Onionhead Gamma Strain

Not to be confused with Onionhead, Lucan Onionhead, Onionhead Alpha Strain, or Onionhead Beta Strain.

Onionhead Gamma Strain, also known as Helix, is a Legal Drug Commodity that is produced by 10% of independent systems with Industrial economies that are controlled by Anarchy minor factions. Beginning September 17, 3307, it will also be produced by 15% of all independent and Alliance systems with Industrial economies. It is considered illegal in some systems, and transporting it can result in a fine or bounty if scanned by system security.

A new strain of Onionhead tailored to grow in local conditions.

— In-Game Description

History

A fourth unique variant of Onionhead that was obtained by the Blue Viper Club Dredger Clan from an unknown research facility, Onionhead Gamma Strain entered mass-production and distribution under the Kumo Crew in July 3307. By order of the Interstellar Health Organisation, the drug must be packaged and sold as "Onionhead Gamma Strain" rather than its original name, "Helix". A detailed analysis of Gamma Strain revealed that it had been modified with synthetic molecules of unknown origin, which reduced its psychedelic potency but made it easier to grow and transport than other strains, characteristics which indicated the drug had been designed for the mass market.

Even though proponents of Gamma Strain such as the Coalition for Legalisation asserted it was no more harmful or addictive than alcohol or coffee, it was declared illegal in all systems but those controlled by anarchy governments. It was also speculated, but not proven, that Sirius Corporation was party to the deal between Kumo Crew and the Blue Viper Club, and secretly shipped Gamma Strain to markets using its own freight transportation network. By August 13, 3307, it was reported that Onionhead Gamma Strain was freely circulating among upper-class circles in the Federation and Empire, and tourists from the Alliance and independent systems were flocking to places where the drug was legal.

A report published by Dr. Nisha Devi of the IHO on August 24, 3307 also concluded that the Kumo Crew's claims of the drug having medicinal properties appeared to be true, but the report was criticised as flawed by Ronan Roscoe of the Vandermeer Corporation. Based on the IHO report and its own clinical trials, Neomedical Industries announced plans on August 30 to mass-produce and sell Onionhead Gamma Strain as a medicine. The project started in the Haithis system on September 2, with Neomedical Industries intending to distribute the drug to Alliance systems as well as more independent systems. Archon Delaine was not pleased by what he viewed as a brazen theft of Kumo Crew commercial property, and the Kumo Council deployed the megaship The Mictlan to Haithis as a show of force. The campaign successfully collected enough resources on September 9 to distribute Onionhead Gamma Strain to 15% of all independent and Alliance systems with Industrial economies by September 17, but this prompted a declaration of war from the Kumo Council, and Haithis was thrown into chaos. Kendrick warned that Delaine's forces could intimidate investors into withdrawing from the drug project and prevent its rollout.