Juniper spent the entire night in the laboratory, repeating experiments and analyzing data. Finally, she uncovered something useful.
"Specter, you've been up all night. You should get some rest," one of her subordinates said respectfully, approaching her side. "Breakfast is ready."
"Alright." Juniper stood up, stretching her shoulders and neck, and gave a weary grunt. "How are the researchers?"
"Their vital signs are stable," the man replied, following closely behind her. "Thanks to your medicine, Specter."
If they had been sent out any later, they might not have made it.
"Good to hear." Juniper walked to the decontamination room, stripped off her protective suit, put on a disposable mask, and then headed to the dining area.
The dining hall had already been equipped with air purifiers and infrared sterilization, making it safe to remove masks within the controlled space.
"Specter, we weren't sure of your preferences, so we prepared a little bit of everything." Her subordinate arranged the breakfast spread.
"Thanks." Juniper sat down and looked at the wide array of food. Bread, boiled eggs, milk, pastries, and hot soup... It was the same kind of breakfast Dana prepared for her every day at Cloudscape Community.
She had been starving for nearly a day, but now she had no appetite. She managed to eat two small pieces of bread, but it felt like something was stuck in her throat, and she couldn't eat another bite.
"Specter, is it not to your liking?" the man's expression turned serious. "Should I have the kitchen prepare something else for you?"
"No need." Juniper put down her fork and knife. She wasn't sleepy, so she decided to head back to the lab. "The work ahead is critical. No one is to disturb me."
"Yes, Specter." The man nodded respectfully and quietly withdrew.
---
Meanwhile, at the Australis Hotel.
Shanley stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking utterly haggard.

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