Project Epione

# Background

The **Medical Gelatin Dispersion grenade**, alternatively known as Project *Epione*, is a medical treatment first conceived of in 2405 in the **Mars Medical Facility** by several doctors of medicine, including Doctor Jeleen Aelae. The idea came into fruition when the scientists began formulating different hypotheses to increase the effectiveness of combat medics on away teams. When they concluded that a portable device capable of not only easing pain but also perform minor autonomous treatment as well was the most viable means, work went underway to design the device. While theoretical tests were showing promising results, the project was eventually discontinued after multiple simulations predicted the device to fail every occasion.

There were two key problems that could not be resolved: One involved in its development was the gelatin's slow rate of reaction. On numerous occasions, it was timed to have taken, minimum, three hours to produce any meaningful results. Additionally, it was learned that the permeability of the gelatin was too limiting, preventing the actual medicinal application that was intended to take affect.

The second problem was controlling the dispersion and concentration of the gelatin as it was released from its casing. Because of the long reaction time once activated, it was considered that a higher concentration on a longer release would resolve the initial problem. This was not the case as it was found, through the tests, that prolonged activation resulted in the accelerated formation of a resin with similar properties to amber.

# Project's Resumption

In mid-2415, Doctor Aelae successfully cured Lieutenant Chianna Prax and Commander Nicholas Mansfield of advanced age, caused by radiation exposure during their time on the USS *Hartford* in the Andromeda Galaxy, with flora from a mountainous region of Arborea III "Hekatonkheires". After noting the exceptional success of the Starfleet officers' rejuvenation, Aelae, along with botanists and geneticists within the Medical and Science Departments, began a full spectral analysis of the samples of the specific epiphyte retrieved from the planet surface. They discovered that they had numerous regenerative properties, subsequently leading to the revival of Project *Epione* and began showing promising results in both theoretical and practical tests.

Later on that year, intensive testing of the Dispersion grenade prototypes became viable with the completion of Outpost 42 *"Discens Station"*. While the initial test went ahead, it was abruptly halted after eight of the twelve officers participating in the trials were killed by the devices. After thorough examination by Doctor Molly Piper and crewmen of the USS *Lauterbur*, it was concluded that the devices used were modified resulting in the opposite effect of their intended purpose. This was achieved through the implementation of a  *"genetically modified lipase enzyme which altered to rapidly digest a wide range of organic compounds, all of which are found in most known humanoids"*. All relevant material was subsequently quarantined until medical response teams dismantled the altered Dispersion grenades, leaving those unaltered intact.

Shortly after the conclusion of the Awakening Crisis, the Executive Officer of Starbase 381 *"Praetorian"* at the time, Commander Tel'iss t'Latta, granted the Medical Department permission to begin official testing of Project *Epione* again with the hopes of finally determining whether it would be effective in ground combat situations.

# Function

The grenades are designed to release a gas that propels the gelatin in a shroud of particulates. These particulates land on anyone within the expulsion radius of the grenade and begin to congeal together when they react with the necessary biological components. Its analgesic properties numb the pain of those exposed to it, and it also holds minor vascular and dermal regenerative qualities thanks to the epiphyte from Arborea III. The gelatin's composition allows the regenerative resin to break down, healing the epidermis in the process, and then proceeds to perform vascular repairs as it travels harmlessly through the individual's circulatory system. It has been repeatedly stated, however, that this is meant for triage purposes and best suited to treat minor-to-moderate injuries. Any injury classified as severe should be still tended to directly by medical personnel.

It has been noted that if the automated sequencer, that is responsible for retracting the gas back into its casing, is disabled then the concentration of the gas released results in the premature congealment of the particulates. This leads to the rapid formation and expansion of an even more stronger variant of the artificial resin produced in Project *Epione's* original tests. Further comments about this design feature highlight its potential application in creating artificial barriers, and to even be utilised as a means of disabling enemies without resorting to lethal measures.

Despite Doctor Aelae's misgivings about weaponising the device, she herself has had to resort to using it to that effect to cripple the chassis of a heavy artillery emplacement during Team 30 and 32's rescue of Victoria Raeder. There has been no other recorded cases of it being weaponised beyond that. And since its introduction into the arsenal of the 26th Fleet, it has come to be colloquially known as the **EpiGren**.

# References

* Medical Report: Final Simulation Testings