioral instruction, and combat development.

He was taught to understand human speech, follow orders, recognize tactical objectives, and operate within the Catalysts' military structure. His training emphasized hunting, stealth, close-quarters combat, pursuit, and overcoming dangerous opponents through physical superiority. Under the authority of Alpha-1 and the Catalyst Defense Corps, he was expected to function as an obedient experimental combatant.

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Like other controlled Catalyst personnel, LC-17 was subjected to biological restraint technology intended to ensure compliance and prevent escape. These systems included tracking and control mechanisms connected to dangerous implanted failsafes.

 

Despite the severity of his conditioning, LC-17 developed a distinct personality. He enjoyed recognition for successful assignments, displayed considerable pride in his accomplishments, and became fiercely attached to individuals he considered members of his social group. While the Catalysts viewed these attachments as undesirable behavioral complications, they were central to the emerging individual's identity.

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The Defiance — 2022

In 2022, LC-17 was ordered to participate in the punishment of another experimental hybrid that had failed a combat evaluation.

The other subject was smaller and physically less capable than LC-17. Having developed an instinctive protective attachment to the subject, LC-17 refused the order. His handlers attempted to enforce obedience through punishment and the organization's control systems.

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Although forced into physical submission, he did not accept the command as justified. The incident alarmed his supervisors.

LC-17 had demonstrated that his developing pride, loyalty, and protective instincts could conflict directly with Catalyst authority.

Additional behavioral conditioning was ordered. The Catalysts believed the problem could be corrected. They were mistaken.

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Escape — 2023

In 2023, LC-17 was transferred between Catalyst facilities for further conditioning and evaluation. During the transfer, he recognized an opportunity to rebel. When another captive was threatened, LC-17 intervened and attacked the personnel responsible. The confrontation rapidly escalated into a containment emergency.

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LC-17 suffered severe injuries while fighting his way through the facility's security personnel. As his Health fell to its biological danger threshold, an extraordinary physiological response was triggered. His strength and endurance were already formidable, but the resulting Berserker state transformed him into an almost uncontrollable combatant.

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The response temporarily increased his effective Health and enabled him to deliver attacks at an extraordinary rate, while eliminating his normal capacity for judgment and restraint. The confrontation caused extensive damage and disruption. Several experimental captives escaped amid the confusion. LC-17 eventually emerged from the conflict alive but severely exhausted. His actions had achieved what years of Catalyst conditioning were intended to make impossible. He had defied his creators and escaped.

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Freedom Without Safety

Escaping the facility did not immediately free LC-17 from the Catalysts' control technology. His implanted tracking and failsafe systems remained dangerous. During the escape, he obtained a specialized portable maintenance controller capable of supplying an authorized signal to his restraints. The controller had been designed to support secure transfers and maintenance of experimental subjects away from central command systems.

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Its limited operating capacity allowed LC-17 to survive outside direct Catalyst supervision, but it did not permanently disable the implanted mechanisms. He remained dependent upon technology originally designed to imprison him. Throughout 2023 and into 2024, LC-17 lived as a fugitive, avoiding detection while attempting to remain beyond the reach of Catalyst recovery teams. He survived through his hunting abilities, stealth, physical endurance, and increasingly sophisticated understanding of his surroundings.

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His attempts to evade capture brought him into repeated conflict with personnel seeking to recover him. Although he successfully resisted recapture, his circumstances remained precarious. LC-17 had escaped captivity, but he had not yet achieved genuine independence.

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Discovered by the Order of the Zodiac — 2024

Leo's prolonged flight eventually attracted the attention of the Order of the Zodiac. Aries, Cassandra Elise Whitmore, became interested in reports of an unusually powerful leonine humanoid being pursued by an organized group of technologically equipped operatives. Upon learning that the fugitive was an engineered being attempting to escape the Catalysts, Aries recognized both his extraordinary capabilities and the significance of his predicament. The Order arranged a carefully managed encounter. Initially, LC-17 reacted with suspicion and hostility. He had no reason to trust another powerful organization offering assistance. However, Aries made clear that the Order was prepared to provide protection without returning him to his creators. For the first time, he was offered the possibility of sanctuary without immediately being treated as property.

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The Removal of Catalyst Control

Leo's rescue created a difficult technical challenge. The Catalysts' control systems incorporated dangerous implanted failsafes that could not simply be disconnected or removed without risking his life. Through specialized medical and technical assistance, the Order studied the portable maintenance controller and established a means of preserving its necessary authorized signal during a controlled procedure.

With the signal maintained, specialists neutralized the implanted failsafe, then removed the tracking and restraint systems.

The process was difficult and hazardous.

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Its success depended upon exceptional technical preparation, specialized resources, and careful medical support. The operation did not establish a simple or universally applicable method for freeing other Catalyst-controlled subjects. However, for LC-17, its outcome was life-changing. The Catalysts could no longer control, track, or threaten him through the implanted systems.

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He was finally free.

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Becoming Leo — 2025

Following his rescue, LC-17 began a period of recovery, education, training, and adjustment within the Order. He received shelter, food, medical care, personal space, and opportunities to socialize with other members. At first, he interpreted many ordinary gestures as attempts to establish control. His previous experiences had taught him that assistance was rarely offered without demands. Gradually, he came to understand that his new companions valued his presence and abilities.

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Unlike the Catalysts, they permitted him to make personal choices.

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He developed a particularly strong attachment to Aries, whom he regarded as a leader worthy of his voluntary allegiance. He also discovered that he enjoyed companionship, humor, praise, and the simple satisfaction of belonging to a group. During this period, he adopted the personal name Leo.

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The name represented his leonine nature and his growing determination to define his own existence. By 2025, Leo had become a committed and increasingly trusted member of the Order of the Zodiac. The organization was no longer merely his protector. It was his adopted pride.

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Loyalty and Life Within the Order

Leo possesses a strong need for belonging, respect, and recognition. He enjoys praise, displays considerable confidence, and responds warmly to companions who treat him with dignity. He can also be stubborn, competitive, possessive, and easily offended by insults directed toward his appearance or origins. He particularly dislikes being called an animal, pet, specimen, or experimental property. Although capable of independent judgment, Leo willingly follows Aries and the Order's established leadership. His obedience is not the result of implanted conditioning.

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It is an expression of loyalty to people he considers his chosen family. Leo may complain about an assignment, disagree with an instruction, or display frustration when his pride is wounded. Nevertheless, he remains fiercely committed to defending the organization that gave him freedom and belonging. He considers threats against the Order to be personal threats against his pride.

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The Berserker Condition

Leo's most dangerous biological characteristic is an involuntary Berserker response produced by his unusual genetic engineering.

When his Health falls to half its normal value, his body enters an extreme survival state. During this condition, his Psyche falls to zero, his effective Health increases by 100 points, and he becomes capable of delivering two attacks per combat round. The transformation also eliminates his ability to voluntarily stop fighting. Under his original biological specifications, the state continues until his Health is reduced to zero.

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This response is distinct from the control-pack-induced fury associated with ordinary Catalyst Defense Corps personnel. Leo cannot reliably command or suppress this condition through ordinary willpower. He is aware that a severe combat injury could place his companions in danger if they remain within reach during an episode. This knowledge is a source of private anxiety. Although Leo takes pride in his physical capabilities, he fears the possibility of harming members of the first family he has ever chosen.

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Ongoing Hostility with the Catalysts

Professor Kranan continues to regard Leo as escaped experimental property and valuable genetic research. His successful rebellion is also an affront to Catalyst authority. Alpha-1 considers the former LC-17 a deserter whose continued freedom undermines the control and discipline of the Defense Corps. The Catalysts have not abandoned their desire to recover or punish him.

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However, Leo's association with the Order of the Zodiac has significantly complicated their plans. Any direct attempt to capture Leo risks confrontation with the entire Order.

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Aries has made clear that Leo is a member of her organization and that aggression against him will not be treated as an isolated incident.

Consequently, the Catalysts have avoided initiating an open conflict, although their interest in Leo remains active. The relationship between the two organizations is characterized by suspicion, hostility, and mutual restraint. Leo regards the possibility of recapture with fierce defiance. He has no intention of returning to captivity.

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The Twelve-City Correction — 2026

During the Twelve-City Correction, Leo is assigned to operations associated with Los Angeles, California. His extraordinary physical capabilities make him valuable in direct engagements, tracking, pursuit, and the protection of strategically important personnel or locations.

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Unlike members who rely upon specialized weapons or sophisticated technology, Leo's primary advantages are biological. He combines exceptional endurance, powerful claws and teeth, remarkable agility, natural defensive characteristics, and highly developed hunting skills. His personality also makes him a highly visible and imposing representative of the Order. Leo enjoys recognition and has little desire to conceal his pride or capabilities when operating openly. Nevertheless, his unpredictable Berserker response remains a serious operational concern.

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Current Activities — 2026

By 2026, Leo is an established member of the Order of the Zodiac. He remains proud, courageous, charismatic, fiercely protective, and deeply loyal to his companions. He enjoys recognition, physical challenges, and the company of individuals he trusts. Although his appearance and extraordinary physical abilities can intimidate strangers, his behavior among familiar companions is often warm, enthusiastic, and unexpectedly playful. He is particularly sensitive to any suggestion that he remains the property of the Catalysts.

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For Leo, the Order represents something far more important than an employer or military organization. It represents the freedom to belong. His greatest fear is not defeat in combat. It is losing the only home he has ever freely chosen. Leo was engineered to obey. He chose whom to follow.

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