TREADSTONE

TREADSTONE - formally Project TREADSTONE (ТРЕДСТОУН) - was a classified Arvorian research programme authorised in 7664 RH. Its work concluded in 7671 RH.

The entire project continues to hold a classification of "Ив" (Исключительно важно, Exceptionally Important) and all information related to it remains sealed.

Overview

The project was overseen from its inception to its conclusion by a specially selected team of scientists from numerous departments of the Pavlov Research Bureau of the Central Institute for Research and Development. All work was carried out within the high containment wing of the Pavlov Complex at Zelerino.

TREADSTONE was first proposed on XX-XX-7664 RH by Doctor Igor Ivanovich Velikanov, a senior researcher in the pathology department of the Pavlov Research Bureau. In his initial presentation, a document thirty-three pages in length and containing nearly 300 individual references, Velikanov explained to Doctor Evgeny Petrovich Denisov, then Director General of TsIIR, and the rest of the Select Committee that serious consideration should be taken to "pursuing a deeper study and understanding of the physical, biological, psychological, and pathological aspects of the Wolgos", reasoning that "any and all efforts to better understand the perennial enemy of free peoples everywhere as a means of better defending against them would be worth the investment".

Project COBALT would also be a factor in the decision to approve TREADSTONE. While Velikanov did not know about the atomic bomb programme, Denisov and the director of the Pavlov Bureau, Doctor Nikolai Alexandrovich Bashilov, did. The two had quietly theorised that it was all but guaranteed the weapon would be used against the Wolgos, and Bashilov saw that an opportunity to further study the effects radiation had on living organisms. Doctor Dmitri Viktorovich Zeldovich, head of the Zeldovich Bureau, agreed with this assessment. Velikanov conservatively estimated the project would need a minimum of 200 Wolgos for a sufficient availability of subjects to ensure broad-spectrum results. The proposal was forwarded to Cherenovsk on XX-XX-7664, where it would be reviewed by the Council of Ministers before being considered for approval. While some initial discussions on the proposed project were held between Pavlov personnel, and the council was not uninterested, but ultimately the muted response from the Citadel saw the proposal temporarily shelved on XX-XX-7664.

This would change on XX-XX-7664, when a priority communication from the Citadel revived considerations of TREADSTONE. Acting on this message, Doctor Denisov granted approval and directed Velikanov to begin making preparations for the project to commence. Simultaneously, on orders from the Ministry of Defence, Operations Group Sigma of ARGENTUM was re-routed from Forward Air Base Chebenki on Taganza Island, where it had escorted Molotok-1 and guarded it until deployment on XX-XX-7664. Sigma, working with a special detachment from the Main Military Transport Directorate, moved onto the Waringa Plain and, over the course of three days rounded up 219 Wolgos. While some were already dead and thus were placed in cold storage for the journey to Arvor, most were still living, and many appeared to still be in reasonably sound health. Among the living a combination of those both exposed to the radiation of the bomb and those unaffected were part of the group. All of them were taken to the Pavlov Complex at Zelerino under maximum secrecy.

The first of the Wolgos arrived at Zelerino on XX-XX-7664 RH. By this time, scientists from the haematology, surgery, anaesthesia, gastroenterology, radiology, pathology, virology, bacteriology, pulmonology, orthopaedics, and oncology departments had made their preparations and the research schedule commenced without fanfare on XX-XX-7664 RH.

Components

TREADSTONE-1

Considered the "primary aspect" of the entire project, TREADSTONE-1 focused on anatomical, physiological, and pathological study of Wolgos subjects. This included extensive analysis of living subjects, autopsies of deceased subjects, and analysis of blood, hormonal and fluid extractions from subjects. Various levels of a number of anaesthetic agents were also tested on subjects. It was overseen by Doctor Igor Ivanovich Velikanov of the pathology department. Assisting service was provided by doctors of the surgery, anaesthesia, haematology, and orthopaedics departments.

TREADSTONE-2

The "second primary aspect" of the project, TREADSTONE-2 focused on radiation studies, testing, and analysis. This included extensive examinations of Wolgos soldiers who had been exposed to varying levels of gamma, neutron, and ionising radiation. Healthy subjects were also exposed to controlled bursts of radiation of differing types to measure and record the reaction of the body. Some subjects were also injected with or made to ingest low-level doses of various radioactive isotopes. This research was overseen by Doctor Polina Sergeyevna Kursanova and Doctor Vladimir Isaakovich Nazarov of the radiology department. Assisting service was provided by doctors of the haematology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, and oncology departments. Extensive consultations with scientists from the Zeldovich Research Bureau were conducted throughout.

TREADSTONE-3

Focusing on bacteriological and virological studies, TREADSTONE-3 measured and studied the immunological reactions of Wolgos patients to exposure to a variety of bacterium and viruses to better understand their autoimmune responses. Agents used in testing included anthrax, botulism, brucellosis, cholera, monkeypox, tularemia, ricin, plague, smallpox, glanders, Q fever, various hemorrhagic fevers, staphylococcal enterotoxin, melioidosis, chlamydia, hepatitis A, rubella, typhus, and dengue fever. Testing and study were co-ordinated by Doctor Alexey Isaakovich Volfkovich of the bacteriology department and Doctor Semyon Yevgrafovich Favorsky of the virology department. Assisting service was provided by doctors of the haematology and pathology departments.

TREADSTONE-4

Considered a segue from the focus of TREADSTONE-1, TREADSTONE-4 focused on Wolgos tolerances in the face of various environmental factors including extreme cold and heat, changes in air pressure and humidity, and a lack or excess of available water and food. Experimentation in these fields were conducted within special environment rooms which simulated these effects. Analysis of these effects on the respiration, heart rate, biochemistry, and physiological performance of the subjects was carefully documented. Primary oversight was the responsibility of Doctor Mariya Yakovlevna Yeskova of the bioengineering department. Assisting service was provided by doctors of the haematology, pathology, and gastroenterology departments.

Kirill Yuryevich Yeskov

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