Carrier - hàkh (hɑx)
Hàkh (pluralized as gëhàkh) are not born members of the R̂eg̈r̊ü species, but are rather members of other, compatible species that have been converted into egg-carriers by a R̂eg̈r̊ü müj̊ǁàdèm.
Transmission & Vectors
R̂eg̈r̊ü hùmüj̊ǁàdèm create gëhàkh to be the vessels for their eggs during their initial one-to-two-week incubation period. Once converted, a hàkh can only bear the eggs of their converting müj̊ǁàdèm.
Causes
To convert a suitable being, a müj̊ǁàdèm must entice, coerce, or otherwise find a means of engaging the target individual into sexual intercourse. R̂eg̈r̊ü associated with the Interstellar Federation follow a strict code of conduct and consent when pursuing a potential hàkh; generally requiring explicit, informed consent of the individual before starting the process. Centauri R̂eg̈r̊ü (those belonging to the R̂eg̈r̊ü Empire) on the other hand, forcibly enslave and convert subjugated species in large numbers in order to keep their population from declining due to low clutch viability.
During the conversion process, the müj̊ǁàdèm uses a combination of intense pheromones, aphrodisiacs, and physical stimuli to render the future hàkh docile and relaxed, before using their conversion tentacles and a potent cocktail of hormones and enzymes to radically alter the target's lower digestive system into a receptacle for their eggs.
Symptoms
Gëhàkh experience a variety of physiological (and a few psychological) changes as a result of their conversion.
- Increased elasticity and sensitivity of lower digestive cavities.
- Complete elimination of the production of solid wastes.
- Self-lubrication of both rectal cavity and the converted large intestine when exposed to stimuli.
- The addition of a 'Carrier's Gland' (or hàkhẓüj) inside the rectal cavity, the stimulation of which causes intense pleasure and a general feeling of submissiveness.
- Marked swelling of the anal rim caused by the muscle elongating to allow for larger insertions. The exterior becomes significantly more sensitive to touch.
- Intense arousal reactions to the scent of their converting müj̊ǁàdèm's pheromones.
- Elimination of refractory periods to prevent discomfort during the prolonged sexual intercourse favored by the R̂eg̈r̊ü; accompanied by a marked increase in the production rate of the hàkh's genetic material (if relevant).
- Cyclic periods of hyper-sexuality and nymphomania during which the urge to be filled with eggs is claimed to be almost unbearable.
Treatment
The conversion process can be undone with a regimen of drug and hormone therapies and two simple surgical procedures to remove the Carrier's Gland and unseal the lower intestine. Former gëhàkh will retain an enhanced digestive system that produces minimal waste, and some modest neurological attachment to their converting müj̊ǁàdèm that may fade over time.
Treatment is provided free to all gëhàkh who seek it, and explicitly offered to any that manage to escape the R̂eg̈r̊ü Empire. For this reason, information about the existence of the procedure is strictly classified within the empire.
Prognosis
Gëhàkh from suitable species do not generally experience any negative health effects as a result of their conversion. Indeed, since the purpose of the conversion is to produce healthy incubators for R̂eg̈r̊ü eggs, many gëhàkh find that their general health actually improves to some degree post-conversion. There is a brief period of time shortly after conversion where the hàkh may experience mild discomfort while adjusting to their new physiology and hormones, but this has not been observed to last longer than 24 Earth-Standard hours.
Incompatible species are generally identified by a negative reaction to the müj̊ǁàdèm's conversion enzymes early enough in the process for its abandonment. If the process is completed anyway there is about a 50% survival rate depending on how quickly the victim receives emergency medical attention.
Sequela
Gëhàkh rapidly become emotionally attached to their converting hùmüj̊ǁàdèm as a result of hormonal changes brought about by their new gëhàkhẓüj (carrier's glands). In humans specifically, these hormones cause the hypothalamus to produce an excess of oxytocin whenever a hàkh is carrying or being stimulated internally by their müj̊ǁàdèm. For this reason, liberated hàkh often experience a 'withdrawl' period during which they find it difficult to make the decision to undergo treatment.
These bonds work both ways, with hùmüj̊ǁàdèm experiencing similar hormonal responses when exposed to the slick of hàkh they have converted.
Affected Groups
Gëhàkh are generally humanoid beings, with the preponderance of viable species having few natural defenses (such as claws, venom, poisonous skin, barbs, etc.) They can be any gender, as the conversion process does not negatively impact the target's reproductive functions (in fact, it often increases them hence why there are not gender-specific terms for gëhàkh (rather, hàkh is linguistically considered to be a third, catch-all gender).
Prevention
There is no known pharmaceutical effective in preventing conversion, as the implanting of the Carrier's Gland will gradually complete the process on its own once attached. The only truly effective prevention method is abstinence; either from sex with a R̂eg̈r̊ü müj̊ǁàdèm altogether, or from initiating the conversion process (on the part of the müj̊ǁàdèm).
Epidemiology
Since the condition can only be spread by R̂eg̈r̊ü hùmüj̊ǁàdèm, it is not considered infectious. It is widespread among the conquered worlds under the rule of the R̂eg̈r̊ü Empire.
History
The ability to convert other species is suspected to be a vestigial ability from the time before the R̂eg̈r̊ü formed their symbiotic relationship with the original carrier species.
Cultural Reception
Cygnus R̂eg̈r̊ü
Among the Cygnus R̂eg̈r̊ü of Jǎawːḷch̊ëiishøf, gëhàkh are afforded great respect for their service to the continued existence of the R̂eg̈r̊ü species. Gëhàkh are not expected to work (although some do out of personal preference), and are considered citizens on the same level as 'native' R̂eg̈r̊ü.
Centauri R̂eg̈r̊ü
In the Empire, gëhàkh are seen as valuable assets; but are not afforded the benefits of citizenship or even freedom of movement and association. Gëhàkh are not allowed in public unless accompanied by their hùmüj̊ǁàdèm, and are not allowed clothing of any type or configuration. Most gëhàkh in the Empire will only carry one clutch to term in their lives, thereafter being relegated to menial tasks under the supervision of their hùmüj̊ǁàdèm. A hàkh who's first clutch produces more than three viable R̂eg̈r̊ü is generally subjected to either intense medical study or a promotion to their müj̊ǁàdèm's primary carrier, likely spending the rest of their lives being repeatedly bred. A hàkh who's clutch viability is greater than 50% will generally be bred with other gëhàkh of their species to improve their species' overall carrier ability.
Type
Physiological
Parent
Origin
Alien
Cycle
Chronic, Acquired
Rarity
Uncommon
Affected Species
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