Numbers (Nanoha) - Background and General Information

Background and General Information

Jail Scaglietti's direct subordinates, the Numbers are all state-of-the-art Combat Cyborgs. Each is designated with a number between 1 and 12, which makes the base for their names, and a special Inherent Skill, or "IS" for short. Despite each IS being powerful on its own right and the fact that the Numbers produce a unique magic sigil-like symbol when they activate it, they are not magic spells, as they use a power source different of magic.

Within the TSAB Administrated Worlds, the technology of cybernetic implants is quite common in the form of artificial organs. However, the level of advancement in this technology necessary to produce a Combat Cyborg is worlds apart this common form, since there is a big difference between building implants that reproduce the functions a lost organ and implants that can enhance or even surpass and replace the original one.

Although the basis for the construction of a Combat Cyborgs was developed by Scaglietti 25 years prior to the events in StrikerS, the project was completed and first implemented by another scientist. Scaglietti and his subordinates refer to the products of this expert's work, which are the foundation for the creation of the Numbers, as Type-Zero; in other words, the Nakajima Sisters, Subaru and Ginga.

The methods of creation of the Numbers are classified as Pure Culture and Clonal Culture depending on the type of genetic culture used. Pure Culture refers to the method where an embryo is created through artificial insemination while using the genetic material of selected individuals (i.e. sperm and egg cells) and then genetically altered while still in its early development stages so to bring out traits in the resulting individual that would decrease the chances of rejection when he/she receives cybernetic implants. Although with this method is harder to occur the emergence of special abilities, it is the most stable and viable for mass-production. Therefore, not only the Numbers but most Combat Cyborgs are created through this method. On a side note, Otto and Deed were created using the genetic material from the same source, making them pseudo-blood-related sisters.

Clonal Culture method, as the name hints, differs in where the embryo is produced though cloning means. Although is much more expensive and with lower chances of generating a viable final product, with this method there is a higher chance of the Combat Cyborg obtaining the same special abilities that the original individual had. Among the Numbers, only Uno, Cinque, Sette and Nove were created through this method.

The Numbers 1 through 4 possesses small amounts of Scaglietti's genetic material within their DNA. However, it is unknown by which methods it was inserted into them.

The extent of the Numbers' true power is demonstrated during episodes 16 and 17 of StrikerS when, with the help of thousands of Gadget Drones, they demolished Riot Force Six's base and completely took down the defenses of the Time and Space Administration Bureau's Ground Forces Headquarters in less than 10 minutes. During the battle, they captured Subaru's sister, Ginga, and brainwashed her into becoming Number XIII.

Later in the series when they come into full fighting force, it is revealed that they also serve a special contingency plan for Scaglietti - each one of them is pregnant with a clone of the doctor, complete with his memories, such that any one of them can take over his purpose should he meet demise. By the end of the series, the surviving numbers are in a rehabilitation program under supervision of Ginga Nakajima and her father.