Variant, alternatively referred to as Rift Mutation, represented a bacterial mutation event that occurred in the Kathol Outback. Because of the environmental conditions present in the Kathol Rift, the mutation caused the degradation of food supplies, which deprived ships of sustenance unless the situation was addressed. An antidote named Variant Alpha was created by Doctor Vin Emil, who was a xenobotanist working at the Q'Maere Research Facility.