Chapter Text
Initial Medical Report
Classification: TOP SECRET
Patient: CMDR
Date: 03/02/35
Author: Dr. R. Tygan, CSO
Observers:
CO Bradford
Relevant Background:
All medical reports from service with XCOM were lost with HQ, and records from previous service could not be found in ADVENT systems. Assume kept concealed by aliens.
No known major medical history.
Age is estimated to be in 50s, according to CO’s reports. Patient is presenting as much younger, potentially 30s. CO is sure they look unchanged from initial capture 20 years ago - stasis aspect to the suit and pod setup. Stasis has been seen from initial invasion, could theoretically have been adapted for long-term capture.
Circumstances of Report:
The patient was recovered yesterday from an ADVENT facility, where they had been kept within a suit, suspended in a stasis tank (samples taken from remaining fluid for analysis). Patient was then transported long-distance in the Skyranger back to the Avenger, not regaining consciousness throughout the 6 hour flight.
On arrival at the Avenger, the suit was breached to assess status and allow access to the data chip, lodged dorsally at junction of brain stem and cerebellum in expected position. While previous extractions have also proceeded dorsally through the occipital bone, the planning period for this mission had allowed for the preparation of an applicator similar to the alien model. This proceeds orbitally, creating a small hole at the junction of the lacrimal and sphenoid bones, when the arms then slide fluidly along the bottom of the meninges to reach the chip. At the press of a button it latches the chip, which splits laterally and can be pulled back out through the head, with medigel topically applied on exit. Some orbital bruising has appeared in the hours since the procedure, but there has been no visible external bleeding and the eyes and ears show no discharge.
During this procedure the patient’s vitals fluctuated and briefly were very faint, but quickly returned to a steady rate (charts attached). Almost immediately after removal of the chip, brain scans showed spikes in activity, and again after CO Bradford spoke. As there was no immediate speech it is difficult to know if this was due to recognition or simply ongoing fluctuations. The patient was tense, but appeared too weak to express themselves and quickly lapsed into unconsciousness.
Examination Notes:
Patient has seen considerable muscular atrophy during time in stasis - CO reports Patient was in good physical form before capture, and now shows minimal muscle mass. Should be sufficient to walk, etc., but care must be taken when becoming more active. Plan to follow.
Initial scans show no signs of major operations, either historic or recent. Impossible to know whether this is due to xenosurgery technology being able to repair microscopically, but nothing unusual has been found in internal physiology.
Hair has apparently changed appearance. According to CO it used to be pitch black, now pure white. Similar to adepts from previous XCOM initiative - potentially due to psionic exposure via chip, or may have had latent psionic sensitivity drawn out.
Hair has also grown long and unmaintained, however nails have been kept short. Theorize that nails are more likely to cause injury if left to grow in suit, and so in alien interest to maintain. Suit kept body clean and negates aging but biological processes had to be kept active in order to function in network - must have been incrementally removed and maintained.
After vitals were considered stable, patient was transferred to CO’s quarters and given a sedative and nutrient drip. Consciousness returned after 6 hours, and patient appeared alert and responded appropriately. No immediate signs of ADVENT control, but caution advised for any more insidious effects of brainwashing or psionic control.
Initial mental performance appears human. Scoring well on all tests (see attached), with results improving steadily. No memory aside from flashes, doesn’t recognize CO but did from the photo of him with Drs. Vahlen and Shen. Have left unresolved until had a chance to settle, along with current situation.
Patient has developed a strong craving for sardines and peanut butter - monitor blood profiles for deficiencies. Potential aftereffect of brain alterations?
Further Action:
Physiotherapy regimen to be talked through with CO and patient
Recommended for psionic testing if facilities become available
Nutritional regimen continued long-term with monthly re-evaluations
Recommend delaying transfer of command until after psychological evaluation and full brief. May require some time for full incorporation of world state - 20 years of change to catch up on.
Bed rest for one week - can walk when comfortable but movement limited, no gym access. CO has informed patient liable to push self, may need to revoke access and monitor for calisthenics/cardio
Daily examination for minimum one week (vitals, mental check, ADVENT check w/Shen), then weekly.
Approved for psych eval
Comments:
All conducted by R. Tygan - would be good to get another member of staff in order to have constant surveillance for future. It is possible details were missed due to required absence (equipment prep., etc.). Will be reviewing surveillance footage to ensure nothing untoward.