The spores were held in repositories called pod plants, which discharged the spores into the face of anyone who came close. The spores infected a person, protecting them from berthold rays, but also giving them perfect physical health and peace of mind. In 2264, the spores infected Leila Kalomi, Elias Sandoval, and the other members of the Omicron colony, saving them from the destruction that had been visited upon all other colonies on the planet.