TSK-17 is a biological weapon developed by the Kakin Empire.[1]
Background[]
According to Balsamilco, TSK-17 was developed by the Kakin Military to be a weapon of mass destruction but was deemed a failure when flaws were found during its development. Balsamilco believes it to be the perfect "silent killer" under the right circumstances.[1]
Mechanism[]
According to Balsamilco, the surface proteins of TSK-17 are fragile and unstable and denature in less than thirty seconds while in the air. However, once a victim is infected, the pathogens proliferate rapidly, and victims begin experiencing symptoms resembling stomach flu before eventually succumbing to multiple organ failure within 12 hours. Decay is hastened, and the pathogen eventually is outcompeted by decay-related bacteria, leaving no trace of the original pathogen in an autopsy.[1]
The timing and vectors of infection can be easily obscured. In a room without circulating air, anyone who inhales TSK-17 at the epicenter of its deployment cloud will have a 100 percent infection and death rate. TSK-17 multiplies quickly, and so its use had been limited due to the high risk of spontaneous mutations. Existing infection prevention protocols can be used to prevent collateral damage.[1]
Plot[]
Succession Contest arc[]
While alone in an unspecified location on the Black Whale, Balsamilco Might, Captain of 1st Prince Benjamin's guards, tests a gas emission device hidden in his right shoe before loading a vial of TSK-17 into it. He prepares to eliminate 9th Prince Halkenburg with it.[1] Balsamilco and Benjamin previously deemed Halkenburg a major threat to them and had him arrested by the Ministry of Justice on the tenth day under suspicion of premeditated murder, separated from his men and awaiting trial.[2]
At 06:45 a.m. on the eleventh day, Balsamilco enters the Justice Department Prosecution and Courthouse Area and goes through the building's security scans undetected. As he walks, he mentally reviews his plan, expecting to unleash TSK-17 on Halkenburg while he cross-exams him, letting him get close enough to guarantee fatality. He also reviews the risk to others, concluding that the judges and lawyers are far enough away for their risk of being infected and dying to be <2% and that the possibility of a pandemic is minimal since the courtroom is closed to the public. He stops when he feels something is off and turns to see Vict, a private soldier who had gone missing in combat with Halkenburg right before they had him arrested. Balsamilco is distracted long enough for Halkenburg to use his ability on him and successfully possess him.[3]
Benjamin later speaks with the Justice Department Prosecution and Courthouse Area and learns that the trial had been postponed, with Balsamilco claiming equipment issues and Halkenburg claiming ill health. Benjamin wonders if Balsamilco and Halkenburg had encountered each other before the fight; Halkenburg, using his ability, might make Balsamilco charge at him to spray him with TSK-17. Benjamin dismisses this idea since there was not enough time for Halkenburg to fall sick enough to postpone the trial because of the symptoms of infection from TSK-17.[3]
Trivia[]
- The label on the box identifying the weapon's name was omitted in the original release of the Viz translation for unknown reasons. It was fixed shortly after, and the box is now correctly labeled.