A Proto-Xenomorph Chestburster from Prometheus. Proto Xenomorph Biological information Homeworld LV-223 Physical description Height Unknown Weight Unknown Other information Affiliation Engineer Black Liquid Other Names Proto-Xenomorph Proto Alien Jockey Xenomorph Jockey Alien
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The Deacon, also known as the Proto-Xenomorph, is a Xenomorph-like creature formed following the Trilobite's impregnation of an Engineer.

History

The Deacon was formed from an embryo the Trilobite impregnated into the Engineer on LV-223, and developed and burst from the Engineer's chest.

Differences from Xenomorphs

It is important to note how the birth of this creature is different from the majority of Xenomorph births, as it appears to be a very basic yet humanoid form of the human-spawned Xenomorph.

The fact that it spawns almost fully developed makes it quite unique compared to Xenomorphs seen in the series - though the Dog Alien chestburster had arms and legs upon bursting. Unlike Xenomorph chestbursters, which "punch" their way out using the front or top of their heads, this creature used the sharp back end of its head to tear a way out.

Also unlike Xenomorphs, it does not have an inner jaw and instead has a human/Engineer tooth structure and gums. Its "inner jaw" is merely an extra jaw that protrudes a short distance but is much larger and more unwieldy than a Xenomorph's inner jaw. Whether or not this "inner jaw" can be used as a weapon is unknown.

Trivia

• The Deacon is similar to a Xenomorph in appearance and life cycle. This has led some fans to believe that it is the same species, and some others to believe that it is a prototype of the Xenomorph species, hence the "Proto-Xenomorph" name.
• Even though the creature is very similar to a Xenomorph, if it is the same species, it is likely that it is not the first Xenomorph, as murals of Xenomorphs (or Xeno-like creatures) were present on the walls of the Derelict ship on LV-223 and the Pilot of the Derelict ship on LV-426 (which was carrying Xenomorph eggs, one of which impregnated the Pilot) was fossilized for thousands of years, meaning that the Xenomorphs could have already existed thousands or perhaps even millions of years before the events of Prometheus. It is unknown, however, when they actually did start creating the bio-weapons as it could have possibly been anytime between humanity's creation and the events that wiped out the Engineer outpost on LV-223.
• There is an upcoming figure of the Deacon made by NECA, scheduled to be released before 2013.