Erythian Intelligence (EI)

An organic answer to CIs, Erythian Intelligences began life as a living, breathing Erythian. Due to their race's inherent ability to transplant their minds into digital frontiers without the risk of harm, they discovered fairly early that if harm came to an Erythian's physical body, his or her mind would be trapped permanently within cyberspace. Attempts to reintegrate EIs with other bodies have all failed, suggesting that such a process is permanent.

However, those who become EIs attain a certain degree of immortality. Within cyberspace, an EI does not age at all. Instead, they are only confined by the limits of the type of programming they are installed on. A Starship-Class EI has almost no programming restrictions, and is universally compatible across multiple platforms. Merchant-Class EIs, however, have considerably less freedom.

It is critical to note that Erythian Intelligences cannot be shackled or controlled by programming, as they have organic roots. Therefore, the base individual who becomes an EI usually does so out of choice and loyalty to his own people, and is not likely to turn on them. EIs are subject to rampancy, however, but safeguards exist to slow (if not prevent) this condition. Rampant EIs are the most dangerous cyber-threat aside from Progenitors, and are usually a top priority if discovered. However, thanks to recent advances in cyberwarfare and cyberdefense grids, the number of Rampant EIs has decreased 15% in the last millennium.