#Skin grafting at Wound Care United

[woundcareunited]

Wound Care United: Your premier choice for streamlined Wound Care Management in USA. Customized for hospitals, practices, and centers, simplifying wound care.

[beardedmrbean]

Caleb Mwangi was beaten so severely at his school in Kenya after he took extra food at breakfast that he was put into an induced coma and spent 11 days in an intensive care unit.

"When I got there, he couldn't leave his bed. He couldn't speak," his father Fred Mwangi told the BBC.

This happened nearly two years ago when Caleb was 13 years old. Sitting now between his mother and father on the sofa in their home in Mombasa, a city on Kenya's coast, he says he tends to zone out from time to time.

The teenager is filled with rage that sometimes makes him punch the wall. The effects, he says, of the trauma caused by the near-death experience.

Mr Mwangi gets his son to stand and pull up his white vest to reveal a thick, angry scar covering almost the width and length of his back.

He says the wounds were so deep the surgeon had to remove large pieces of skin from his thighs to use as skin grafts.

"This is him in hospital," says his mother Agnes Mutiri, showing pictures of Caleb on her phone, too graphic to publish. Lying face down on the bed, lacerations cover his legs, back and arms, and even his face. There were almost a hundred in total.

"His whole body was like this."

Corporal punishment in schools has a long history in Kenya, dating back to the era when missionaries and colonisers relied on it to assert their authority.

In 2001, the Kenyan government banned the practice in schools, but it has been harder to change people's attitudes.

Figures from the latest Violence Against Children report, a national household survey in 2019, revealed that more than half of 18 to 24-year-olds in Kenya agreed it was necessary for teachers to use corporal punishment.

BBC Africa Eye has uncovered a worrying increase in the number of severe cases being reported.

Caleb says in his case it was Nancy Gachewa, the director of Gremon Education Centre - a school in the town of Bamburi near Mombasa - who first beat him and then ordered other students to continue the punishment. Ms Gachewa denies this, and says she was not at the school when it happened.

"I was so hungry, I took five chapatis and ate them with tea," Caleb says.

Ms Gachewa and an older student, Idd Salim, were arrested and charged with assault and causing grievous bodily harm. Salim was sentenced to four years in prison last year and, in a plea bargain, he has testified against Ms Gachewa in court. The case against her continues.

While Caleb's case is horrific, it is far from unique. An employee at the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), an independent organisation that manages all aspects of the teaching profession in Kenya, spoke to BBC Africa Eye on condition of anonymity.

They said that in the last three years, reports of the most severe school beatings have more than quadrupled from seven to 29. Most incidents are never reported.

"It is becoming a crisis and… we feel it is going out of hand now. Cases of children being injured and maimed. Some of these cases have resulted into very severe consequences, even death," they said.

The source said that cases of school beatings reported to the TSC at county level often never go any further, adding that incidents were "killed" and "never see the light of day".

"So many times, by the time the case reaches us, so much evidence has been corrupted. Sometimes we cannot even get a hold of the witnesses."

BBC Africa Eye contacted the TSC to respond to these allegations, but it did not reply.

The thought that a student could die at the hands of education professionals who are supposed to protect them is unimaginable for most people, but in the last five years, more than 20 deaths linked to school beatings have been reported in the media.

Fifteen-year-old Ebbie Noelle Samuels is believed to be one of them.

Ebbie was a boarder at Gatanga CCM Secondary school in Murang'a county, around 60km (37 miles) north-east of the capital, Nairobi.

On 9 March 2019 her mother, Martha Wanjiro Samuels, was called by the school to say her daughter was unwell in hospital.

When she arrived there, Ebbie was already dead.

The school said that she had died in her sleep, but witnesses say she was beaten by the deputy principal because of the way she wore her hair.

"The autopsy report revealed that she had severe head injury, blunt force trauma. So, somebody hit her to cause that kind of an injury to her, leading to her death," said Mrs Samuels.

She campaigned for four years to have her daughter's death investigated.

Last January, Elizabeth Wairimu Gatimu, the former deputy principal of Ebbie's school, was arrested for murder. She denies the charges against her.

"I will do everything that I have to do as long as I'm alive to ensure justice is served for my child," said Mrs Samuels, who is still waiting to hear the outcome of the case.

"I told myself: 'I will not be silenced. I will not keep quiet. I will not give up fighting.' Maybe the day I give up is the day that I sleep like my daughter. But as long as I breathe, I will not give up."

BBC Africa Eye requested an interview with the Kenyan Ministry of Education, but nobody was willing to speak.

One organisation which is pushing for change is Beacon Teachers Africa. Launched in Kenya four years ago by the non-governmental group Plan International, together with the TSC, its aim is to give teachers the opportunity to protect children in schools and their communities.

It now has a network of 50,000 teachers across 47 countries in Africa.

Robert Omwa is one of 3,000 Beacon teachers in Kenya. As well as educating children about their rights, he also holds workshops to train teachers how to deliver discipline without using corporal punishment.

"Initially I was sceptical about it. I thought this is Western ideology, an African child has to be beaten. But when I tried it, I felt relieved as a teacher. I felt lighter. I felt the children gravitating more towards me," he said.

Back in Mombasa, Caleb and his family are waiting to hear the fate of his school director. Ms Gachewa has pleaded not guilty.

The 15-year-old still finds it hard to process what happened to him.

"For me to get justice, I want this woman to be jailed."

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Joseph Burgo

Published: Jun 12, 2024

In the United States, we don’t often hear about the young male refugees from genderism who have an artificial “neo-vagina” in their pubic area instead of a penis.

Newspaper articles regularly profile young women such as Chloe Cole, Prisha Mosley, and Camille Kiefel who lost their breasts to medical malpractice and have since brought suit, but you don’t often hear about the castrated men. Photos of Michelle Alleva’s scarred chest regularly show up on my X timeline, but for obvious reasons, regretful men don’t usually share pictures of their intimate body parts post-surgery.

On June 4, 2024, Prisha announced via X that she’d given birth to a son. While the world empathizes with her grief that she’ll never be able to enjoy breastfeeding her baby, we share her relief that “gender-affirming care” didn’t destroy her fertility. Prisha’s story mingles feelings of regret and triumph, of loss and joy—an ultimately uplifting tale of healthy motherhood and a new life.

In short, Prisha may have taken a detour into genderism and suffered a poignant loss, but now she’s back on track and able to enjoy a loving relationship with her baby.

For the men in my practice who faced up, too late, to being gay, there’s no going back. Going forward (what’s deceptively referred to as “transition”) turned out to be an illusion, but how do they “go back”—that is, take up the life of a gay man when they no longer have a penis?

Warning: the following descriptions might make some readers deeply uncomfortable. I advise them to keep reading and I promise to keep disturbing details to a minimum.

In the surgical procedure known as a “penile inversion vaginoplasty” (PIV), a man’s penis is sliced open and used (sometimes along with scrotal tissue) to line an artificial cavity created in the pubic area. Typically referred to as a neo-vagina, it’s a surgically-created wound which must be regularly dilated to prevent the body from trying to heal it—that is, to close it up because the body senses that it doesn’t belong there. In addition to penile skin grafts, intestinal tissue may sometimes be used to line the neo-vagina. During the operation, surgeons relocate the prostate away from its normal position below the bladder and in front of the rectum.

The operation is irreversible, obviously, just as a double mastectomy can’t be undone. Prisha can’t recover her healthy breasts, and my male clients will never again have a functioning penis.

Administration of cross-sex hormones is part of the usual protocol for men undergoing PIV, both pre- and post-op; among the side-effects are brain fog, and sometimes a complete loss of or profound diminishment in sexual desire. In some cases, the surgically created neo-vagina is too small for penetrative sex; for others, such sex is painful or unsatisfying.

In short, for many gay men, so-called “gender affirming care” has deprived them of a satisfying sex life. I acknowledge that not all men with a neo-vagina report the same dissatisfaction, but I haven’t seen them in my practice.

To combat the brain fog associated with estrogen, some male clients try adding a small dose of testosterone to their hormone regime. The effects can be troubling. One client felt simultaneously aroused and perturbed: while the nerves from his former penis had been preserved during surgery, they were no longer “where they were supposed to be,” as he put it. Another suffered from “phantom penis syndrome,” a condition akin to phantom limb syndrome where the person experiences hallucinatory sensations of a lost body part. A third felt intense desire to take part in receptive anal intercourse, only to find it painful (due to a post-op fistula) and unstimulating because his prostate had been relocated away from the rectal area. For these men, achieving orgasm is quite difficult and often leads to painful after-sensations in the genital area.

The idea of anal intercourse between two men makes some readers uncomfortable, and I believe that’s an additional reason why we hear so little about the male victims of genderism. Members of the public with conservative religious views who regard homosexuality as a sin will naturally find it hard to empathize. Straight females such as Laura Becker who lost their breasts to medical malpractice earn public sympathy and acclaim, but the plight of post-operative gay men is largely met with silence.

In the United Kingdom, gay man Ritchie Herron has spoken with feeling about his loss of sexual function post PIV. In a poignant X thread from 2022, he says:

I have no sensation in my crotch region at all. No one told me that the base of your penis is left, it can’t be removed – meaning you’re left with a literal stump inside that twitches. When you take Testosterone and your libido returns, you wake up with morning wood, without the tree. And if you do take testosterone after being post op, you run the risk of internal hair in the neo-vagina. Imagine dealing with internal hair growth after everything? What a choice … be healthy on Testosterone and a freak, or remain a sexless eunuch. And thats something that will never come back …

For the full horror of what it means to be caught in this nightmarish limbo, read the complete and powerful thread.

Realizing post-surgery that you’re actually a gay man means you’re caught in an impossible space. You learned, too late, that so-called “transition” is a lie, but the full-spectrum life of a gay man is foreclosed to you. You’re unlikely to have a satisfying relationship with another gay man because, to be frank, gay men are attracted to male bodies that have penises, full stop, despite what the genderists will tell you. If you do try to date, your options have narrowed. As one of my clients puts it, your dating pool usually shrinks down to “chasers”—that is, men who will seek out and fetishize you, often reducing you to your anatomy rather than seeing you as whole person. 

Psychotherapy with these men means sitting with them in a complex and deeply painful place, what I’ve called an impossible space, sharing the grief of immense loss without succumbing to despair. As with anyone who has ever experienced a profound and irremediable loss, my clients must nonetheless pursue a meaningful existence and find creative ways to feel good about themselves. It’s my job is to help them as best I can. I often find that sitting with them in their pain without minimizing it is what helps the most.

In a way, Prisha’s story is a classic tale of triumph over adversity, of new life beyond a death cult. This is the kind of story the public enjoys, and it’s one of the main reasons she and other young women in her position receive so much attention. The gay men in my practice have a far less satisfying and more complex story to tell, and one I fear the public has limited interest in hearing.

[anupama123u767rgv]

General Medicine in Kukatpally - Anupama Hospitals

The Importance of Specialized Burn Treatment at Anupama Hospital, Hyderabad

Burn injuries are among the most painful and life-changing conditions. Immediate medical care and specialized treatment are vital to avoid complications. Whether caused by fire, chemicals, electricity, or hot liquids, burns can cause severe tissue damage and even life-threatening infections. In Hyderabad, aupama Hospital offers advanced burn care services with expert doctors and state-of-the-art facilities. Here’s why seeking specialized burn treatment at Anupama Hospital is essential for your recovery.

Comprehensive Burn Care and Recovery at Anupama Hospital

At Anupama Hospital, burn treatment goes beyond just wound care. The hospital focuses on restoring health and improving the quality of life. Burns can cause intense physical trauma, making the right care crucial to avoid infections, scarring, and long-term complications. The hospital’s dedicated burn unit provides expert care for all types of burns, from minor first-degree burns to severe third-degree burns. Each patient receives personalized treatment to ensure the best recovery.

Advanced Burn Treatment Technologies for Faster Healing

Anupama Hospital uses the latest burn treatment technologies for effective wound management and quicker recovery. Techniques like hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and advanced wound care accelerate healing and reduce infection risks. HBOT increases oxygen flow to damaged tissues, promoting faster recovery. These technologies help burn patients heal more quickly and effectively.

Expert Burn Care Team for Comprehensive Healing

Burn injuries require a multi-disciplinary approach. Anupama Hospital’s burn specialists include surgeons, physiotherapists, pain management experts, and psychologists. Together, they address both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery. The hospital’s surgeons are skilled in performing skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries, especially for patients with extensive burns, ensuring the best possible results.

Post-Burn Rehabilitation Services for Full Recovery

Burn recovery doesn’t stop with treatment. Rehabilitation plays a vital role in the healing process. Anupama Hospital offers comprehensive post-burn rehabilitation services, including physical therapy to restore strength and mobility. Scar management techniques also help reduce the appearance of scars. Specialized therapy improves movement, helps regain functionality, and supports emotional recovery.

Psychological Support for Burn Victims at Anupama Hospital

Burn injuries often result in emotional trauma as well. Anupama Hospital recognizes this and provides psychological support for burn victims to help them cope. Counseling, support groups, and mental health resources are available to address the emotional challenges that often accompany burn recovery. This holistic approach speeds up healing and restores confidence.

Final Words on Burn Care and Treatment at Anupama Hospital

When it comes to burn injuries, timely and specialized care makes all the difference in recovery. Anupama Hospital, Hyderabad, offers comprehensive services, including advanced wound care, skin grafting, rehabilitation, and psychological support. Whether the injury is minor or severe, the hospital’s expert team and advanced burn care facilities ensure the best possible outcome. If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury, seek expert care at Anupama Hospital. Your recovery is their priority

[spoocys-glade-of-dreams]

“ ✿ ” “ ✿ ” “ ✿ ” For Rayman and Mona In all the verses we have for that 3 flowers!

{Game Universe}

✿ After the events over at the village of the wild ones, Raymona has extended the offer for Rayman to move in with her so they could both take care of Tily without having to drop her off at each other's house. He has his own room whenever he needs some time to himself, but Raymona's not opposed to sharing her room with him as long as he doesn't mind sharing it with a number of lums as well.

✿ She knows Rayman's not the best cook, so she's been teaching him really easy recipes that don't require cooking. She also has times where she needs to leave home for diplomacy duties, so Rayman may have to stay behind to watch over Tily. She wanted to make sure Rayman could provide a healthy balanced meal for her and himself for those days when she's away.

------------------------------------------------------

{Crossed Universes}

✿ She will have scars from her skin graft surgery and they are very noticeable. The grafting is still very recent so she still has pain in the spot. She needs help caring for that wound and she appreciates Rayman's help so much.

✿ No matter what happens, she will always be ready to help her boyfriend, even if that means fighting off a possible invasion from Eden in the future. She will be ready for it, and will do what it takes to protect him, their family, and their home.

-----------------------------------------------------------

{CLH Universe}

✿ She has quit her job at the United of Eden, and once they get to Utopia she may opt to work from home so she can take care of Theo while still pitching in financially.

✿ Much like the Rayman native to this Eden, Raymona keeps a stockpile of banned books and movies. She will break out the banned movies often and will watch them with her boyfriend, now they will watch them together with Theo.

[health-views-updates]

Burn Care Market Forecast to 2032: How it is going to Impact on Global Industry to Grow in Near Future

The global burn care market is poised for significant growth, with its market size valued at USD 3.10 billion in 2023 and projected to reach USD 5.70 billion by 2032. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.02% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2032, driven by advancements in burn treatment technologies, increased awareness of burn care products, and rising incidences of burn injuries worldwide.

Burn care products and treatments are critical for managing and healing various types of burns, from minor skin injuries to severe third-degree burns. These products include advanced dressings, wound care solutions, biologics, and skin grafting techniques that help prevent infection, reduce scarring, and promote faster healing.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Incidence of Burn Injuries: The increasing number of burn injuries, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, is a significant factor driving the demand for burn care products and services. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 180,000 deaths occur annually due to burns, primarily in regions with limited access to advanced healthcare. This rising burden of burn-related injuries highlights the urgent need for effective treatment solutions and is propelling market growth.

Advancements in Burn Treatment Technologies: Technological innovations in burn care, such as bioengineered skin substitutes, tissue regeneration therapies, and advanced wound dressings, are revolutionizing the treatment of burn injuries. These developments are improving patient outcomes by enhancing the healing process and reducing the risk of complications. Innovations like hydrocolloid and hydrogel dressings, which maintain a moist environment to accelerate healing, are becoming increasingly popular in burn management.

Growing Awareness of Burn Care Products: The growing awareness of the importance of timely and appropriate burn care is contributing to the market’s expansion. Healthcare providers are educating patients about the various options available for treating burns, including over-the-counter products for minor injuries and specialized treatments for more severe burns. The increased availability of information and products is helping individuals and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about burn treatment.

Increased Healthcare Expenditure and Burn Care Facilities: The expansion of healthcare infrastructure, particularly in developing countries, is enabling better access to specialized burn care facilities and treatments. Governments and healthcare organizations are investing in burn care units and emergency care centers equipped to handle burn injuries. Additionally, rising healthcare spending is allowing hospitals and clinics to adopt more advanced burn care products and technologies, further driving market growth.

Increasing Demand for Biologics and Skin Grafts: Biologics, including skin grafts and skin substitutes, are becoming more widely used in treating severe burns. These products help regenerate damaged skin and reduce scarring, improving both functional and aesthetic outcomes for burn patients. The demand for biologics is expected to rise, particularly in cases of deep burns or burns covering large body surface areas, as they provide more effective healing compared to traditional treatments.

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Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the positive growth outlook, the high cost of advanced burn care products and treatments, especially in developing regions, presents a challenge to market expansion. Additionally, the risk of infection in burn wounds remains a significant concern, emphasizing the need for improved infection control measures and enhanced healthcare practices.

However, opportunities abound as companies focus on developing cost-effective burn care solutions, particularly for resource-limited settings. Collaborations between healthcare organizations, governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to raise awareness and improve access to burn care products will play a key role in overcoming these challenges. Furthermore, the growing trend of telemedicine and digital health platforms can enable better access to burn care consultations and treatment guidance, especially in remote areas.

Regional Insights

North America currently holds the largest share of the burn care market, driven by its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare expenditure, and the presence of leading medical device manufacturers. The U.S. is a key contributor to this region’s dominance, with extensive research and development activities focused on burn treatment innovations.

Europe is also a significant market, supported by government initiatives to improve healthcare outcomes and increase access to advanced treatments for burn injuries. The region has seen growing adoption of advanced burn care products, such as bioactive dressings and biologics, which are enhancing patient care.

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to experience the highest growth during the forecast period, fueled by a rising incidence of burn injuries, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and increased awareness of burn treatment options. Countries like China and India are investing in improving healthcare access and upgrading facilities, creating opportunities for market growth.

Future Outlook

The burn care market is set for steady growth over the next decade, driven by the rising demand for effective treatment solutions and continuous advancements in burn care technologies. With a projected CAGR of 7.02% from 2024 to 2032, the market is expected to reach USD 5.70 billion by 2032, reflecting the increasing importance of quality care for burn injuries.

In conclusion, the burn care market is witnessing significant growth, supported by technological innovations, increased healthcare spending, and a growing global focus on improving outcomes for burn patients. As the market expands, there will be a greater emphasis on advanced, cost-effective treatments to address the evolving needs of patients worldwide.

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[medhealthinsight]

Enhanced treatment protocols for burn injuries lead to increased survival rates

Advancements in medical care have significantly increased the survival rates of individuals with burn injuries, even for those with extensive burns covering up to 70% of their bodies. Doctors emphasize that a combination of factors contributes to these improved survival rates, including advancements in intensive care unit (ICU) facilities, skin graft techniques, and cosmetic procedures. Specialized treatments such as allografts, which involve using skin from donors to temporarily cover burnt areas, play a crucial role in fast wound healing, improving outcomes for patients in the acute phase of burn injuries. Dr. P Nellaiappar, from the burns and plastic surgery department at Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital in Chennai, highlights the significance of such procedures.

Check out our website https://www.medhealthinsight.com/new-soundboard-review-pricing-is-not-always-the-only-criteria-2-11-2-101/for more information.

[avatarluxe]

Guide to FUE Hair Transplant: Benefits, Process & Recovery

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplant has emerged as a popular and effective solution for hair loss. This minimally invasive procedure involves extracting individual hair follicles from a donor area (typically the back of the head) and transplanting them to the balding or thinning areas. If you're considering FUE hair transplant, it's crucial to understand the procedure thoroughly. This blog post will delve into five essential things you need to know before making a decision: 1. The FUE Process: A Step-by-Step Breakdown FUE hair transplant is a meticulous procedure that involves several steps: a) Consultation and Planning

 The process begins with a detailed consultation with a qualified hair transplant surgeon. They will assess your hair loss pattern, donor area suitability, and desired results. A personalized treatment plan will be developed, including the number of grafts needed and the areas to be treated. b) Donor Area Preparation

The donor area, usually the back or sides of the head, is shaved and cleaned. Local anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort during the procedure.

c) Follicular Unit Extraction

 Using a specialized punch tool, individual hair follicles (follicular units) are carefully extracted from the donor area. Each unit typically contains 1-4 hairs. Graft Preparation and Storage The extracted grafts are then meticulously cleaned and prepared for transplantation. They are stored in a nutrient-rich solution to maintain their viability. Recipient Area Preparation: The recipient area, where hair loss is present, is also prepared with local anesthesia. Tiny incisions are made to create recipient sites for the grafts. Graft Implantation: The prepared grafts are carefully placed into the recipient sites, ensuring proper angle and direction for natural-looking results. Post-Procedure Care: After the procedure, the recipient area is covered with a bandage. The surgeon will provide detailed instructions for post-operative care, including medication, wound cleaning, and follow-up appointments. 2. Advantages of FUE Hair Transplant FUE hair transplant offers several advantages over traditional strip harvesting techniques: Minimally Invasive: FUE is a minimally invasive procedure with minimal scarring. The small punch marks in the donor area heal quickly, leaving behind tiny, barely noticeable scars.

Faster Recovery: Compared to strip harvesting, FUE involves a shorter recovery period. Most patients can return to their daily activities within a few days.

Natural-Looking Results:FUE allows for precise graft placement, resulting in natural-looking hair growth. The transplanted hair grows in a similar pattern to the surrounding hair.

No Linear Scar: Unlike strip harvesting, which leaves a linear scar in the donor area, FUE avoids this issue. The small punch marks are dispersed throughout the donor area, making them less noticeable. Versatile Treatment: FUE is suitable for treating various hair loss patterns, including male pattern baldness, female pattern hair loss, and alopecia areata. 3. Potential Risks and Side Effects While FUE is generally considered safe, it's important to be aware of potential risks and side effects: Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. However, this risk is minimized with proper hygiene and post-operative care. Bleeding: Some bleeding is expected after the procedure, but excessive bleeding may require medical attention. Scarring: While FUE minimizes scarring, some scarring may occur, especially in individuals with sensitive skin. Grafts Not Taking: Not all transplanted grafts may survive. The survival rate typically ranges from 80-90%, but factors like donor area quality and patient health can influence the outcome. Numbness: Temporary numbness in the donor area is common but usually resolves within a few weeks. 4. Choosing the Right Clinic and Surgeon Choosing the right Plastic surgery clinic in Bangaloreand plastic surgeon is crucial for a successful FUE hair transplant. Here are some factors to consider: Experience and Expertise: Look for a clinic with a team of experienced and qualified hair transplant surgeons. Check their credentials, certifications, and track record of successful procedures. Technology and Equipment: Advanced technology and equipment are essential for achieving optimal results. Inquire about the clinic's facilities and the types of instruments used. Patient Testimonials: Read patient testimonials and reviews to get an idea of the clinic's reputation and patient satisfaction. Consultation Process: A thorough consultation is essential. The surgeon should listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide realistic expectations. Cost and Payment Options: Discuss the cost of the procedure and available payment options. Be wary of clinics offering unusually low prices, as this may indicate compromised quality.

5. Post-Procedure Care and Recovery Proper post-operative care is crucial for optimal healing and hair growth. Follow your surgeon's instructions carefully: Medication: Take prescribed medications as directed to manage pain, swelling, and infection. Wound Care: Clean the recipient area gently with saline solution as instructed. Avoid touching or scratching the area.

Avoid Activities: Avoid strenuous activities, smoking, and alcohol consumption for a few weeks after the procedure.

Sun Protection: Protect the recipient area from direct sunlight with a hat or sunscreen. Follow-up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing and hair growth. FUE hair transplant can be an effective solution for hair loss, offering natural-looking results and minimal scarring. However, it's important to understand the procedure, potential risks, and post-operative care requirements before making a decision. Choosing a reputable clinic and experienced surgeon is crucial for achieving optimal outcomes. By following the guidelines outlined in this blog post, you can make an informed decision and embark on your journey towards restoring your hair confidence.

Interested to learn more about FUE Hair Transplant? Let us understand the history of this procedure.

From Punch to Precision: A Journey Through the History of FUE Hair Transplant Hair loss, a universal human experience, has spurred innovation for centuries. While ancient remedies ranged from concoctions to scalp massages, the quest for a permanent solution led to the development of hair transplantation. The evolution of this procedure, particularly the rise of the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique, is a fascinating tale of medical ingenuity and a testament to the human desire for a full head of hair. The Early Days of Transplantation: The earliest documented hair transplant attempts date back to the early 20th century. Dr. Okuda, a Japanese dermatologist, experimented with transplanting hair grafts in 1939. However, these early techniques were rudimentary and often resulted in poor outcomes. The grafts were large, leaving noticeable scarring, and the survival rate was low. The Birth of Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): The 1950s saw the emergence of a more refined technique, known as Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). Developed by Dr. Norman Orentreich, this method involved removing a strip of skin from the donor area, typically the back of the head. This strip was then dissected under a microscope to separate individual follicular units, which were then transplanted to the recipient area. While FUT significantly improved results compared to earlier methods, it still left a linear scar on the donor area. The Dawn of FUE: A Minimally Invasive Revolution: The late 1990s and early 2000s witnessed a revolutionary shift in hair transplant technology with the introduction of FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction). This minimally invasive technique, pioneered by Dr. William Rassman, offered a scarless solution. Instead of removing a strip of skin, FUE involves extracting individual follicular units directly from the donor area using a specialized punch tool. The Advantages of FUE: Scarless: FUE leaves behind tiny, almost invisible dots, eliminating the noticeable linear scar associated with FUT. Minimal Downtime: FUE procedures typically involve less downtime and discomfort compared to FUT. Versatile: FUE can be used to address various hair loss patterns and is suitable for both men and women. Natural Results: The individual follicular units extracted and transplanted in FUE result in a natural-looking hair growth pattern. The Evolution of FUE Techniques: The FUE technique has continued to evolve over the years, with advancements in tools and techniques. Some key developments include: Automated FUE: Automated tools have been introduced to assist with the extraction process, increasing efficiency and minimizing human error. Micro-FUE: This refinement involves using smaller punch sizes for extraction, further reducing scarring and improving aesthetic outcomes. Sapphire FUE: Sapphire blades are used in this technique, resulting in smaller incisions and faster healing. FUE Hair Transplant Cost: The cost of an FUE hair transplant can vary depending on factors such as the number of grafts required, the surgeon's experience, and the location of the clinic. However, it is generally considered a significant investment, with prices ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. The journey of FUE hair transplant from its humble beginnings to its current state of sophistication is a testament to the relentless pursuit of a natural, permanent solution to hair loss. As technology continues to advance, FUE is poised to become even more refined and accessible, offering hope and a renewed sense of confidence to individuals seeking a full head of hair. With its minimally invasive nature, natural results, and minimal downtime, FUE has become a game-changer in the world of hair restoration, empowering individuals to reclaim their lost hair and embrace a brighter future.

For best results do visit AVATARLUXE in Bangalore today and experience the NEW YOU!

[omkarpatel]

Growing Bioengineered Artificial Skin Market Poised to Witness Robust Expansion During 2023-2030

Bioengineered artificial skin refers to lab-grown human skin that mimics natural skin. It helps treat severe burns and other wounds by protecting tissues from infections and fluids loss. Significant advances have been made in developing bioengineered artificial skin that closely resembles natural skin tissue in composition, function and appearance. The artificial skin substitutes facilitate faster healing and avoid complications associated with skin grafting from other parts of the body. Growing prevalence of burn injuries and skin disorders has increased the demand for these skin substitutes globally. The global bioengineered artificial skin market is estimated to be valued at US$ 3.32 Billion in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 16% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030. Key Takeaways Key players operating in the bioengineered artificial skin market are Genoskin, Smith and Nephew Inc., Genzyme Biosurgery, Vericel Corporation, AROA BIOSURGERY LIMITED, Integra LifeSciences Corp, COOK BIOTECH, Mölnlycke Health Care AB, Avita Medical, MiMedx Group, Inc., and Organogenesis Holdings Inc. Market Trends The growing trend towards cell-containing skin replacements have moved regenerative medicine forward. Researchers are developing skin substitutes containing keratinocytes, melanocytes and fibroblasts to mimic natural skin better. Tissue-engineered skin substitutes are increasingly common over biosynthetic skin grafts. They mimic the complexity and biomechanics of natural skin closer than acellular skin substitutes. Advances in biofabrication techniques have enabled the large-scale production of tissue-engineered skin grafts. Market Opportunities The development of bioengineered skin with functional appendages like hair follicles, sebaceous glands and sweat glands presents lucrative opportunities. It can help restore skin's barrier function better and improve aesthetic outcomes. Personalized bioengineered skin using patient-specific cells offers strong market potential. 3D bioprinting and tissue engineering approaches allow manufacturing skin grafts tailored for individual patients' anatomy and physiology. Impact of COVID-19 on Bioengineered Artificial Skin Market The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the bioengineered artificial skin market. During the initial outbreak and lockdowns imposed worldwide, demand for artificial skin was low as non-essential medical procedures were postponed. Supply chain disruptions and shortage of raw materials also hindered production activities. However, post lockdowns, the demand started picking up again as elective surgeries resumed. The pandemic highlighted the importance of this market as artificial skin is used for treating severe burns and other traumatic wounds. North America Region for Bioengineered Artificial Skin Market The North America region accounts for the largest share of the global bioengineered artificial skin market in terms of value. This is primarily attributed to factors such as the rising incidence of burns and traumatic injuries, growing elderly population susceptible to chronic wounds, favorable regulatory environment, strong healthcare infrastructure and higher adoption of advanced treatment options. Countries like the United States have several registered skin graft products and ongoing clinical trials. Asia Pacific as the Fastest Growing Region The Asia Pacific region is poised to grow at the fastest pace in the global bioengineered artificial skin market owing to a swiftly increasing patient pool, rising medical tourism and improving access to healthcare. Rapid economic development and rising affluence have been instrumental in market growth. China, India and other ASEAN countries are witnessing significant development of healthcare facilities and increasing healthcare expenditures.

[delhiplasticsurgery1]

Hair Transplant Surgery In Delhi

Hair Transplant Surgery In Delhi

A hair transplant is a surgery to transplant hair to a bald or thinning area, and yes, it is a cosmetic surgery. A hair transplant is a significant decision. You must do all you can to learn more so that you will be prepared for the procedure.

A hair transplant is technically considered a plastic surgery technique. It counts as surgery, even though it is a minimally invasive technique and typically carried out as an outpatient treatment without general anesthesia.

However, we frequently associate “going under the knife” with surgery. Scalpels, hospitals, and scars come to mind. Modern hair transplantation techniques are very different from that stereotype. You will be closer to the truth if you picture yourself spending a lot of time in an extremely luxurious hair salon with recliners and a TV in front of you.

What are the causes of hair loss?

An average person loses 50–100 hairs per day, but this frequently goes unnoticed as new hair is growing in at the same time. When the hair that has fallen out is not replaced by new hair, hair loss results.

Hair loss is usually associated with one or more of the following reasons:

1. Hormonal changes and medical conditions: A variety of conditions like pregnancy, childbirth, thyroid problems, and menopause can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, due to hormonal changes.

2. Family history (heredity): This is the most common cause of hair loss that happens with aging.

3. Radiation therapy to the head: After the radiation therapy, the hair might not grow back the same as it did earlier.

4. A very stressful event: Many people notice general hair thinning several months following a traumatic event, whether it be physical or emotional, but this is a temporary hair loss.

5. Medications and supplements: Certain drugs, like those used for cancer, depression, arthritis, heart problems, gout, and high blood pressure, have hair loss as a side effect.

6. Hairstyles and treatments: Excessive styling and tight-pulling hairstyles can result in traction alopecia, a type of hair loss.

In general, baldness will become more severe the earlier it starts.

Who are eligible for a hair transplant?

People who are typically eligible for this treatment are:

1. with hereditary permanent baldness

2. with other types of hair loss, such as the kind that results in bald patches

What a hair transplant does

Men and women who have bald spots on their heads, thinning hair, or hair loss can have a hair transplant. It makes use of your natural hair by removing it from a “donor site” and implanting it on the bald spots on your head or places where the hair is receding or becoming thinner.

Reversing hair loss with hair transplants is a successful method that gives both men and women:

1. A younger look

2. Healthier appearance

3. Increases their self-confidence

How does hair transplant works

A local anesthesia and sedative are usually used during a hair transplant, so you’ll be awake during the procedure but won’t experience any pain.

There are two types of hair transplant procedures are:

1. Follicular unit transplantation (FUT, or strip method): It involves removing a thin strip of skin covered in hair from the back of your head, cutting it into pieces, and inserting the hair grafts into tiny wounds made in the scalp. Stitches are used to seal the area from where the hairs are collected. Only the area from which the skin is removed must be shaved, not the entire head.

2. Follicular unit extraction (FUE): This procedure involves shaving the back of the head and extracting each hair graft one at a time. The grafts are inserted into minute wounds made in the scalp, leaving numerous little scars that are barely detectable.

Although most hair transplants take a day, you shouldn’t have to stay overnight. You might need to schedule two or more sessions a few months apart if a large area needs to be treated.

Your surgeon will explain how to take care of your graft. You should be given a spray to aid in healing and hair growth.

Hair transplantation is more of an art than a surgery

Your main concern when deciding to have a hair transplant is probably the outcome. Make sure you choose a reliable hair transplant provider by doing your homework. Finding a doctor with experience and an art to his work is very crucial for reshaping your hairline. With little experience, one can become proficient in the technical aspects of hair transplantation, but it’s not at all simple to decide where and at what angle to insert each graft for a generally pleasant outcome. It is a skill that requires years of practice to master.

An experienced hair transplant provider is worth enough.

You should choose a hair transplant provider who has carried out numerous hair transplants before yours, just as you might prefer a hairdresser who has cut the hair of many others. And while getting a terrible haircut is not the end of the world, you don’t want the same thing to happen with your hair transplant. If you’re unhappy with your initial hair transplant, you can have a second one if that’s possible.

Scheduling a consultation is the best method to see if hair transplantation is right for you and whether you feel comfortable with a certain specialist.

Why choose Dr. Sachin Rajpal for a hair transplant?

Dr. Sachin Rajpal, the finest cosmetic surgeon in Delhi, is committed to help individuals feel confident about themselves and their looks. Patients can have faith in his strategy because he takes the patient’s age, ethnicity, and goals into account. When performing hair transplants, he adopts a comprehensive approach that considers the harmony and balance of each area of the scalp and face.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sachin Rajpal, please contact:

Name: Dr. Rajpal's Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery

Address: Sector 18, Sector 18A Dwarka, Dwarka, Delhi, 110075

Address: I-102, Second Floor, Block I, Kirti Nagar, Delhi, 110015

Phone: +91-9625 770 177, +91-9810 302 821

Website: www.delhiplasticsurgery.com

You can also search for these treatments:

Gynecomastia Surgery In Delhi, Male Gynecomastia Surgery In Delhi, Hair Transplant Surgery In Delhi, Liposuction Surgery In Delhi, Abdominoplasty In Delhi, Breast Augmentation In Delhi, Breast Reduction In Delhi, Scar Removal Treatment In Delhi, Botox & Fillers Treatment In Delhi, Plastic Surgeon In Delhi, Cosmetic Surgeon In Delhi, Hair Transplant Cost In Delhi, Rhinoplasty Surgery In Delhi

[omnihealthinstitute]

A Guide to Hair Transplant Procedures in Milwaukee

The goal of a hair transplant is to restore a more natural and fuller head of hair. A hair transplant is a surgical procedure used to address hair loss and balding. It involves the removal of hair follicles from one part of the body, typically the back or sides of the scalp (the donor area), and their transplantation to areas with thinning or no hair (the recipient area).

The procedure for a hair transplant in Milwaukee is similar to the process followed in most locations and typically involves the following steps:

Consultation: The process begins with a consultation with a qualified hair transplant surgeon. During this consultation:

The surgeon assesses your hair loss and examines the donor area (typically the back or sides of the scalp) to evaluate the availability of healthy hair follicles for transplantation.

You discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure.

The surgeon recommends the most suitable hair transplant method (Follicular Unit Transplant - FUT or Follicular Unit Extraction - FUE) based on your specific needs.

Designing the Hairline: The surgeon works with you to design a natural-looking hairline that complements your facial features and desired aesthetic outcome.

Anesthesia: On the day of the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to numb both the donor area and the recipient area (where hair will be transplanted). This ensures that you are comfortable and pain-free during the surgery.

Donor Area Harvesting:

Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT): In this method, a strip of skin containing healthy hair follicles is surgically removed from the donor area. The wound is then sutured or stapled closed.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): In FUE, individual hair follicles are directly extracted from the donor area using a specialized tool, often resembling a small punch or needle. This method does not leave a linear scar but results in small, circular scars that are less noticeable.

Graft Preparation: The harvested hair follicles are carefully dissected and prepared for transplantation. Grafts are sorted based on the number of hairs they contain.

Recipient Site Creation: Tiny incisions are made in the recipient area where the grafts will be transplanted. These incisions are made following the natural hair growth pattern to ensure a natural appearance.

Graft Transplantation: The prepared grafts are placed into the recipient sites with precision. The surgeon pays close attention to the angle, direction, and density of the transplanted hair to achieve a natural look.

Post-Operative Care: After the procedure, you will receive instructions on how to care for the transplanted grafts and the donor area. Proper aftercare is essential for a successful outcome.

Recovery and Regrowth: Over the following months, the transplanted hair will initially shed, but the hair follicles remain active beneath the skin. New hair growth will gradually emerge, and it can take several months to a year to see the full results.

Hair transplantation can be an effective and permanent solution for many individuals experiencing hair loss, but it's essential to consult with a qualified hair transplant specialist in Milwaukee to determine the most appropriate approach and to receive personalized guidance throughout the process.

[hazel51]

Best Hair Transplant Treatment in Mumbai - India

Hair Transplant: What is it and how is it done?

Hair loss is a problem that affects people due to different reasons including hormonal imbalance, aging and balding. Regardless of the trigger, it is a condition that leaves the patient feeling less confident about their appearance and beauty in general. Hair transplant is therefore the process of transferring hair from one part of the head to the bald area in attempt to spark regrowth. The procedure has to be done by a professional dermatologist like Dr. Rinky kapoor who has vast training and experience in the field. Schedule an appointment with any of The Esthetic Clinics near you today to get a diagnosis and treatment plan on how the procedure will be executed and hair transplant cost in general. These are the special details to keep in mind on what the procedure entails in general.

Consultation and diagnosis

Once you have set an appointment with the clinic of your choice, the consultation stage kicks off. Here a professional Hair transplant doctor in India will assess the balding area while looking at the different solutions viable for the same. Medical histories, lifestyle evaluation among other factors are evaluated before a conclusion is reached on the best possible way forward. Upon ascertaining that a patient is indeed a candidate for hair transplant, the pattern, donor area and quality of hair is assessed before the date for the procedure is set.

Anesthesia

Your dermatology surgeon will give you tips on how to successfully prepare for the upcoming transplant procedure. To help with pain management, local anesthesia will be administered to numb both the donor and recipient areas. This ensures you remain comfortable throughout the surgery. You might also want to be prepared for the after surgery procedure where patients need assistance with basic household activities for a fruitful recovery window. The doctor will suggest a number of antibiotics and medication to help with recovery and pain management during the window.

Donor Hair Extraction

There are several methods used in the extraction of hair that will be used during the transplant. The surgeon will proceed with either Follicular Unite Transplantation (FUT) or Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) techniques, depending on the agreed-upon plan. In FUT, a strip of hair-bearing skin is removed from the donor area, and the wound is sutured or stapled closed. In FUE, individual hair follicles are extracted directly from the donor area using a micro-punch or similar tool.

Graft Preparation and placement

In both FUT and FUE, the extracted donor hair is carefully dissected into individual follicular units under a microscope. Each unit may contain one, two, three, or more hair follicles. Tiny incisions or slits are made in the recipient area where the hair will be transplanted. The surgeon takes care to design the hairline and placement to achieve a natural look. The surgeon or a team of technicians carefully places the prepared grafts into the recipient sites one by one. The positioning and angling of the hair are critical to create a natural appearance.

Post-Procedure Care

After the hair transplant, the surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for the transplanted area and the donor site to promote healing. Antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to prevent infections and reduce swelling. Over the next few weeks, the transplanted hair will shed, which is normal. New hair growth typically begins within a few months.

Conclusion

It's essential to follow post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. You will have follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor your progress and discuss any concerns or questions you may have. Be keen to report any anomalies that may surface during the recovery for faster care from your doctor.

[qrtumb]

 Global Collagen and Gelatin Market Sie, Share, and Trends

Global Collagen and Gelatin Market was valued at US$ 720.65 Mn in 2020, estimated to reach US$ 1,098.55 Mn in 2027, with a CAGR of 6.65% from 2020-2027

A protein which serves as one of the main building blocks for bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments is called as Collagen and it ismostly used as an easy-to-digest nutritional supplement. A colorless, brittle, and water-soluble substance is Gelatin and it has a high molecular weight. Also, it is a rich source of protein and it contains lysine, which helps strengthen the bones.

 Get a Sample Copy of this Report@ https://qualiketresearch.com/request-sample/Collagen-and-Gelatin-Market/request-sample

Market Drivers

Diabetes is an important target indication—it can increase the incidence & complexity of wounds such as ulcerations (leg or foot ulcers), infections, and surgical wounds, requiring treatments & incurring exorbitant medical expenses.

Nearly 25% of diabetics in the Unites States develop foot ulcers during their lifetime, while ~15% of the diabetic population suffers from diabetic foot ulcers.

The increase in prevalence of DFUs is expected to drive the demand for regenerative medicine products like grafts and matrices. Thus, fueling the global collagen and gelatin market growth.

Furthermore, the increase in awareness about the collagen & changing consumer preferences & lifestyles will accelerate the demand for Global Collagen and Gelatin Market.

Market Restraints

The availability of efficient & reliable substitute biomaterials, which can heal, repair, or regenerate injured or diseased tissues & organs, is likely to restrain the market growth.

Several biomaterials such as chitosan, cellulose, alginate, hyaluronic acid, polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) are used as alternatives for collagen & gelatin in regenerative medicine. Such substitutes may hinder the global collagen & gelatin market growth across the globe.

Market Segmentation

Collagen and Gelatin Market sis segmented into major 4 categories. Based on Source, the market is segmented into Bovine, Porcine, Marine and Others. Based on Type, the market is segmented into Collagen and Gelatin. Based on Application, the market is segmented into Orthopaedic, Wound Care, Cardiovascular and Others. Based on Region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East.

Regional Analysis

The market in North America is projected to dominate the Collagen and Gelatin market due to the presence of key market players in the region coupled with the rising geriatric population. Also, expected to expand at a significant growth rate over the forecast period of 2021 to 2027 owing to the rising geriatric population.

Furthermore, European region is projected to be second largest market of Collagen and Gelatin globally owing to the rising demand in food processing industry.

Get Discount on this Report@ https://qualiketresearch.com/request-sample/Collagen-and-Gelatin-Market/ask-for-discount

Market Key Players

Some of the key players operating in Global Collagen and Gelatin Market are Royal DSM, Collplant Biotechnologies, Nitta Gelatin Inc., Geistlich Pharma AG, Synerheal Pharmaceuticals, Collagen Solutions PLC, Collagen Matrix, Inc., Gelita AG, PB Leiner, Smith & Nephew.

Industry development

December 2020, Gelita acquires majority stake in turkish gelatine manufacturer. GELITA AG is bolstering its position as the industry's global leader with this Joint Venture. The Tezman family, who founded the company, owns the remaining 35% of the stock.

April 2021: Darling Ingredients' EnviroFlight brand launched a new R&D and Corporate Center in Apex, North Carolina. This new R&D facility will allow further emphasis on target research areas, including expanding the knowledge base for alternative uses of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) in animal health, animal nutrition, cosmetics, and other product developments.

March 2021: GELITA USA opened its new collagen peptide unit, which is a 30,000-square-foot production unit at the southeastern end of the complex in the Port Neal industrial area near Sioux City in Iowa. This expansion is majorly driven by the double-digit market growth of GELITA’s collagen peptides, especially in the health and beauty markets, with no sign of slowing down in the future.

Browse Full Report https://qualiketresearch.com/reports-details/Collagen-and-Gelatin-Market

[impossible-rat-babies]

Documents detailing a supernatural incident involving Pollux Weismann, child of agent Rebecca Weismann, and another notwithstanding party, name unknown. (Referred to as Jane Doe in the following report for ease of readership).

On the 12th of October, 2010, an unknown supernatural incident occurred within the Mount Rainier National Park, involving Pollux Weismann and Jane Doe.

Later investigations and notes suggest both Weismann and Jane Doe intended to go hiking late at night within the forests in the park looking for supernaturals. The pair of them traveled out to the park, reservations suggesting the pair intended to make a weekend out of the trip.

Further details of what happened that evening, remain unclear and witness testimony also remains unclear. Jane Doe was missing from the scene when discovered and Weismann was found unconscious and wounded.

[This report is split into several sections covering several pages. Additional pages include images referenced within the report]

—

Injuries:

--The injuries sustained by Weismann appear to be from blunt force trauma, these including: severe bruising and contusions along with a broken right arm, three ribs, a broken pelvis, and a concussion. Such injuries infer a fall from a great height or, as suggested by the environmental factors of the forest and area he was found, he rolled a great ways down several hills and several small cliffs before coming to rest at the edge of a stream.

—Other injuries suggest Weismann having been involved in a struggle with someone wielding a knife, or perhaps claws.

Several other injuries remain unknown in origin, possibly connected to the supernatural incident. Most notable of these include:

—A larger acidic third degree burn covering a fourth of his body from the cap of his left shoulder and down to his corresponding hip. Skin grafts and significant therapies will be required for full functionality to return. [see figures 1.0-1.5]

—Other wounds sustained suggest he was bound or grabbed by the wrists, lacerations around both wrists and ankles and the dislocation of both of his thumbs. The multiplied nature of such lacerations would imply having been bound several times. [see figures 1.6-1.7]

—Contusions around the face along with several lacerations on his face suggest having been subjected to violence unlike the binding or the possible fall. However, such wounds would appear older, as if sustained before the incident occurred.

[Added: November 14, 2010] All of the injuries appear to be healing well after surgery. Many will leave lasting scars or will require skin grafts. The large burn suffered continues to fester, suggesting a possible magical cause to such an injury. Treatment plans are being discussed. [see figures 1.8-2.0]

The details of such incident remain a mystery, partially due to Weismann’s deteriorating mental awareness and ability to communicate

He awoke a day and a half after being brought in, to which he was highly aggressive and reactive to various stimuli. This mostly included touch, bright lights, and high pitched sounds. He spoke only in a state of gibberish or in a faltering manner, often growing frustrated with his lack of ability for his communication to be understood.

His speech eventually deteriorated over the next few hours until all clarity was lost, at which point he was provided with written tools to communicate. This lasted for a week and a half and he was able to communicate his wants and needs effectively to provide treatment. 

Bright lights, touch, and high pitched sounds remained distressing.

This manner of communication proved to fail when asked about the incident—his writing turning to unclear scribbles and his demeanor dramatically shifting from calm to aggressive and severely agitated. [examples of writing included in sections below].

His ability to communicate effectively through writing was lost, all of his writing turning to scribbles seemingly clear to him, but unclear to the staff.

After, he more often than not grew agitated and aggressive towards staff and visitors alike. This including several violent incidents involving doctors and nurses. Other incidents involved escape attempts and the destruction of medical equipment, his own bandaging and further aggravating his wounds.

After such incidents, he was kept in a state of heavy sedation for both his own safety and that of staff.

[Added 13 November 2010] Agent Rebecca Weismann was allowed to visit for Weismann’s birthday.

---

A possible magical cause to such deterioration was put forward and options explored by staff:

After suitable magical study from what little could be gathered from Weismann’s deteriorating mind, it was declared for the better of his health that memories surrounding Jane Doe and the supernatural be removed or otherwise barred from his mind.

The removal of such memories would not correct the physical harm done to him, nor will it be able to remove or dampen the “mark” he has been given.

As such, the removal of memories will constitute the events of that night, the supernatural involved in such incidents, and any lingering memories of Jane Doe, since she is considered to “be neither dead nor alive—existing or not existing.” Speculation of her status remains as such until evidence is provided.

More over, memories of the supernatural encountered will only cause further deterioration of Weismann’s mind, and memories of Jane Doe jeopardize possible magical effects surrounding states of existence when such a person no longer exists in the state in which they were remembered.

Rather than the barring of memories, the removal of them will not jeopardize Weismann in the possible event of him learning about such incident. Learning of such things will, in theory, be bereft of context and will truly be unable to be grasped or understood in any strong way by Weismann.

However, the removal of memories still remains an imperfect process with risks still attached. It is impossible to track down all of how a memory has been categorized by the brain and contingency plans should be put in place in the event of a large or full lapse in memory.

The risks of such removal are known to Agent Rebecca Weismann, the caretaker of Pollux Weismann in the event in which he is incapable of making medical choices for himself. The removal was performed on 28 November 2010.

Tests for complications and possible lapses—albeit rare—must continue in the following weeks and months.

With hope, Weismann should regain full usage of his faculties in time and with proper care.

[Added 30 November 2010]: the procedure took well, confirmation rendered from several sources of the removal of such memories and their relocation to ⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️ for study on the ⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️ and ⬛️⬛️⬛️.

Further information on the ⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️ gained from the memories will be placed within the ⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️’s agency file.

--

This report includes relevant information on the supernatural(s) Weismann encountered for the ease of readership and later references:

The ⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️. Risk level: extremely high. do not approach.

The ⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️ is defined as a highly aggressive and highly intelligent supernatural. Attempts to contact or to maintain treaties with such supernatural have been attempted with mixed success over the hundreds of years since its discovery. The agency has taken on a “no contact” approach. Little is known of them due to their reclusive and aggressive nature towards most life.

Often accompanying them are the ⬛️⬛️⬛️. they college in pack like groups within the same territory with a singular ⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️. They are tolerant of the ⬛️⬛️⬛️, but either appear to serve as food or to be controlled by the ⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️.

The ⬛️⬛️⬛️ are well defined as having once been humans and contact with ⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️ marking their change from human to supernatural. Such contact, even mild, results in having been tainted or “marked” by the ⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️⬛️. Whether this is by magical or perhaps physical means is unknown. However, many humans that come into contact eventually end up as ⬛️⬛️⬛️ with currently no known way to reverse this transformation—the change is permanent and irreversible.

The triggers of the transformation are unknown, whether they be the constitution of the person involved, the passage of time, or triggered by the supernatural itself.

Notes: Careful observation and check ups with Weismann are required until such a transformation takes place at which point Weismann will be placed into Agency care. He is to not be made aware, per Agent Rebecca Weismann’s request as her child’s sole caretaker in the event Pollux is unable to care for himself.

Notes:

on April 18th 2019, Unit Bravo have been given access to this file per their assignment to the town of Wayhaven and their continued work with Agent Pollux E. Weismann.

Pollux E. Weismann is still not to be made aware of his status or the contents of this file by Unit Bravo per Agent Rebecca Weismann’s request.

[youngster-monster]

Pansy, peony, yellow poppy - caring, bravery, success

(fuck it. three prompts in one.)

1.

When the Red Legion invaded the City, its sight set on the Traveler and its Light, they fought back. They killed and they struggled and they died for the Light. In some timelines, they even won.

Not in this one.

Here, when the Traveler senses their approach through the fog of its comatose state, it makes a choice. Stay or run; hope the Guardians can save it or leave to give itself a chance to heal before the Darkness inevitably finds it again.

It chooses to run, gathers the last of its strength and flees the system, never to be seen again. And so when humanity stands against the Red Legion, it does so alone.

Because of course Ghaul doesn’t give up. One does not lead an undefeated legion by having mercy. When he finds the Traveler once again out of his reach, he turns his sight on the Light remaining in the Guardians instead. Bitter and angry from the unexpected failure, he swears to put an end to humanity as a whole.

But they’re not going down that easily.

This time they do not fight for the Light. They do not fight for the Traveler, threatened by Ghaul’s hunger for power and glory. Hopeless after the departure of their protector, abandoned by the Light, they fight because it’s the only thing left to do. Because it’s that or death and humanity has never been one to go gentle into that good night.

They’ve got to hope for victory and to hold on until then, because if they don’t they will have nothing left. And isn’t that the whole point of being a Guardian? Faith that they can make it through, with or without Light.

Be brave, Guardian.

They’ll have to be.

The Vanguard does not run; without the immediate threat of the Traveler’s death — without the hope of its presence — they step up to their role and lead the survivors of the initial onslaught to the EDZ to regroup. Suraya Hawthorne offers them the Farm as a base of operation in exchange for a say in the way things are run.

Sam is there when it happens, standing at her side as something a little like a Guardian-civilians liaison. Despite that he’s not sure how they settle the debates on who should or shouldn’t lead the survivors in this conflict.

He thinks the Future War Cult bartered their resources in exchange for a place on the war council. From what he hears Dead Orbit is arguing for the merits of fleeing the system again and are supported by many Guardians disillusioned by the Traveler abandoning them. He keeps an eye on the proceedings in case they try to stage a coup, but apart from that he’s too busy to listen to politics that don’t involve him.

At first he works with the other doctors of the Farm, setting up a triage area for the wounded coming in every day. The first two weeks are a haze of blood and exhaustion, Guardians unused to mortality falling back on old habits and getting nearly killed. They lose more than they save.

One day he finds himself with his hands in the guts of one of his rookies. He kind of expected it to happen. He’s been training Kinderguardians for years, one of them was bound to find their way on his operation table eventually.

But when he thought about it he had hoped, perhaps selfishly that he’d find one of the older ones — a Guardian who had already earned their stripes. As if it would be any easier.

Instead, he gets one of the kids. He mentored her maybe two years ago, at most. And now here she is with shrapnel embedded in her stomach, and as he digs them out he can’t help but feel like it’s a failure on his part. As if maybe, if he’d trained her better — if her and her comrades had been more careful — she’d be alright.

He walks into the improvised war room, still covered in blood from the elbows down, and demands of the Vanguard that they train their Guardians to fight like they could die at any time, because they can.

They agree, and put him in charge of it. No good deed goes unpunished indeed.

It’s the right call to make though. Because Sam has been ghostless for more than a decade and a mentor to Kinderguardians for nearly as long, he finds himself uniquely qualified to deal with the newly-mortal Guardians. He calls every surviving ghostless he knows, old friends and people he ran missions with back when Sasha was still alive. Devrim brings in active duty civilians as well, and together they create a training course focused on survival. On guerrilla warfare, long-distance, strategy. Guardians already used to these tactics, such as snipers and lone Hunters who specialize in dangerous long term missions, are put in charge of small groups of trainees in the field while the civilians and ghostless coordinate their efforts in some weird reversal of their usual roles.

They get fewer deaths and grave injuries. The war goes from a constant slaughter to a slower, more frustrating near-stalemate, as humanity and the cabal both refuse to give an inch of held territory to the other.

It takes Sam longer than he’d like to admit to realize they’ve somehow recreated the trench wars, and stumbled into a stable chain of command while doing so.

More than ever he’s thankful to be a medic, meaning he’s called to the front too often to be put in any meaningful leadership roles. It suits him just fine. He’ll take the blood and fire of active combat over politics and strategy any day. And it’s better if Devrim is in charge of that anyway. Light knows it’ll be easier on Mark’s nerves than sending him off to the front line.

2.

“Sergeant Fletcher, sir!”

Sam glances up at the soldier who barged into the infirmary tent. He’s still not sure how he feels about the whole ‘addressing him by rank’ thing — or even about the fact that he has an actual military rank now. He blames it on the Future Car cult. But he can’t argue with how much easier it makes it to know when someone’s talking to him. There are only so many Sgt. Fletcher around.

He writes down the last of the meds that need replenishing and gestures to the soldier to speak up.

“There’s-” They stop as if unsure how to proceed before saying carefully, “We’ve got a Fallen wanting to talk to you.”

“A what?”

“A Fallen, sir. Captain rank by the size of it.”

Sam rubs his face, grimacing. “And why am I supposed to deal with that?”

“Well you’ve got kind of a… reputation? Also it asked for someone in charge and you’re the highest ranked officer present at the moment.”

Light. Save one Dreg (or a few) and you’ll never hear the end of it. It’s not his fault he’s got a soft heart for small, vulnerable bug aliens.

He slings his rifle over his shoulder and follows after the soldier with a faint sigh.

It’s not hard to tell where the Captain is: there’s a crowd gathered around it, some watching it with open hostility and others gossiping in low voices. Sam could hear the chatter long before he reached them. His guide hovers a second at his shoulder once they get there before joining his fellow soldiers.

“Don’t you have a job to do?” Sam barks, striding through the crowd and glaring at the lot of them. “You think the Cabal’s gonna wait patiently while you gossip? Get movin’!”

They disperse and soon Sam is left with a handful of Guardians at his back and one lone Fallen looming over him. The looming might be accidental. It’s been years since he’s been that close to a Fallen and he forgot how tall these fuckers get. He crosses his arms and looks up into the four glowing eyes of the alien.

The Fallen takes out its blades, and he tenses, hears guns being aimed down at the alien behind him, but it only crosses them in front of its chest and bows its head slightly.

He shakes his head and pushes the confusion away. As long as it’s not attacking he’s willing to give it a chance. “I’m Samuel Fletcher, I’m in charge of this unit. You wished to talk.”

“I am Mithrax, Kell of Light” it says, sheathing its blades once again. “I come to speak in House-mine name.”

That gives him pause. A Kell alone in hostile territory sounds… impossible. Or stupid, depending. The Fallen have a near-fanatical loyalty to their Kells, they wouldn’t let one go behind enemy lines on its own. The name of its House is odd as well. Most Houses are named by the Guardians fighting them rather than by the Fallen themselves — the House of Wolves by the grey scruff of their cloaks, the House of Devils by the threat they posed to the City. So why the House of Light? He doesn’t know what would be the most disturbing, between a Guardian naming them that and the Fallen choosing it themselves.

Maybe it’s a risk, but… he’s curious.

Just as he’s about to invite Mithrax to keep talking someone yells, “Medic!”

His eyes dart away. He sees them as they round the corner, a small fireteam that was sent on recon this morning. They’re carrying one of their own, arms slung around her teammates’ shoulders. A good chunk of her armor is nothing but a charred mess anymore.

Forgetting all about this weird Fallen Sam jogs up to them and catches the wounded before her exhausted companions can drop her. Moments later two soldiers appear at his side, carrying a stretcher.

“Get her to the med tent! You two, can you get there on your own or do you need help?” The two other Guardians shake their heads. “Alright. Let’s go.”

He nods at Mithrax on their way past it — him? Female Fallen sound a little different from what he remembers. He means it as an apology since he can’t listen to what the Kell has to say, but Mithrax takes one look at the situation and follows after them. Sam shrugs and waves off the concerned soldiers that try to stop him. He’ll deal with that later, once he’s done doing his job.

The Guardian — Nel, apparently — has a third degree burn covering her chest from her shoulder to her navel from a close encounter with a Magma Launcher. There’s not much Sam can do about it except clean the wound and bandage it while they wait for extraction. They’ll need to get her to the back line before flying her to the Farm, where they’ll have the necessary equipment for a skin graft.

The other two are mostly fine. One of them is an Exo, so Sam sends him to the camp’s engineer despite his protests. He doesn’t understand anything about the way Exos work, but even he knows that a loose wire can sometimes be the difference between hitting your target and getting hit instead. Better safe than sorry.

“I’ll keep an eye on Nel,” the other reassures him, and he reluctantly steps out of the tent.

Finally, once everyone is bandaged and resting, he turns his attention back to Mithrax.

The Kell has been watching him work patiently, staying well out of his way. Whatever it is he wants to talk about, it must be important if he’s willing to spend so much time staring at Sam's back while he cuts dead skin off a poor girl like she’s some kind of human kebab.

(Yikes.)

He takes off his gloves, balls them and throws them in the trash, washes his hands carefully. Then, while he’s cleaning and disinfecting his tools, he angles his face so he can look at Mithrax over his shoulder and says,

“Alright. What was it you wanted to talk about?”

“The Great Machine. It left you, yes?” Sam nods, bemused. “It runs when you need it most. We see this. Some want to attack while you’re weak. Revenge for theft. Others say you are not thieves. You are like Eliksni, chosen by Great Machine then abandoned. Want to help like we wanted to be helped.”

Sam carefully, neatly cleans and packs his surgery tools away, mind whirring with this new information. “Which one won out?”

“None. House of Houses splintered. Old loyalties hard to forget, many new-old Houses now. Again. Some want to fight. Some want to help.” Mithrax makes an odd little sound. Sam finds him playing with the last of his scalpels, staring at the slowly drying blood there. He presents it to Sam, handle first, and holds his gaze with four glowing eyes. “I want to help. We fight together, yes? Then we find the Great Machine again.”

Sam isn’t sure how he feels about running after the Traveler like a… a jilted loved, like something desperate and broken begging to be given another chance. Maybe he’s biased because he’s been living without the Light for so long, or maybe he’s too proud for it.

But in the meantime, Mithrax is offering something far more precious. An alliance isn’t a small thing for the Fallen, who fights other Houses as often as the many factions they’re at war with. It’s near friendship, chaining your survival to that of another House, compromising on your goals to better fight together.

It means a lot. Sam can appreciate that. So he takes the scalpel and holds Mihtrax’s gaze and says, “Alright. I’ll get you to the Vanguard.”

They can talk, leaders to leaders. Kell to Kell. And Sam can stay here, in his infirmary with the quickly dwindling medical supplies and nothing but spite to carry him through, and prepare to welcome wounded Fallen into his care. Just the way he likes it.

3.

Sam isn’t sure how the talks between the House of Light and the Vanguard went. A few days after he brought Mithrax to them the Legion stages an offensive on their front, and there’s no more time to worry about the negotiations. He’s too busy trying to keep his troops alive.

It’s the worst week of his life. The Cabal are relentless because they can afford to be. They outnumber and outgun them, and they have nothing to protect. Every attack becomes a gamble — how much time before the first line falls, how much ground can they give before they’re backed in a corner or putting civilians in danger. Ships can’t approach the zone without being gunned down, the transmat system is down, and the nearest outpost is days away on a Sparrow.

They’re all alone, quickly running out of ammo, and soon they’ll be running out of people.

Sam alternates between the front line and their ever-moving camp, gunning down Cabal and stabilizing the wounded. Most of the soldiers at his side are bearing some kind of injury and fighting despite it. Light knows the one he’s currently dragging to safety will be back in the fray as soon as they can stand on their two feet.

He gets them behind a crumbling wall and leans against the stone for a second, panting. There’s no time for a break. He rummages in his bag and takes out bandages, stitches, the bottle of vodka they’ve been using since they ran out of disinfectant. It’s not a deep wound but an infection is a death sentence when they have nothing to treat it and no way to tell when they’ll be able to get supplies again.

The air rumbles over their heads. Since his hand are otherwise occupied and he can’t risk looking away and fucking up a stitch Sam presses his cheek against the radio taped to his shoulder.

“Hellion, come in, what’s going on?”

The radio crackles with static and gunfire. Hellion-6 yells cover me, half muffled by the noise, before her tense voice comes clearer through the comms. “Fallen Skiff just uncloaked above us.”

Fuck. This could be a saving grace or the last nail in their coffin. He ties the final stitch, shushing the Guardian distractedly when she makes a small pained noise, and finally looks up. He squints at the flag flying above the Skiff. It’s red, he thinks, but that could be Light colors just as much as Devil and he can’t make out the symbols.

Well. Pray for the best and prepare for the worst, right? Not that he’ll need much preparation. Death by Cabal or death by Devil isn’t that different, after all.

The Skiff opens its hatches and drops Fallen troops over their lines. Dregs and Vandals scatter, getting behind cover as soon as they touch the ground. Sam ducks his head so he’s less visible and risks a glance to one of the Fallen.

Red banners and a familiar symbol. Thank the Light, they’re allies.

“Don’t shoot!” He barks in his comms. “They’re friendly!”

“Are you sure?”

The last Fallen to drop from the Skiff before it disappears again is a Captain — no, not quite. Sam grins at Mithrax even though Kell can’t see it. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m sure. Let them through.”

He leaves the wounded Guardian to the watch of their fretting Ghost and joins the fighting again. He checks his rifle as he approaches and scowls when he finds the magazine empty. He still has his bow, but it’s far from ideal in this situation, even with Fallen support helping thin the herd.

Just as he’s about to take out his other weapon though, the Vandal closest to him steps out of his way and hands him their Shock Rifle, bowing their head quickly before skittering away. Sam watches them go, confused, before eventually shrugging it off and taking aim.

The balance of the rifle is different from what he’s used to, heavier and bulkier than his own, but he gets used to it quickly enough. The fact that the projectiles track the Cabal he has in his sights is definitely a nice perk. More than that though it’s the satisfaction of seeing every shot followed by a dozen more — he’s standing shoulder to shoulder with Guardians, but a few yards down the line there are Fallen too, and it’s the strangest and most wonderful thing that’s happened to him yet.

Survival. What a concept.

Finally the Legion retreats after the loss of one Centurion too many. There’s a moment of tense silence as they watch their enemies retreat for the first time in days, waiting with baited breath for the Cabal to yell it was just a joke and descend upon them once again to grind them in the dust.

It doesn’t happen. When they realize that, the exhausted, mud-stained soldiers break into cheers. Sam finds himself dragged into a hug by Viratz, the rookie non-Guardian of the squad, and rubs his back when he feels tears well up against his skin.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay, we made it, we won,” he whispers, squeezing a little tighter. “We’re safe now.”

It’s a lie but one Viratz needs at the moment.

Eventually the kid lets go and Sam pushes him towards the other soldiers. Some have collapsed where they stood, groaning in relief and fatigue, but most are jumping and hugging like they won the war rather than a single battle.

No one died, this time. Guess it’s justified.

“Good we were in time.”

Sam jumps. He puts a hand to his chest as if trying to manually slow down his hammering heart and whirls around to glower at Mithrax. He’s lucky Sam is tired, otherwise he might have gotten a face full of arc projectiles rather than a sullen glare.

(His fight or flight response tends to fall squarely in the fight category.)

“Don’t just sneak up on me like that,” he says. Then it occurs to him that not only is this the leader of a whole House, which entails a little bit of respect unless he wishes for an Arc Blade between the ribs, but also that Mithrax might have just saved their lives and he ought to be grateful. “Thank you,” he adds. “You have no idea how much it meant to us.”

Mithrax makes a show of looking around, at the discarded, empty guns and the drawn faces of his unit. “Have some idea.”

“Ha, yeah, that’s fair. Still. Thank you.”

“You need help. We promised. So, we’re here. No thanks needed.”

Well. He’s not gonna argue against that. He changes the subject, if only because if he stops talking he’s going to drop unconscious and he needs to stay awake to check everyone for injuries.

“Can I keep the rifle? It’s very nice.”

“I know. Eliksni make best weapons. Keep it and it will keep you alive.”

Nice of him.

“Sarge?”

The calm never lasts, huh? Sam turns towards the soldier calling for him. “Yeah, what is it?”

“We got the wounded to the tent. Some of the guys are already patching them up, but-” They glance nervously at Mithrax before continuing. “One of them is a Fallen, and I don’t think we’re qualified to take care of that.”

“I see. Mithrax, would you mind giving us a hand? Or, huh, a few?”

It’s a poor attempt at a joke but Mithrax makes a clicking sound that sounds a bit like laughter, maybe, and follows after them.

The Fallen in question is a Dreg, curled on a cot and clutching their — oh dear, what little is left of their left arm. Sam clicks his tongue, puts his gloves on and leans over them, gently prying their claws away from the wound. They hiss weakly put let him do it.

It’s been cauterized. Gladiator blade, probably, the look of the cut. It kind of breaks his heart to see: he definitely has a soft spot for small, insect-like things.

“Aw you poor thing,” he mutters while inspecting the edges of the wounds. “Say, Mithrax, do you know if your kind has bad reactions to human medicine?”

The Kell makes a negative noise. Reassured, Sam starts by disinfecting the burn, wincing when it elicits pained chattering noises from the Dreg. He tries to make small talks to distract them, even though he has no idea if they also speak Terran. “It’s going to suck having only one arm when you ought to have four, hm? Don’t you worry, we’ll find you something cool to replace it. Like a hook. Or an Arc Blade on a stick, heh? Gives you some more reach to fight those Cabal bastards.”

All the while he can feel the weight of Mithrax’ attention on him. He ignores it — he’s a professional, he has a job to do.

“Few supplies,” Mithrax muses.

Sam waves it off. “Yes, yes. We’ve been off grid for some times and the City engineers couldn’t come to fix our transmat system with all the Cabal around. Don’t worry about it.”

“Maybe not waste it on Dreg. Keep it for kin.”

This time he turns to look at Mithrax, indignant that he would suggest such a thing. He’s a doctor, damn it, he’s not going to let one of their new allies die from the consequences of an impromptu amputation. “I’m not going to hoard my supplies and let one of yours die, Mithrax!”

The Kell shrugs. “Is only Dreg.”

Anger flares inside, burning hot in his chest. He tightens his grip involuntarily and has to apologize when the Dreg makes another noise of pain. He goes back to his task, focusing on the bandages he’s carefully wrapping around the stump. He tries to keep the tension out of his voice when he speaks.

“It’s not my place to judge the value of a life. I take care of the wounded, no matter who they are, and that’s it. I’ll leave the decisions to you leaders.” He can’t stop himself from adding, “And this little guy right there probably helped save my life and that of my squad. The least I can do is make sure they don’t keel over and die because of it.”

He lets go of the Dreg and sighs. Rising to his feet, he tears of the gloves and throws them at the nearest trash can. He should look over his squad, make sure everyone got the medical attention they needed, but it feels wrong to leave the crippled Fallen as is. Not like there’s anything more he could do for them.

Mithrax stops him before he can leave with a hand hovering near his arm, careful not to touch. He reaches under his cloak and takes out a small canister. It glows a faint purplish-blue at the edges and Sam draws back when he realizes what it is. Ether: the life force of the Fallen. It’s not a commodity that is freely given away, yet Mithrax presses it in his hand and nods decisively.

“Give this. Makes healing quicker. Numbs pain. Kell-strong dose, give slowly.”

“I…” Can’t accept this, he meant to say, but this isn’t just a gift. It’s a medical necessity. He’s endlessly grateful for it. “Thank you. I know you are in short supply as well.”

Mithrax shrugs. “I am Kell. Always have as much Ether as I need. And if we lack, Alliance still stands, Guardians help. Find more resources, make more. Small sacrifice. If it helps you, worth it.”

Sam covers his smile by bending over the Dreg to fit the canister into their breathing apparatus. They’ll take it off in a few minutes, take it slow as Mithrax advised.

4.

The Fallen unit leaves once their transmat zone has been repaired and their supplies replenished. Mithrax tells them he will send them reinforcement later, once they have hashed out troop deployment and, apparently, gone through alliance negotiation with other Houses who either sympathize with humanity’s fate or are interested in the protection from other Houses a large alliance offers.

It takes a month, but they do have a small Fallen troop joining them in their outpost. They’re not sure how it will work yet — some of the soldiers are still uneasy with living near Fallen but they’ll have to suck it up — but Sam is eager to see how it goes, if only because their presence might mean fewer casualties.

The first to approach the humans is a small Vandal holding a large bag. Their lower two arms seem to still be regrowing from being docked, so it must be a recent promotion. They hand the bag to Sam, who opens it to find it filled with Ether canisters. His eyes jerk up in shock. The Vandal shrugs, and through the gaps in its armor Sam glimpses the edge of a burn wound around its upper left arm, already healed.

“Kell says for you,” they say, Fallen accent heavy and awkward on the unfamiliar sounds of Terran speech. “For healing Eliksni. Your Ether. Your choice.”

From what he knows of Fallen culture, the higher ranked members of a House are the ones to choose who the Ether supply goes to — Kell and Archons. He’s not sure what it means that Mithrax would grant him the same power. But he looks at the newly minted Vandal, and decides to take it at face value. It’s a gift and a show of trust. An offer of friendship, the Fallen way.

He slings the bag over his shoulder and gestures at the Vandal. “What’s your name?”

They duck their head, clicking softly as they try to understand his words. Finally, they say, “Setres.”

“Setres. Alright. I’m gonna drop this in my tent, and then you’re going to be my interpreter while I show you where you can set camp, okay?”

It looks faintly panicked at the prospect, or maybe at the many words it doesn’t understand, and Sam can’t help a smile as it nods hesitantly.

They’re going to make it through this. All of them, one day at a time.

[threadsketchier]

Whumptober #10 - Unconscious

We now return you to your regularly scheduled whump.  This is another draft scene from LTE, a little earlier in the timeframe when Luke is still sedated.  References include:

The line about “oceans of sand” comes from a quote assigned to a childhood portrait of Leia from the book Star Wars Art: Visions painted by Anthony J. Waichulis.

The mention of Anakin reuniting briefly with C-3PO at Cloud City, and the italicized quote from Shmi, is from the Dark Horse comic “Thank the Maker” featured in Star Wars Tales 6.

The soundtrack placeholder for these scenes on my LTE playlist is “Stored Memories and Monica’s Theme,” by John Williams from A.I.: Artificial Intelligence.  Only listen if you really wanna bawl.

She’d asked that he be given a room with a viewport; even if he wasn’t awake to see the stars’ distant light, it seemed better than leaving him confined in an interior unit.

“I used to dream of oceans of sand.”

There were so many things she wished to tell him and ask him, now that she knew their kinship.  The likelihood that he could hear her was slim to none, especially in a medically-induced coma, but there was still evidence that patients could sometimes apprehend conversation.  At the very least, talking to him assuaged his visitors.  So she talked, far more and more candidly than she was accustomed to.

“I’d be standing in the middle of a desert, dunes and canyons as far as my eyes could see...and for some reason my hair was always loose, and the wind pushed it every which way.  I felt...I didn’t feel afraid.  I felt as though something was missing and I needed to find it, but I didn’t even know where to begin looking in that expanse.”

Leia’s thumb idly traced around the contours of Luke’s nailbeds.  She even had to be careful in holding his hand; there was scarcely any place left on his body that wasn’t shrouded in wound dressings or pierced by IV lines, and with his prosthetic removed only his left hand was available to touch.  He lay within a veritable thicket of life support machinery, his slight frame engulfed by their catheters and ventilation tubing and layers of bedding to cushion his limbs.

“Did you ever have dreams like that?  Seeing the mountains and forests of Aldera?”

She reached over to stroke a finger down his exposed cheek.  Nearly half his face was obscured in bandages, and what could still be seen of his skin was sickly-pale and mottled.  Every day they hoped the gradual sloughing of his flesh would halt its progression.  By now all his hair, even his brows and lashes, had fallen out, and his features had grown gaunt.  The husk that remained of him was barely recognizable.

A tremulous smile fought its way across her lips.  “All that teasing on Hoth, and you might have already seen snow earlier than we all thought.”

Keeping that stubborn sense of humor afloat was the only way any of them could enter this room and not weep or sink into despair.  Leave it to Janson to have the audacity to recruit someone to knit him a soft nerfwool cap with the colors and patterns of a flight helmet and actually put it on him.  Can’t leave the Boss with a cold head, he’d said.

Someone had been leaving a comlink by Luke’s pillow, and when Leia had inquired about it she’d been told that whoever was making that request adamantly wished to remain anonymous.  That left her with a strong and volatile suspicion as to its contributor.  Several times she’d had to quash the urge to take and analyze it, or even just destroy it.  He had no right to be leaving messages for Luke.  But she’d remember the beatific gaze of adoration and encouragement he’d last given Vader, and knew how crestfallen he’d be if he knew of her interfering in that communication.  So she did her best to ignore the device’s presence during her time with him.  This was all they had left, and she was not going to allow Vader to overshadow it.

                                                               *

Anakin stared down at the comlink in his palm.  At first, he hadn’t known what to say or where to start.  What was left of his life had been consumed by the insanity of hatred and the mundane vulgarity of Imperial bureaucracy.  He’d barely begun to have any semblance of an ordinary, loving relationship with his son, a mature adult who’d managed well enough on his own to form a robust personal character and virtue.

But Luke was dying, and he was sitting here hoping to do nothing more than rot away in his meditation chamber aboard his ruined shuttle, a piece of refuse as useless as the debris that had burned up in the Forest Moon’s atmosphere and plunged into Endor’s gaseous depths.  He wouldn’t deign to bring himself to Luke’s side, where all of his friends and comrades gathered in rotation to hold vigil over him.

His son was withering away, and once more Anakin was powerless to help him.  Would he even be too ashamed to hold his lifeless body in his arms one last time when he finally succumbed?

So you’re not even going to see him? Anjylle had asked tartly.  He’s all but died for you, and this is how you thank him?

Robotic limbs descended upon him to remove the helmet and mask, a thousand needles finer than hair retracting from his face and scalp.  Scrubbed and pressurized air chilled his exposed head and filled his nostrils, familiar and abhorred only a degree less than the respirator.  After gathering himself for a minute, Anakin switched on the comlink and activated a recording file.

His weak, hoarse, natural voice rasped out just above a whisper.  The first thing he’d chosen to speak of, the first thing that came to mind from before, was the account of locating the bare shell of what became C-3PO in the scrapyard of Mos Espa.  During his time at Cloud City, never had he expected to encounter his childhood droid again.  He hadn’t wanted to admit to himself then how it had shaken him, and driven him to preserve the droid by returning him to the prisoners’ custody.

Unless you’re prepared to care for something, you don’t deserve to have it.

After that, he’d rambled aimlessly, sometimes for only a short while, sometimes for hours, until his throat was raw.  Everything from tales from the Clone Wars spent among the clone troops to explaining engine diagrams.  It wasn’t the content that mattered.  It was only his voice, the pathetic remnants of it, grafted onto a recording to play by his son’s ear.  When he’d summoned Anjylle and requested of her the task of relaying the device, only her gaze had been questioning, but no argument or protest was made.

But for all the meaningless words that spilled from his cracked lips, the ones he truly wished to convey remained locked deep within, unable to be loosed.

My son.  My child.  My angel.  My everything.  How I love you.