In the afternoon, the base's broadcast crackled to life again. A gentle female voice announced that the medical team had successfully developed a medication, soothing the residents' unease. The pharmaceutical and food factories were the first to resume operations. Inside, the workers making protective suits were pushing their sewing machines so hard they nearly sparked.
Meanwhile, the other bases had already delivered salt, taking several truckloads of the medication and its formula with them in exchange.
The medication could be exchanged for supplies, but the bases had a tacit agreement not to hold anything back. They understood that mutual aid was the only way to maintain stability.
The salt they received in trade was quickly delivered to The Undercity and the shelters. That same day, the food in all the cafeterias finally tasted of salt.
