ZEPHYR Program

The ZEPHYR Programs are a series of Drahoni government projects designed to create physically, genetically, technologically, and mentally superior supersoldiers as a special fighting force within the United Drahoni Space Alliance. Although the word "ZEPHYR" is written in all capitals in reference to the programs in a formal context, the supersoldiers are more commonly known simply as Zephyr.

Background
The name Zephyr (derived from Zephyria) is named after the ancient order of soldiers on Xenzhoa known as The Arm of Zephyria. They went far and wide to spread the word of Zephyria, the Goddess of Thunder, and protect those hindered by the might of the cruel.

Origin
The ZEPHYR Programs started with the HELATHUS Project in 1483 AD when the Drahoni government was in need of supersoldiers to prevent or destroy rebellions after the ending of the Great War which united their race. Subjects, who participated voluntarily from the army, underwent augmentations and various tests. The Project eventually failed after poor results, but these tests proved to be usefull for future supersoldier projects. All subjects rejoined the military, the most prominant figures were given an officer rank.

The launch of HELATHUS (The ZEPHYR-I Program)
Financers of the original project demanded that it would be continued, no future project was made but they had been given copies of the test results. Many of these financers funded a project on their own (in 1499 AD) picking soldiers they deemed worthy out of the military, they called it the 'HELATHUS Project II' and later named it the ZEPHYR Program. More advanced augmentation techniques were used this time to improve their chances for better results. In total 271, out of the 528, soldiers had survived the experiments, results of their abilities was far beyond expectations. The costs for making a supersoldier however was simply too high and thus they deemed the project a failure, the soldiers could not return to the military and were hired by the financers as bodyguards. The project was cancelled in 1514 AD.

The ZEPHYR-II Program
A crime syndicate catching some rumours about these projects paid big-time for a copy of the results, when they got access to them they found a way to lower the costs without sacrificing too much efficiency of the supersoldiers.

Trivia

 * The word Zephyr comes from the Drahuun word Zephyria, meaning 'thunder' or 'night blast'.
 * Not many candidates of the ZEPHYR Programs have actually faced real combat until 2187 AD when the Blackout War started. When this war started they proved to be valuable assets, but the enemy's overwhelming force was too much and many died during the fights.