Paragon is a company specialising in cutting-edge nanotech, and human augmentation and enhancement. It lays its roots in reconstructive surgery, and pioneered the use of of bionic limbs.
In the early 30s, Paragon released the infamous Pleasure Implant in direct competition with ZEF drugs. For those who could afford the price tag, the implants were reputed to provide pleasure at the push of a button, but were recalled three years later amid safety concerns, rumours of data breach, and accusations of addiction. These days cheap copy-cat implants can be found in the Underground via back-alley surgeons.
Paragon’s later forays into the competitive market include wallet-synced enhancements that stream health information direct to a device and provide live message alerts (usually by sound or sensation). More recently they have launched their life enhancing Luma devices, which evolved from a free well-being app first offered in the 30s. Over the past five years Luma has expanded and evolved to use patented AI technology. It is a digital assistant primarily designed to provide mental health support and companionship.
Its other high-end products, for which it is best known, are offered at extortionate prices. It leads in lens warrior design, and offers experimental retinal implant procedures at a sky high price tag. Other highly experimental procedures are available. Paragon conducts frequent medical trials, and its insurance package for the recipients’ family is generous. The company also supports numerous war veteran charities.
Popular Products
- Wallet-synced enhancements streaming real-time health information
- Lens warrior with retinal implant procedures (government and miltary only)
- Patented “lens scholar” retinal procedure with neural interface
- Cybernetic limbs with synth-skin
- Luma, a digital assistant designed to provide mental health support and companionship. Various interfaces available.
Darker rumours also circulate from time to time; of underground experiments, and homeless victims forced to sign waivers (or signatures forged). These rumours have never been substantiated. Paragon is also occasionally involved in data breaches which suggest they retain, mine, and use data from customers, clients, and patients. These instances are always handled discreetly and quickly in order to maintain Paragon’s pristine reputation.
After the Ascendancy’s announcement in the summer of 2046, Paragon Group publicly announced details of its (before now secret) Ascendant division.
The company’s President and founder is Ephraim Haart.
Employees: Xarles Marcil, Kaelan Müller, Victor Forrer, Luther Audaire, Faith Devere
Headquarters
Its main building is in Moscow, and stands as an impressive, twisty skyscraper surrounded by gardens.
The reception is spacious and modern. Glass stands feature replica technologies, including one of the hand designed and gifted to important veteran Jacques Danjou. There is access to a holobank on the ground level if you wish to peruse other technologies or services. The AI assist speaks with a soft, gender-neutral voice; it can provide a comprehensive product list, useful orientation information, and interesting facts about the company, its CEO, and the bright star doctors who make Paragon’s vision possible. If you appear to be lost, the AI will enquire if you need help. It is also excellent at suggesting menu options from the cafeteria.
A receptionist is always available, should the human touch to your visit be required. The main desk is flanked by two impressive glass staircases leading to a mezzanine above (disability access is also available). Above rolls a large projection of Paragon’s greatest achievements, glowing testimonials, as well as news related to new advancements and sneak peeks at future developments.
A neat bank of elevators can also be found here. Included in the public access is a visitors hall and museum.
Public areas at Paragon; Visitor’s Hall and Museum
The building is both cutting edge and incorporates green solutions. Paragon is passionate about giving back to the environment.
In addition to its main premises, Paragon has various smaller clinics and research centres about the city. Many of these are strictly appointment only, or completely non-public.
Ascendant Division
Newly launched, high concept design that in the coming years promises to close the gap between channelers and non-channelers. The aim is to develop technology that harnesses this mysterious “power” in ways anyone can use. Consultants on this project are Seven and Zhenya Disir, both of whom are channelers.
A recent but not well publicised paper suggests that as a byproduct of research in this area, Paragon has recently discovered a cure for the Sickness.
Restricted: Heavy research into channelers which draws on expertise and collaboration from all divisions. Project Visakanya features heavily in experiments. Using nanotech intended to subdue channelling ability (intending to break the cycle of Sickness in Patient 0), Paragon have recently discovered how to sever a channeler entirely from their gift. Patient 0, Rafael Janssen, was handed over to government care, where he currently remains.
Genome Division
The Paragon Group Genome Division is a clinical and developmental stage genome editing laboratory focused on translating the power of the CRISPR/Cas9 and CRISPR/Cas12a genome editing systems into a robust pipeline of medicines for people living with serious diseases around the world. We are researching and developing both in vivo gene editing medicines, which edit genes inside the body, and ex vivo gene editing cell medicines, where editing occurs in cells outside the body and those edited cells are transferred into patients, cells, or embyros. Our division aims to discover, develop, manufacture, and commercialize transformative, durable, and precise genomic medicines for a broad class of diseases.
Restricted: Di inferi funded research into immortality via genetic enhancement. Müller has clearance rights to Project Visakanya.
Dr. Kaelan Müller, Clearance Level IV
Cybernetics Division
Heavily focused on veteran care and rehabilitation, pioneering in cybernetic and synthetic limbs. Also works closely with the government to assist military progression.
Research into future human augmentation is also conducted, with a more commercial focus. This includes lens scholars with retinal integration.
Restricted: Project Ghost, a super soldier experiment with Di Inferi led aims to explore cybernetics as a means of achieving immortality. Overseen by Dr. Victor Forrer.
Other confidential experiments include the retinal implant “lens scholar” which was used to replace Soren Lingren’s eye, with a Paragon override to cause pain. This was intended to field test whether pain can subdue a channeler’s ability to channel.
The IP from the Cyberpoint buyout is also used in this division.
AI Division
The commercially successful “Luma” was originally a philanthropist project which Paragon pitched as “giving back.” Some say it was born from a desire for restitution after the catastrophic failures of the Pleasure Implant in the 30s. It originated as a free mental health app which has grown in popularity and scope over the last fifteen years.
In 2040 it germinated the AI division of Paragon, when Dr. Luther Audaire was welcomed to the company. In its current form Luma is an empathy-coded AI assistant which aims to promote well-being, mental health support, and is increasingly used by its customers for companionship.
Restricted: This division of Paragon is currently directed by Luther Audaire. Luma is used for surveillance and emotional profiling reconnaissance to aid other intelligence branches of the Custody.
In the wake of Cyberpoint’s research material becoming available, Project Marath has been born. This project seeks to use a neural-link to integrate people into the Luma network, and enhance its ability to flag and respond quickly to anomalies.
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