The NDC Auto-doc is a creation thought up by the Department of Medical Services for use in hospitals, such as Guardian's Sanctuary Hospital, as well as in the medical bays of all Starships in the Duskerian Legion.
After the formation of the NDC was a time of research and development advances that expanded not just its military might but also its medical technology. Out of concerns for the limited number of those in the medical profession, the new Departments of Medical Services and Engineering collaborated to create the Auto-Doc. They continued working together to complete its appearance.
The Department of Engineering later created an Machine Intelligence that could control the Auto-doc. The MI1) was modeled after the minds of the NDC's best doctors, with the knowledge of all forms of medical data at their disposal.
The Auto-Docs give aid to the NDC's talented and skilled medically trained staff so that if a disaster came, they won’t be swamped and overworked. Over time, upgrades can be added to the Auto-Docs via expansion slots or software updates as new tech is developed, knowledge is expanded upon, and new ways to provide comfort for patients is found.
The Auto-Doc has a ventilated cylindrical chamber appearance on the outside, but depending on the situation things can change. Inside, the patient sits on a cushioned seat, made of a material similar to memory foam that comforts the patient. Once seated, life support systems are automatically attached to the patient.
If the patient needs major surgery, then the seat slides backward, giving the Auto-Doc's various mechanical arms and equipment sufficient space to reach anywhere on the patient's body.
When in Surgery mode, the patient is transferred on rails into a back area. For the occupant, volumetrics make this area look like a typical operating room. The last image they remember as anesthetics kick in is that of a comforting doctor figure counting backwards to zero.
Medical nanites are then injected into the patient's body, analyzing problems and preparing to assist in the recovery process. Mechanical arms move into place to manipulate flesh, graft lattices, spray nutrients, and manage the other macro-processes necessary to support the nanites' work.
If a body part or organ needs to be replaced, then the Auto-Doc can construct new limbs right onto the patient. Using nanites as part of a futuristic, organic 3D printing process, limbs and organs are created bit by bit until they have been reconstructed in their entirety. After surgery, the Sealant Gel is applied to heal the injection site and prevent scarring. The new limbs lack whatever scars, tanning, tattoos, or other incidental markings that the patient may have acquired. Depending on the extent of injury, this process can take hours or days to complete.
For patients with less severe wounds or breaks, the injected nanites can continue to work independently of the Auto-Doc for up to a week. While separate from the additional nutrients and resources the Auto-Doc provides, the nanites can nonetheless greatly improve the healing process. Patients with broken bones should still rest and stay off the limb until it is fully healed.
Any shrapnel from bullets will be removed via careful manipulations of magnets and deft robotic manipulators.
Minor injuries such as scratches, bruises, and burns will have the patient receive a coating of Sealant Gel sprayed onto the affected area. The gel protects against infection and further harm, as well as provides a medium for the Auto-Doc's nanites.
The Auto-Doc is capable of applying a pre-designed genetic modification template, such as a VariaNT. This requires a prolonged use of the Auto-Doc, lasting two to three weeks, and isn't something that should be used when combat is expected. An Auto-Doc can be loaded with the appropriate viral delivery systems, catalysts, and other necessary materials to facilitate the process as needed.
Much like one of the NDC's cloning tanks, the Auto-Doc must fill itself with a nutrient-rich solution to allow a user to safely transition from one type of body to the next. Oxygen is provided via a mask during this time and the user's Geist is provided a connection to internal networks and VR spaces to keep their mind occupied.
Smaller augmentations, such as the implantation of a new Geist unit, can also be performed at the Auto-Doc. If other cybernetics are necessary, such a hand or limb, the Auto-Doc can prepare the area around where the cybernetic will be attached at a later time.
If a being has been rendered sterile, the Auto-Doc can reverse this by use of its nanites. This is most commonly performed on the various NDC created clones who are sterile at 'birth'. This reversal requires approval from a medical professional. In the event that the individual/s are in the military, it also requires consent from their superior officer/s.
In the event that an individual was born naturally sterile, the Auto-Doc can provide a limited degree of assistance. Depending on the cause, the Auto-Doc's built in medical equipment may be sufficient for the task. Those who are genetically sterile will require a medical professional with appropriate training to design a genetic manipulation plan. The plan can be administered by the Auto-Doc once it has been created and reviewed.
The Life Support system attachment makes sure that the patient is safe during operations. The Auto-Doc’s ventilation allows a constant supply of clean air to filter in and vitals are constantly monitored to be within a safe threshold. In the event that the patient's health falls outside of acceptable tolerances, the Auto-Doc attempts to summon a medical professional to assist in resolving the issue/s.
The Auto-Doc is capable of maintaining an individual's health for days, weeks, or months with appropriate supplies. Their mental well-being is handled by a variety of virtual spaces and entertainment options via the user's Geist.
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