Project DIRAE

After the successor of Project EINHERJAR, was authorised as a spin off of the original program, with intent of research unique genetic quirks and psychological modifications in combat performance. Created under clandestine, and possibly even illegal conditions, DIRAE created 3 clones of Spartan-000, who at this point was considered a success. Using this 'perfected' DNA, it was further altered to create desired, but potentially dangerous results. Their genetic makeup was altered to heighten aggression, adrenal response, and force synesthesia. They were further augmented with unsanctioned and experimental augmentations, in the form of chemical, surgical, and cybernetic alterations. The three products of this program, ZX-1 Alecto, ZX-2 Megaera, and ZX-3 Tisiphone, all proved to be lethal combatants, but were utterly deranged. Used by Task Force Winter as part of ONI's Clandestine Activities Group, their psychotic nature was most likely a result of both savage training, and damaging augmentations.

Early testing was promising, but ultimately the deranged nature of the three Spartans meant the augmentations and program was a failure. The procedures were never repeated, and was considered a dead end.