Chapter 761: Ariel Hanson
The medical deck of the Hyperion appeared somewhat crowded at the moment.
The civilians evacuated from Agria were undergoing preliminary examinations and treatments. The air was thick with the scent of disinfectants and the hum of low conversations.
Medics in white uniforms and several assistants brought by Dr. Hanson moved between the hospital beds, treating minor injuries, dehydration, and stress-related symptoms.
Dr. Ariel Hanson stood before the main observation console, conversing with Raynor, Matt Horner, and Valerie.
She appeared to be around thirty years old, her brown hair tied neatly behind her head. Her face bore obvious signs of exhaustion, but her light brown eyes remained sharp and spirited.
She wore a dust- and stain-covered research uniform, with a slightly soiled white lab coat over it.
"...Thank you again, Commander Raynor, Captain Horner." Dr. Hanson's voice was clear and restrained, carrying the composure of a well-educated individual. "Without your timely rescue, no one on Agria would have survived."
"It's what we ought to do, Doctor." Raynor nodded, a trace of gravity on his face. "It's just a shame we couldn't save everyone."
"Under those circumstances, you already reached the absolute limit of what could be done." Dr. Hanson's tone was pragmatic. "The scale and speed of the Swarm's invasion exceeded all our predictive models. The withdrawal of the Dominion military caused the defense systems to collapse completely."
She surveyed the medical deck, her gaze sweeping over the operating medical equipment, the cryogenic cabinets storing medicines, and several medics operating instruments. Her brow furrowed slightly—an instinctive reaction of a professional seeing an imperfect system.
"Forgive me for being blunt, Commander Raynor," Dr. Hanson turned to Raynor, her tone direct but not impolite. "The medical and research facilities on the Hyperion... appear somewhat basic. I took a brief look at your biological sample analyzer just now; the model is at least ten years old. The isolation standard of the microbial culture room is only Class B. For handling wounded personnel who might be carrying Swarm spores, there is a risk of cross-infection."
Matt Horner coughed, looking slightly embarrassed. "We are just a guerrilla force, Doctor. Our resources are limited, and we prioritize combat equipment."
"I understand." Dr. Hanson nodded, though the judgmental undertone in her eyes did not wane. "However, if you plan to continue operating in sectors where the Swarm is active, your foundational biodefense and research capabilities need to be upgraded. The Swarm is not just a military threat; it's a biological one. Fighting them without understanding their physiological traits, transmission vectors, and mutation patterns is tantamount to fighting blindfolded."
Valerie stood quietly to the side, taking in the entire conversation without missing a single word. Her gaze calmly observed Dr. Hanson—the professionalism and confidence displayed by this young female scientist formed a stark contrast with the tenacity she showed while leading the civilian evacuation amidst the ruins of Agria. More importantly, her insights into biology and the Swarm clearly far exceeded those of ordinary people.
Ryo, as a Magos of the Adeptus Mechanicus, possessed an almost instinctive pursuit and desire to collect knowledge and technology. Talents like Dr. Hanson, with top-tier expertise in a specific field, were undoubtedly extremely valuable "resources."
Valerie rapidly evaluated in her mind: if she could establish a connection, or even draw her into Ryo's system, it would yield significant benefits—whether for analyzing the Swarm or conducting other biotechnological research.
"Dr. Hanson makes a very valid point." Valerie spoke up at the opportune moment, her voice peaceful, carrying that specific tone of a business professional—neither overly intimate nor aloof. "When conducting risk assessments, 'Far Star United' also places great emphasis on the scientific study of local biological threats. Only by fully understanding the nature of the threat can we formulate effective response strategies."
Dr. Hanson's attention shifted to Valerie, her gaze holding a trace of scrutiny and curiosity. "Miss Valerie, correct? Commander Raynor introduced you. You are from the Earth Sphere?"
"Yes, Doctor. I represent 'Far Star United', an investment entity interested in the development potential of the Koprulu Sector." Valerie responded calmly. "Before entering the sector, we also conducted some foundational research on the Swarm, but it is obviously far less in-depth than that of a frontline expert like yourself."
"The Earth Sphere..." Dr. Hanson repeated the term, a complex expression flashing in her eyes. "It has been over two hundred years since the first colony ships left Earth. Communication between our two sectors has been almost completely severed, and our technological development has taken different paths. I have read some early literature; the United Earth Directorate (UED) once brought over some more advanced technologies, but that was a long time ago."
She paused slightly, seemingly weighing her words. "I am very curious to know, to what extent has the Earth Sphere's level of biotechnology developed now? After all, that is the birthplace of human technology."
Valerie keenly caught the interest in Dr. Hanson's words. This was precisely an opportunity to build a connection and demonstrate value.
She recalled the directive Ryo had just sent: "You may appropriately reveal some biotechnology to Dr. Hanson," along with some attached technical data.
"The technological development of the Earth Sphere indeed has its unique path," Valerie answered cautiously. "Due to the vast distance, I cannot disclose too many specific details; it involves corporate secrets. However, we do possess some... practical technologies in biological information processing, rapid genetic sequence analysis, and targeted cell cultivation. These technologies might be helpful in dealing with the Swarm threat."
Dr. Hanson's eyes visibly lit up—the curiosity of a scientist facing unknown knowledge. "Practical technologies? Can you elaborate? For instance, what level of precision can your genetic analysis of Swarm samples reach? What research findings do you have regarding their pheromone communication mechanisms?"
"The answers to these questions might require in-depth discussion in a more suitable setting." Valerie skillfully dodged a direct answer while tossing out bait. "If the Doctor is interested, I can provide some sanitized, non-core technical briefing materials later on. Perhaps they can offer some new perspectives for your research."
"That would be highly valuable." Dr. Hanson nodded immediately, her tone carrying an eagerness. "Any information that might help us understand and combat the Swarm is precious."
Raynor watched their exchange and interjected. "Doctor, what are your plans now? The Hyperion can take you and your assistants to a relatively safe star system."
Dr. Hanson shook her head, her expression growing firm. "Safe? Commander Raynor, where in the fringe worlds of the Koprulu Sector is there any safety left now? The Swarm is launching a full-scale offensive. According to the last few academic network communications I received, at least seven frontier colonies have been confirmed lost, and over a dozen more have lost contact. Mengsk has pulled the fleets and the military back to the core worlds; the civilians on the fringes have been completely abandoned."
She clenched her fists, her voice suppressing her fury. "Those people are citizens of the Dominion. They paid their taxes and obeyed the laws, yet now they've been thrown to the bugs like garbage. I cannot pretend I didn't see this, and then hide away in some safe place to continue my research..."