Progression, Chapter 6: Eyes Closed
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The Muse finds someone who needs his help.
Written for @imnotgrimimjustagrumpyreaper's @dukeceit-week-2024, Day 6: Body Swap
WC: 1303 - CW: a child in peril, minor character deaths (unnamed characters, not the child) A little mind-bendy (that's a bit of a given with Remus' Illusion powers, though.)
The Muse ran.
Broken bits of brick from the latest building lost to ivy battered bare feet and the tangled underbrush threatened to drag him to the ground. He stumbled, feet wetted with crushed moss and blood slipping on the forest floor.
“I see you!” A deep voice sing-songed and echoed against the trees, laughter coming from everywhere at once. "You can't hide from us!"
His lungs burned and he’d lost count of the scratches and bruises on his shins, his arms, his face. They’d first spotted him at dusk down by the creek and he’d been on the run ever since. Every time he thought he’d escaped, every time he thought he’d hidden well enough and long enough, they’d see him trying to sneak away and once again, they’d pick up their hunt through the dark woods.
He dodged to the left, crashing blindly into the thicket and hoping it might slow his much larger pursuers. Thorns grabbed at his skirt, tearing at his skin but he kept running.
His skirt?
The Muse forced his eyes open and stared up at the bright ceiling lights in his room. No, not his skirt… there was someone else. Someone close. Someone hurt.
But they were getting further away and it was getting harder to fight through the buzzing shield around his room. The Muse rolled onto his stomach. His hands and knees were scraped raw, muscles screaming under the strain of movement. When he closed his eyes, he saw the forest, tasted the moss and dirt. And blood.
Inch by inch, he dragged himself to his door. Using first the handle, then the frame, he pulled himself to his feet and palmed the control. His own weight pushed the door open and he fell past the shield and out into the hallway.
Color and light and ice and fire consumed him and filled him to bursting. The world crackled through his nerves, through every cell. A tiny child laughing, clapping her hands when her doll sang. A couple yelling horrible things to each other, unbreakable dishes crashing against the wall and bouncing off back at them. The rush of air as a man fell. Fingers torn and bleeding and…
The Muse shook his head, searching for the girl in the woods. Her sweater had been itchy, sticky with sweat but it protected her arms so she kept it on. Feet numb, knees bleeding, she shivered now, tucked between gnarled tree roots, a crook filled with mold and petrified rat droppings. She pressed both hands to her mouth, muffling her pants as large men—Powereds, too, too large to be Traditionals—tromped over her hiding place.
-”Jannie…”- he pushed past the sharp static of Jannie’s usual shield. He wasn’t supposed to, he knew he wasn't supposed to, that it hurt them both when he did, but this was important. Cold ice slashed at his mind as the static broke. -”Jannie! Jannie, help us…”- His eyes fell shut again as the vision took him.
~
“Love?” Luc’s voice was so very far away. “Love… wake up!” Orange light bled through Janus’s eyelids and he burrowed deeper under the covers, hiding from the soft hand shaking his shoulder, the insistent voices in his head. “Jan!”
-”Jannie…”- The desperation in The Muse’s voice finally pulled him from his dream—nightmare? No, not a dream. -”Jannie, help us!”-
“The Muse is out,” Janus mumbled, shivering under the warmth of their comforter.
“I know, love,” Luc nodded, hands warm at his shoulder, his cheek. Janus finally opened his eyes and noticed the bright glow of Luc’s. “You were…”
Janus became aware of the tears streaming down his face, his neck. The pillow was soaked. His throat was raw and his palms bleeding from tiny half-moon impressions.
Luc’s eyes dimmed and he brushed gentle fingers over Janus’ cheekbone. “You were…inconsolable without…” His voice shook and he let his hand fall away. Janus’ heart thudded in his chest at the lost contact, a bird fighting its way out of its cage.
“It’s okay…” He swallowed back a sob, the temporary easement of Luc’s powers letting through the full force of everything The Muse shared. He nodded, chasing his hand. “It—than—thank you. He—”
Luc touched him again and Janus smiled, accepting his power. He sucked in a breath and met Luc’s bright orange eyes. “He needs me,” he whispered, already pushing away the covers.
“I know.”
~
-“Muse… Muse, can you hear me?”- Golden light flickered through the leaves and The Muse reached out from his hiding place, fingers scraping against lichen-covered bark.
“Jannie?” he called, high pitched and broken. And not nearly quiet enough.
“I found her!” Rough hands grabbed at him, pulling his hair and yanking him out from beneath the fallen tree. “Got you, you little—“
The man’s hands grazed bare skin and The Muse saw through his eyes now. A girl shivered before him, dress torn, hair matted with blood and dirt, rivers of tears marking her face. He released her and she dropped to the forest floor, curled in a ball.
Rage and pride coursed through his veins. Filthy lust. But Jannie was there, too, and strong, steady hands circled the faint strains of the man's guilt. Strangling it. Strengthening it.
The Muse pushed back against the foul thoughts in the man’s head and shared with him the girl’s fear, the sting and burn of her cuts, the fire in an ankle that surely must be broken.
The man staggered under the weight of it. “No, please,” he muttered. “Stop!” To The Muse or to Jannie. Or maybe to himself.
They didn’t stop. The Muse pressed both hands to the man’s head and pushed in everything he'd seen. The fighting couple. The child who’d touched a stove. The man who’d fallen—jumped?—from the factory ladder. Another man, hungry and cold, sifting through the bins outside the same factory.
Everything.
He pushed it all into the pursuer’s head. With a strangled cry, he dropped to the forest floor. His friends ran to his body and The Muse touched each of them in turn, adding the memories of the one who fell before him until the bodies of a half dozen Powered rogues lay in a heap around the little girl.
-”Go home,”- he said to her as gently as he could.
Crying, she stumbled away from the men's bodies. The Muse stayed with her until she reached the edge of town and the world around him faded to black.
~
The floor was cool against The Muse’s back and a soft blanket had been draped over his chest. Fresh stitches itched his hands and his legs. He opened his eyes just in time to see Papa Bear slip through the door, leaving him alone with Jannie.
Jannie’s hand—his bare hand! He’d taken off his gloves and just touched him—his hand was so warm and curved perfectly over his cheek. The Muse melted into the touch, the warmth. Jannie brushed away the tears leaking from his eyes. “I got ‘em, Jannie,” he whispered. “I got ‘em all.” It was important he say it. The words made it real, made the vision real. It was all real. He'd made it real and he’d done something good this time.
“I know,” Jannie said aloud, voice breaking. “Ro and Virge found the girl and brought her to her parents.”
The Muse smiled, wincing at the tug of stitches he hadn’t noticed along his jaw. -“We did it”-
“We did,” Jannie said, so quiet The Muse had to strain to hear. “Rest now, Muse. Rest…” His eyes were half-closed when Jannie slowly pushed up to his feet and shuffled to the door.
As the door sighed closed, the last thing The Muse saw was Jannie falling into Lucas’ arms, the hallway lit in the bright orange glow of his eyes.
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Quality Standards in Surgical Gloves Manufacturing: What Sets Indian Suppliers Apart?
Introduction:
When it comes to medical supplies, especially surgical gloves, quality is paramount. Ensuring the safety of both healthcare professionals and patients hinges on the reliability of these essential items. Among global suppliers, Surgical Gloves Suppliers in India have earned a reputation for adhering to rigorous quality standards and embracing innovative manufacturing practices. Let's explore what makes Indian suppliers stand out in this vital industry.
Why Quality Standards Matter in Surgical Gloves
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Essential Quality Standards for Surgical Gloves
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Powder-Free Options: With the health risks associated with powdered gloves, Indian suppliers have largely transitioned to powder-free gloves, offering safer alternatives for medical use.
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Eco-Friendly Practices
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Adherence to International Certifications
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ISO 9001 and ISO 13485
These certifications ensure suppliers uphold a consistent quality management system, specifically tailored for medical devices. Indian suppliers' compliance with these standards demonstrates their dedication to quality and safety.
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Research and Development
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Conclusion:
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Are vinyl examination gloves biodegradable?
Vinyl examination gloves are a staple in healthcare settings, offering protection and dexterity. However, one common question arises: Are vinyl examination gloves biodegradable? Unfortunately, vinyl gloves are not biodegradable. They are made from synthetic materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which do not break down easily in the environment. Proper disposal is crucial to minimize their environmental impact. While vinyl gloves provide essential protection, exploring eco-friendly alternatives can contribute to sustainable healthcare practices.
Important FAQ About Vinyl Examination Gloves:
What are vinyl examination gloves made of?
Vinyl examination gloves are made from synthetic materials called polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which provides a barrier against contaminants.
Are vinyl examination gloves biodegradable?
No, vinyl examination gloves are not biodegradable. They are composed of synthetic materials that do not naturally decompose in the environment.
How should vinyl examination gloves be disposed of?
Vinyl examination gloves should be disposed of in accordance with local regulations for medical waste disposal. This typically involves placing used gloves in designated biohazard bags or containers.
What are the alternatives to vinyl examination gloves? Alternatives to vinyl examination gloves include nitrile gloves, which are durable, puncture-resistant, and offer excellent chemical resistance. Another option is latex gloves, although they may not be suitable for individuals with latex allergies.
Are there any environmental concerns associated with vinyl examination gloves?
Yes, vinyl examination gloves pose environmental concerns due to their synthetic composition and lack of biodegradability. Improper disposal can lead to accumulation in landfills and pollution of waterways.
Can vinyl examination gloves be recycled?
Vinyl examination gloves are generally not recyclable due to their composition. However, some manufacturers may offer recycling programs for certain types of gloves.
What steps can be taken to minimize the environmental impact of vinyl examination gloves?
To minimize the environmental impact of vinyl examination gloves, healthcare facilities can explore alternatives such as eco-friendly glove options or implement waste reduction strategies. Proper disposal and recycling practices are also essential.
Are there any regulations regarding the disposal of vinyl examination gloves?
Regulations regarding the disposal of vinyl examination gloves may vary depending on location. Healthcare facilities should adhere to local guidelines for medical waste management to ensure proper disposal.
Do vinyl examination gloves offer the same level of protection as other glove materials?
Vinyl examination gloves provide basic protection against contaminants but may not offer the same level of durability and chemical resistance as other glove materials such as nitrile or latex.
Are there any ongoing efforts to develop biodegradable alternatives to vinyl examination gloves?
Yes, there are ongoing efforts within the healthcare industry to develop biodegradable alternatives to vinyl examination gloves. Researchers and manufacturers are exploring sustainable materials and manufacturing processes to address environmental concerns.
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