Quantam Degradation
Quantum Degradation (QD) is a catastrophic phenomenon that occurs when the containment of Trotzdem Stasis Fields fails, allowing altered quantum states to interact with normal matter. While many mistakenly treat QD as though it were a contagious disease, it is, in fact, a highly destructive physical event. This phenomenon arises from modified quantum space "leaking" into standard space-time, disrupting the fundamental structure of particles. Upon contact, these cascading disruptions cause rapid and irreversible degradation of matter, rendering even complex organic forms like the human body into destabilized subatomic chaos.
The pervasive fear surrounding QD stems from both its invisibility and its unpredictability. Its effects propagate silently and without warning, making containment and prevention an absolute necessity in environments where stasis technology is employed. This is why Quantum Degradation Shielding (QDS) and other advanced containment systems have become indispensable in safeguarding interstellar operations and human life.
Treatment
There is currently no widely understood method for curing a patient with widespread Quantam Degradation because the condition isn't a sickness, but a failure of your body's organs to function properly due to them mutilating themselves. Individuals who are severely afflicted are generally segregated to prevent spreading the condition to others, and die before any meaningful methods to rectify the situation can be mobilized. In some cases, attempts have been made to treat the condition with experimental methods, such as attempts to halt the spread of degradation using targeted nanotechnology or chemical inhibitors aimed at stabilizing cellular function. However, these treatments have had limited success and are not yet proven to be effective in stopping the rapid progression of QD once it reaches critical levels.
Mild cases of Quantam Degradation are extremely rare, as most who are afflicted do not notice until it is too late for them to have a chance at surviving longer than a couple minutes. The few documented cases of "mild" QD have led to varying results depending on the degree and location of exposure. For example, one individual had localized Quantam Degradation of the right hand, which they were able to rapidly amputate and distance themselves from to avoid any further contamination; that individual made a full recovery. In addition, a PAC spacefarer was afflicted with Quantam Degradation of only their left eye; they managed to live for a year before the tissue around the previously infected area became aggressively cancerous and killed them. While these isolated cases offer some hope for those with localized exposure, the general prognosis for Quantam Degradation remains grim, and further research is needed to explore possible preventative measures, as well as treatments that might halt or slow the condition's destructive progression before it becomes fatal.
Prognosis
Once afflicted, Quantam degradation usually kills humans within 5-10 minutes, as the contamination spreads rapidly using the body's own cardiovascular system. Deaths from Quantam Degradation can be particularly painful, especially if an extremity is affected first. In the vast majority of cases, the best result for the patient is a swift death, due to the symptoms and effects on the body that QD generally inflicts. The likely course of the condition is a rapid, progressive systemic failure, beginning with intense pain and disorientation as the contamination spreads through the bloodstream. Early symptoms include extreme dizziness, nausea, and a sharp, burning sensation in affected tissues. As QD advances, the cardiovascular system collapses, leading to shock and organ failure. In some instances, the patient may survive for a few minutes longer, with the body entering a state of severe hypoxia as oxygen transport is compromised. If the brain becomes involved, neurological failure occurs rapidly resulting in a brief period of psychosis, followed by unconsciousness, and eventual death. While there have been isolated cases of individuals surviving beyond the typical time frame, these survivors usually face irreversible tissue damage and organ dysfunction, leaving them in a state of critical care or on the brink of death. Unfortunately, there is no known cure, and once Quantam Degradation has taken hold, survival is extremely unlikely.
Sequela
Quantam Degradation is an acute, rapidly progressing condition that causes systemic failure and tissue destruction. In cases where individuals survive an initial episode of QD, the sequela can vary widely depending on the severity and extent of the damage to organs and systems. Given that QD typically results in death within minutes in severe cases, sequela is only a concern for those who experience mild, localized forms of the condition or those who somehow manage to survive an initial episode with partial degradation.
1. Chronic Organ Dysfunction
For survivors of localized QD, the long-term sequela often involves chronic organ dysfunction. If the condition affects any vital organs—such as the liver, kidneys, or heart—even if the degradation is halted in time, permanent damage can result. These individuals might experience ongoing impaired organ function, requiring constant medical intervention, including organ transplants or long-term supportive treatments like dialysis or heart-lung machines. In some cases, the organs involved may undergo progressive fibrosis or scarring, diminishing their ability to function properly over time.2. Tissue Necrosis and Amputation
One of the more common sequela for survivors of QD is tissue necrosis. As QD typically causes rapid, localized tissue destruction (often beginning in the extremities), those who survive the initial acute phase may face permanent loss of function or the need for amputation of affected limbs or appendages. This is especially true if the condition was identified too late for timely intervention. Even with amputation, some individuals report ongoing pain and a sensation of the "phantom limb," likely due to the damage to the nervous system during the initial contamination.3. Cancerous Growths
Another notable sequela, especially for those with less severe but still significant exposure to QD, is the development of malignancies. As seen in the case of the PAC spacefarer who survived with QD localized to the eye, the tissue surrounding the initially affected area can become aggressively cancerous after a period of relative stability. These tumors typically arise from the abnormal cell regeneration that follows degradation and can spread rapidly if untreated. Cancerous growths in the vicinity of the original contamination site often become resistant to standard treatments, making them highly difficult to manage.4. Neurological Deficits
In rare cases, individuals who survive significant but non-fatal exposure to QD might experience lasting neurological deficits. If the degradation affects brain tissue or nerves, survivors may experience persistent issues like memory loss, cognitive impairments, motor coordination issues, or even paralysis. Neurological sequela can range from mild, such as occasional disorientation, to severe, resulting in permanent disability.5. Autoimmune Disorders
There is also an emerging body of research suggesting that survivors of QD may develop autoimmune disorders as a long-term sequela. The body's immune response to the widespread organ and tissue damage caused by QD might trigger the production of autoantibodies that begin to attack healthy cells, resulting in conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune diseases. These can significantly reduce the individual’s quality of life and require ongoing immunosuppressive therapy.6. Psychological Trauma
Survivors of QD often experience profound psychological trauma due to the violent and unpredictable nature of the condition. Survivors may struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, especially if they witnessed others succumb to the rapid progression of the disease. In some cases, this trauma can manifest as chronic fear of re-exposure to QD, even in environments where the risk is minimal, and this can severely impact a survivor's ability to lead a normal life.7. Reduced Life Expectancy
Even in cases where survivors of QD manage to recover physically, the cumulative damage to multiple organ systems can result in a reduced life expectancy. Survivors may remain in a compromised state of health for years, with various organs and systems operating at suboptimal levels. Recurrent infections, secondary complications, or organ failure are common causes of death in these individuals, and they may require long-term medical supervision and interventions to manage ongoing issues.Affected Groups
As a physical phenomena, QD affects all matter, regardless of whether it is biological or not. There have been no recorded cases of someone being 'immune' to QD. In addition, QD can discrupt non-biological matter in its vicinity.
Prevention
Quantum Degradation Shielding (QDS) is the only known method to contain the destructive effects of Quantum Degradation (QD), a phenomenon with devastating consequences for both matter and space-time. QDS serves as a sophisticated physical barrier, meticulously engineered to perform two critical functions: it contains the quantum freezing effects within its bounds while simultaneously shielding the external environment from contamination or destabilization.
The exact composition and fabrication process of QDS armours remain closely guarded secrets, known only to a select few within specialized industries and research institutions. However, its effectiveness has made it a staple of modern spacefaring technology. Among seasoned spacefarers, a universal understanding prevails: treat stasis sarcophagi with utmost care. These life-preserving chambers, often encased in QDS armor, are sensitive and require precise handling to ensure their functionality and the safety of their occupants.
To further safeguard against catastrophic failures, all vessels equipped with stasis pods employ multiple redundant systems designed to maintain pod stability and security. These systems range from advanced thermal regulation and anti-vibration dampers to automated fail-safes capable of countering potential breaches in real time. Such measures underscore the critical importance of QDS technology in interstellar travel, where the consequences of a QD breach could spell disaster not only for the occupant, but possibly for the whole vessel.
Type
Physiological
Origin
Engineered
Cycle
Chronic, Acquired
Rarity
Rare
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