Curse of Venus
SolarNet News: Venus Serial Killer Apprehended Amidst Venutian-Psychic Dementia Crisis
Venus – 223-497
In a shocking development, authorities on Venus have apprehended a notorious serial killer who has been terrorizing the Venusian settlements. Florella Vine, the disgraced Site-CEO of CosmoBio Dynamics, was taken into custody earlier today after a gruesome discovery in her residence.
Vine, who has been suffering from Venutian-Psychic Dementia (VPD) – colloquially known as the Curse of Venus – was found to possess moderate psychic powers but was unable to sleep unless she consumed the hypothalamus and pineal gland of human victims. The disease, which plagues a small fraction of Venus’s population, manifests as severe insomnia unless treated with medication.
The arrest followed the discovery of the remains of four victims in Vine's freezer, though it is speculated that the actual number of her victims could be as high as a dozen. The investigation suggests that Vine's descent into madness and violence was precipitated by her inability to acquire the necessary medication after losing her salary and company health insurance when she was disgraced and dismissed from Omega Systems early last year.
In a brief and chilling statement following her arraignment, Vine offered only two sentences: "At least I used the whole buffalo. Waste is the real killer."
Venutian authorities are now conducting a thorough investigation to piece together the full extent of Vine’s crimes. "This case is a tragic example of the dire consequences that can arise when individuals with severe medical conditions are left untreated," said Detective Lara Kurzweil, the lead investigator. "The Curse of Venus is a devastating condition, and without proper care, it can drive individuals to unimaginable acts."
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the community, raising urgent questions about the accessibility of medical treatment for those suffering from VPD. Many are calling for reforms to ensure that even those who fall on hard times can receive the care they need. Incidents of violence against sufferers has already risen 25% since her initial arrest compared to the same period of time last year. Officials urge calm, and a period of mourning.
As the investigation continues, the families of the victims are left grappling with their loss, and the Venusian community as a whole is left to reckon with the haunting reality that one of their own could commit such horrific acts.
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Causes
The mutations caused by ancient biological warfare left their mark on the oldest bloodlines of colonists on Venus.
Symptoms
The condition gives the sufferer the ability to detect and process projected brain waves, effectively a form of empathic Psionics. Extreme cases include the ability to 'read minds,' and even more extreme and rare versions can project their own brain waves over short distances to 'overwrite' those of other humans.
This ability comes at a cost; a Venusian with psychic abilities has a deficit on the production of hormones associated with sleep and imagination. They go through periods of extreme somnambulant insomnia, where they cannot gain the benefits of sleep and often wander around on instict when they try. The lack of effective sleep causes these sleepwalking incidents to come more frequently until the interval becomes negligible. In this state, the sufferer acts on base instincts, and acts on a craving to consume portions of the human brain. If they consume a healthy human hypothalmus and pineal gland, their symptoms are relieved and they may sleep until the condition reasserts itself.
Additionally, sufferers experience a deep psychological paranoia, although experts disagree whether this is a function of the disorder itself or if it's an effect of unguarded psychic abilities on the crowded streets of Venus.
Treatment
The primary treatment for VPD is Cupidine, produced by Starlight Pharmaceuticals. Other companies have generic versions, but they are less effective and the exact method of production of Cupidine is a closely guarded secret.
A daily regimen of Cupidine taken before sleep allows the sufferer to sleep and prevents somnambulism.
Prognosis
The condition can be managed indefinitely with medicine, but there is no known cure.
Affected Groups
History
Efforts to 'civilize' the Waxies using pharmaceuticals and psychological treatment were successful on an individual basis, and hundreds of thousands of the mutants were reintegrated into the society of the second wave of colonists to Venus. Many even took advantage of cosmetic surgery to adhere to human standards of beauty, settled down, and had children. This infusion of extreme mutation into the bloodlines of Venus would eventually spread into much of the society.
Cultural Reception
Sufferers of VPD are avoided, and even Venusians without any psychic ability whatsoever are often regarded with suspicion by the rest of humanity.
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