Chapter 766: Overcrowded Refugees
Just then, Dr. Hanson and Valerie walked over. Dr. Hanson's expression was grim; she had just come from the medical deck.
"Commander Raynor, Captain Horner, I must raise a serious concern." Her voice carried the urgency of a medical professional. "The overcrowded conditions are becoming a breeding ground for disease."
"We have already identified three cases of respiratory infection and seven presenting gastrointestinal symptoms, and that is just from preliminary screening."
"A lack of clean water, insufficient sanitation facilities, and a dense population generally in a state of stress-induced immunodeficiency—these are perfect conditions for a disease outbreak. If we don't improve the environment or disperse the personnel soon, an epidemic in the confined space of a starship would be catastrophic."
Matt took a deep breath and looked at Raynor. "The Doctor is right, Jim. We can't keep cruising around with this many people. The Hyperion is a warship, not a colony ship. We have to find a place to settle them safely and soon, otherwise the rescue operation itself will become a disaster."
Raynor fell silent. He understood the logic perfectly.
The Raiders' resources and capabilities were limited. They could act as first responders, but they couldn't serve as a long-term shelter.
"Where can we settle this many people?" Raynor asked, his gaze sweeping over everyone present. "The Core Worlds? Will Mengsk accept these 'troubles'?"
Matt operated his data-slate, bringing up the star map. "I've been gathering information. The refugees fleeing the fallen colonies are mostly converging on one place: Meinhoff."
He enlarged the image of the planet.
"Meinhoff is located toward the outer edge of the Koprulu Sector's central region. It is one of the primary shipping nodes connecting the fringe colonies to core worlds like Korhal and Tarsonis."
"It's a planet with a solid industrial base, a massive spaceport, and well-developed ground facilities. Most importantly, it is one of the few planets that hasn't explicitly turned refugees away—at least not yet."
"A massive number of refugees are gathering there?" Valerie asked, her brow furrowing slightly.
"Yes," Matt nodded. "According to intercepted civilian comms and briefings from a few relief organizations, Meinhoff has already received refugees from at least six different planets. The total count is estimated to be over two hundred thousand, and it's still rising."
"Makeshift refugee camps have formed there, maintained by the local government, charity organizations, and some civilian groups."
Tychus sneered. "Two hundred thousand? Hah, that place is gonna burst at the seams sooner or later."
Dr. Hanson said worriedly, "Such a massive influx of people in a short period is an immense test of any planet's carrying capacity. Medical care, sanitation, food, shelter... how long can Meinhoff hold out?"
Valerie pondered for a moment before posing the critical question: "What if the Swarm's next target is Meinhoff?"
Those words caused the air in the room to freeze.
Everyone looked at her.
Valerie's expression was calm, but the logic in her words was irrefutable: "We've seen the Swarm's attack patterns. They devour biomass and alter planets. Densely populated colonies are priority targets."
"Meinhoff currently houses two hundred thousand or more refugees, in addition to its own resident population of several million. To the Swarm, that is an incredibly tempting piece of meat."
"If the Swarm is pushing toward the Core Worlds, a transit hub like Meinhoff is very likely on their path."
Raynor's face turned extremely ugly.
Matt rapidly brought up a map projecting the Swarm's frontline activity and compared it to Meinhoff's location.
"From the nearest active Swarm zone to Meinhoff... if they advance along the primary shipping lanes, it would take about four to six standard warp cycles," Matt's voice was low. "That time window... is not generous."
Dr. Hanson added, "Furthermore, the Swarm may have already sensed the massive concentration of biomass on Meinhoff through some means. Their sensitivity to life signs far exceeds our conventional detection methods."
"So we're still gonna send more people there?" Tychus bellowed. "Ain't that just pushing 'em into the fire?"
"But staying here, or continuing to follow us, is also a dead end," Raynor's voice was decisive. "Meinhoff at least has a planetary defense system, a spaceport, and relatively intact infrastructure."
"If they stay on the edge of the fallen zones, or cram onto this warship, the moment we encounter the main Swarm, they won't even have a chance to fight back."
He looked around at the group. "We have to go to Meinhoff. First, to safely drop off the people we rescued and give them a place where they can at least survive temporarily."
"Second, to assess the real situation there. If the Swarm really might attack, we can assist with the defense, or... at least help more people evacuate ahead of time."
He looked at Matt. "Contact the Meinhoff authorities. Inform them we are en route and carrying refugees. At the same time, in the name of the Raiders, request shared access to their local Swarm threat assessments and defensive deployments."
"Understood," Matt replied immediately.
"Doctor," Raynor turned to Dr. Hanson, "I ask that you and your team do your utmost to control the sanitation conditions on the ship and prevent an outbreak. Once we reach Meinhoff, your expertise will also be invaluable for the medical management of the refugee camps."
"I will do my best," Dr. Hanson nodded solemnly.
"Tychus, check all weapons and gear. Prepare for potential combat."
"Already on it." Tychus slammed his visor down, his power armor emitting a low hum as it charged.
Finally, Raynor looked at Valerie: "Miss Valerie, your 'risk assessment' might need an update. Meinhoff could become the next focal point."
"That is exactly the data we need," Valerie responded composedly. "The response capability of a major transit hub under the threat of the Swarm is crucial for evaluating the risk to the entire sector. We will continue to provide necessary assistance."
The decision was made. The Hyperion began adjusting its course, preparing to head for Meinhoff.
In the hangar and the corridors, the exhausted refugees sat or lay down, harboring both slim hopes and unknown fears about their upcoming destination.
On her way back from the bridge, Valerie passed by the officers' lounge.
The door was slightly ajar, and the sound of a news broadcast drifted out. She paused.
On the lounge's screen wall, a news report from Meinhoff was playing.
The footage was shaky, clearly shot on location in a refugee camp: a dense sea of makeshift tents stretched as far as the eye could see. People stood in line in the mud for food and water, while several medical workers carried a sheet-covered humanoid form away on a stretcher.
The reporter's voice was filled with anxiety: "...This is Meinhoff Refugee Camp 3. As refugees from planets like Gerard VI and Mar Sara continue to pour in, the camp's population has exceeded three times its design capacity."
"Sanitary conditions are deteriorating rapidly; cases of dysentery and respiratory infections have quadrupled in the past seventy-two hours."
"Medical supplies are severely lacking, and volunteers are overwhelmed. The local government states it is coordinating resources but admits the pressure is immense..."