Product Synopsis
Nanite Decompression Units are developed and sold by The Hivemind Sentius via the expanded facilities and research and development arm of the
Sentius Operated Medical Facility for Anatomical Repair and Improvement. One dose is a convenient and safe self-administered procedure that assists in the reduction of symptoms of the condition known as Shock Compression Illness caused by participating in above the recommended number of interstellar jumps via the Probability Suspension Drive and Improbable Distance Drive Systems.
Development
Nanite Decompression Units were developed by the Hivemind Sentius after they began to notice an increase in cases of severe Shock Compression Illness. Seeing a chance to expand their medical services and supplement their funds they began researching ways to help alleviate or dismiss the effects of the illness.
Development did not take long, as usual with projects headed by the Hivemind Sentius, their combined processing power and ever-connected network allowed them to come up with a potential solution within a few short months. Construction of testing units was a bit more complicated, finding the material to build the nanites was not an issue, but finding the appropriate technology to construct the billions of nanites needed for each dose was another challenge as the technology just didn't exist. So, they did what they usually did to solve their issue. They designed and created the appropriate technology, which necessitated a large expansion of their
Sentius Operated Medical Facility for Anatomical Repair and Improvement on The Variance.
After this had been completed, a project that almost a year, a slow project when compared to other Sentius projects they were ready to begin manufacturing their first test does. Sold at a reduced cost due to the untested nature of the product the Sentius awaited the results. As usual, it was a resounding success, with the Nanite Decompression Units reducing symptoms by nearly fifty percent in a single dose allowing for an additional interstellar jump before symptoms began to arise again.
Of course, this wasn't a cure, its only purpose was to temporarily delay or lessen the effects of Shock Compression Illness. There would be no money in a cure. Once the initial testing doses were considered a success the Hivemind went into full production and jacked the price up to an exorbitant cost. The Hivemind Sentius said the cost of material, the process, and the investment in new infrastructure has necessitated them to do this in order to make a modest profit. The Nanite Decompression Units have now been on the market for just under a year and are a very popular item for those that can afford a dose or two.
How do they work?
Several billion nanites float in a fizzy-looking orange liquid in a handheld injector. An injection is typically easy and safe when the suggested process is followed correctly. First, the injection site must be sanitized, typically on the arm or thigh, place the side labelled "needle" on the skin and press the injector button in order to eject the needlepoint into the limb at which point the liquid carrying the nanites automatically deposit into the system. From here the nanites begin their work and the desired effects should take effect in a few minutes. The injection fluid is used to carry the nanites through the user's bloodstream so that the nanites can spread through the body quickly.
From here the nanites begin to attach themselves to as many cell walls as they can. Once firmly attached the sensors in each nanite begins to calculate the normal pressure levels found within the body. Once the compression effects of interstellar travel begin, the nanites quickly detect the abnormality, in this circumstance the increase in compression. Quickly, the nanites communicate with each other and being to apply an equal force of pressure in opposition to any compression occurring, exactly enough to normalize the body's compression levels to normal standards. However, the nanites are brittle and do not last long in the body's system, and will likely be destroyed by an antibody system within a twelve to twenty-four-hour period.
Cost and Availability
Doses of Nanite Decompression Units, according to the Hivemind Sentius, require a costly investment to manufacture. Because of this they sell at a high cost, costing more than most would say is reasonable. As such, the availability of this treatment is currently locked behind a hefty paywall, meaning that only those that can afford the Hivemind Sentius's expensive fees can currently afford to purchase even a single dose. The only frequent buyers of doses of Nanite Decompression Units are from corporation staff members that can afford the high costs, for most of those who frequent the lanes of Probability Suspension Drives even a single dose is considered far too expensive for regular use. If regular spacefarers are lucky they may have a small stock on board for emergency use only.
The Hivemind Sentius has come under frequent scrutiny from the public for their practices and charges at SOMFARI, and it is no different when it comes to people's opinion on their handling of Nanite Decompression Units. Most feel they are monopolizing technology that could save lives, locking it behind a high paywall and depriving hard-working individuals of its use just because they don't make corporation management level wages. In regular fashion, The Hivemind Sentius has not engaged in true conversation, and has instead released the same simple statement that reads as the following,
"The Hivemind Sentius has determined that the current pricing of the networks Nanite Decompression Units is sufficiently and accurately priced. The Hivemind Sentius has determined that due to the material cost, the complexity of the process, and investment in new infrastructure has justified the markup percentage of this product and that it is no higher than other products currently on the market."
Despite all of this supply for the product is still in high demand, and The Hivemind Sentius frequently sells out of stock and takes several weeks to replenish their stores. Because of this a black market for the product has begun to form, with doses of the nanites going for an even higher premium during the weeks in which stock is out in the official purchasing channels.
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