Medigel (Biogel)

[RedHotGinger]

Pictured Below: Hypodermic Stimdose Injector ​

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Earth underwent a period of major transformations following the Seven Hour War. Lifestyles, environments, and the very functions of the planet itself would be rapidly shifted as the combine secured influence over all major metropolitan areas, and as a result, most of humanity. Among these changes were also the various technological implements that were slowly introduced. One of these, would eventually become known as Medigel, an advanced healing substance with revolutionary properties.

Medigel is a healing matter derived from the antlion species, while still in the larval stage of development. It is not known exactly why these creatures possess this property at only a young age, but it is generally believed to be an evolutionary implement designed to stimulate rapid growth in the young. Regardless of its function for the antlions themselves, small pellets found within the larval bodies have defining regenerative properties not found in any other Earth based lifeforms.

These healing properties were not originally discovered by the combine. During the intervening years of the Portal Storms, constant threat and exposure to the antlions led to this discovery by pure coincidence. Though poorly understood, it was documented that the antlions could have beneficial uses for mankind if contained, though this never came to be. In truth, prior to the Combine, little use could be derived from these creatures. With grubs always found in the depths of the infinite colonies, so little could be harvested that consistent study was nearly impossible.

After the combine ‘liberated’ Earth from the old ways, the ability to combat antlions was greatly increased. This was thanks in large part due to the invention and deployment of ‘restrictors’. Whereas before humanity was constantly fighting to keep it's cities secure from ever encroaching antlions, these new devices provided automated security for metropolitan areas. Since forces were no longer strictly on the defense from these creatures, expeditions were resumed within antlion colonies to extract the larval young for study and synthesis.

After a short time, it was discovered that, while by themselves the larval pellets were filled with beneficial properties such as, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and trace amounts of Zinc. However, these were far from what made the substance special. Heavy amounts of seemingly synthetic protein chains were also observed along with various, otherwise alien, properties.

While powerful, the larval ‘nugget’ as it was sometimes affectionately referred to, was nothing more than a simple booster to mitosis and it's subsystems. It could be used to promote healing, but was useless in actually treating wounds themselves.

In order to extrapolate further use out of the larval pellets, work began on synthesizing it with other medical technologies, both human and Combine. After much work and a great deal of focus from the newly established Ministry of Health or it's operative, Civil Medical Union, a final synthesis was concocted using various additional chemicals and drugs to promote a stronger, more rapid effect. The Larval pellet was liquified, and mixed with the other chemicals and substances such as morphine sulfate, various enzymes that hastened pharmacokinetic effects within the body, collagen amplifiers, and much more. All of this led to what would be known, henceforth, as Medigel; though also referred to as Biogel. One of the principal technological advances, often touted by loyalists as ‘proof’ of the benefits of unity. Further advancements were also made regarding the deployment of the substance, such as Chargers, which could mix and deploy Medigel in but a few moments.

Two versions of the substance actually exist, and typically serve slightly different purposes.

Civil Medigel is often housed within hospitals to act as a healing supplement after operations or in emergency circumstances to buy time. It accelerates the process of cellular division rapidly while also providing relief for minor to moderate pain. It also provides a temporary boost to metabolic processes granting an overall increase in subject vitality. Furthermore, it boosts certain immune functions, which can help prevent infections, though will do little to treat them. Lastly, Medigel increases the mitotic rates of osteogenic cells which enables faster formation of bone. As a side effect many portions of the skeletal structure will be temporarily more durable, but will return to normal shortly afterwards.

Stimdoses, a field variant of Medigel, is used almost exclusively by Overwatch forces. It grants all of the beneficial effects that standard Medigel brings about, but has some key differences. Unlike civil Medigel, this accelerates Homeostasis, for rapid clotting of open wounds and is loaded with additional numbing properties. Typically houses minor amounts of Serotonin supplements as well, hindering the chances that injured subjects will panic on the field. Lastly, it is loaded with biochemical inhibitors that prevent subjects' bodies from entering into shock, unless extreme circumstances arise.

It should be noted that Medigel has limitations and even downsides.

While Medigel is an immune booster, it should not be administered to those undergoing symptoms of notable infection. As it will stimulate hijacked cellular bodies as well as healthy ones. It holds no notable effects on parasites, fungal infections or xenian infections. Medigel is an addictive substance due to the presence of Morphine additives in all versions. While this is not usually a primary concern, it's use on civilians is limited for this reason. Medigel can also cause improper cellular division to occur in rare cases. This is due to the effect it has upon Mitosis. While rare and typically associated with repeated and frequent use, it can become a life threatening issue, particularly for unaugmented Civil Servants. Bone fractures and breaks must be set before application, if possible. Finally, in cases where damage to the epidermal tissue is found, deployment of Medigel will always result in more severe scarring of recovering tissues.

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Generally speaking:

Effective on:
Open wounds
Arterial damage
Organ damage
Burns
Set fractures
Infection prevention.

Not effective on:
Severe breaks
Active infections
Brain trauma
Cellular defects
Chronic diseases​