Rudolf's Amazing Ability
During a lively evening spent with his friend Tailor in a restaurant, Rudolf spotted a photo model whom he had recently photographed in his studio. Rudolf decided to rekindle the acquaintance.
For this operation, he thought he might need a bit of breath freshener. Luckily for him—or so he thought at the time—Tailor had pulled out a tin of mints, which seemed to have one left. Impulsive by nature, Rudolf tossed it into his mouth.
It wasn't a mint. It was a fragment of a shape-shifting alien, solidified for storage and "forgotten" by Tailor, who had earlier been working as an investigator at HeSU's fighting scene.
The consequences were far more dramatic than an awkward encounter with the beauty at the bar counter. The alien fragment absorbed instantly through Rudolf's mouth, soon giving him the ability to acquire others' skills, expertise, knowledge, and—on a smaller scale—their personal feelings.
Tailor felt worry and guilt about his friend's transformation, caused by his own laziness, absentmindedness, and lapses in duty (very, very rarity for him)—all of which ultimately stemmed from Tailor's desire to prove himself.
So, he contacted a scientist he knew, one who owed him a favor. He asked—pretending it was for a story he was writing—for some sort of scientific theory about what this process might involve… …and this is the answer he received:
- Epidermal DNA absorption: The superhero has special proteins in their skin that can bind to DNA fragments found on used clothing. These proteins act like magnets, attracting and binding the DNA to themselves.
- Cellular integration: Once the DNA fragments are bound to the skin, the superhero's skin cells contain special receptors that recognize these fragments and transport them into the cell. This process could be similar to natural endocytosis, where a cell takes in external molecules.
- Genetic recombination: When the DNA fragments have entered the cell, they integrate into the superhero's own DNA through genetic recombination. This could happen using special enzymes that can splice the new DNA fragments into the superhero's own genome, altering their genetic makeup and giving them new traits and skills.
- Activation of traits and skills: Once the new DNA fragments have successfully integrated into the superhero's DNA, they are activated through the cell's protein synthesis. This way, the superhero can develop new traits and skills that correspond to the abilities of the clothing's original wearers.
- Rapid physiological change: The superhero's body is exceptionally adaptable, so the new traits and skills manifest almost immediately. This could be due to a special hormonal response that accelerates bodily changes and allows quick adaptation to new abilities.