[quote=@Crew]
<Snipped quote by Session>

*You hear a very brief spat of static*
Curtis: General Curtis.
[/quote]

I've got new intel for you. The effects of this disease are unique, directly burning away at the mental energy of these people through some sort of metaphysical interface. As soon as a target reaches a few feet from an affected individual, the effect spreads to their energy as well, using the individual as a fuel to sustain itself.