Chapter 102 Base Investigation
The Dawn Base, the research institute's three underground floors, houses the highest-level biological isolation laboratory.
Under the stark white light of the operating room, researchers in fully enclosed protective suits were gathered around the control panel.
On the table was the metal box, its lid already open. Inside, strange moss flakes and viscous liquid were carefully sampled and placed under a high-powered microscope and a series of sophisticated energy and biochemical analysis instruments.
"Director, preliminary analysis results..." A researcher's voice came through the internal communication system, filled with barely suppressed shock, "Sample X-739 has been confirmed as a dormant mixture of a composite mutant fungal spore and active culture medium. Its spore wall is exceptionally tough, exhibiting strong resistance to conventional disinfectants and high temperatures. The culture medium is complex, containing high concentrations of organic growth-promoting factors and suspected neurotoxin precursors."
Academician Wang, the head of the research institute, wearing glasses, stared intently at the scrolling data on the screen: "What about the activity? What are the proliferation conditions?"
"The dormant organism is relatively stable in a dry environment, but once the ambient humidity exceeds 75%, the temperature is between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius, and it comes into contact with organic matter, including but not limited to decaying matter, human skin flakes, secretions, and some synthetic materials, it will quickly revive."
The researcher's voice was somewhat dry, "Under a simulated humid environment in the laboratory (85% humidity), spores can germinate within 12 hours, and the mycelial proliferation rate is five to eight times that of the fastest-mutating fungi currently known. It can secrete a variety of enzymes, decompose almost all common organic materials to obtain nutrients, and release..."
He paused for a moment: "Preliminary tests have shown that the released spore mist contains potent hallucinogenic components and mildly corrosive acidic particles. Inhalation or skin contact may cause mental disorders, aggressive hallucinations, and be accompanied by respiratory burns and skin ulcers. More importantly, its mycelium has extremely strong environmental adaptability and may invade building cracks and piping systems. Once it reaches a large scale, it is extremely difficult to completely eliminate and will become a continuous source of pollution and safety hazard."
Academician Wang's face turned extremely grim. This thing was practically an "eco-bomb" tailor-made for the upcoming wet and rainy season! If it were to erupt within the base, especially in densely populated areas or critical infrastructure zones...
"Investigate! Where did this come from?!" Academician Wang shouted sternly. "The Iron Fist Squad said they found it? It might be related to Lei Bao. Compare the residue immediately! Contact the Public Security Bureau. I need a detailed list and test reports of all of Lei Bao Squad's belongings, items seized from their base, and all their personal effects! Also, check the records of all personnel who have recently entered or left the base, especially those who have had contact with the research institute area! Especially that dead Li Wei!"
The archives and evidence warehouse of the Public Security Administration were brightly lit.
Technicians are urgently comparing the data. Soon, they made a discovery.
Among a pile of debris seized at the Thunder Leopard Squad's base, in an inconspicuous corner, organic residues highly similar to the composition of the culture medium of X-739 sample were detected. Although the amount was trace, the characteristics matched.
Meanwhile, an encrypted micro-storage device was found among Lei Bao's personal belongings. After cracking it, several short, unsigned instruction records were found inside, which mentioned vague words such as "cooperate with Assistant Li", "receive special supplies", and "activate when necessary". The time of receipt was shortly after Shen Zhuo left the Dawn Base.
On the other hand, progress has been made in tracing the activities of Li Wei and his men at the base.
Through reviewing limited surveillance footage and conducting interviews, it was discovered that Li Wei had "coincidentally" encountered Lei Bao several times and had brief conversations with him.
More importantly, according to the guards' recollections, one of Li Wei's men briefly entered the logistics preparation area before the research institute's mission departed, under the pretext of "getting a sense of the situation." The area contained the spare supply packages that each squad had received before their departure.
While it is impossible to determine exactly what they did, the timing is suspicious.
All the clues, like scattered beads, were strung together by an invisible thread.
Academician Wang, holding the preliminary investigation report, stormed into the emergency meeting of the base's highest command headquarters with a grim face.
"...In conclusion, we have reason to suspect that Li Wei, the representative of the Shen family in the capital, is using the Thunder Leopard Squad as an intermediary and potential executor to attempt to secretly bring or place the high-risk biological sample X-739 into the base. The purpose is unclear, but considering the characteristics of the sample and the upcoming rainy season, the possibility of biological sabotage or creating chaos cannot be ruled out."
Academician Wang's voice echoed in the conference room, "The destruction of the Thunder Leopard Squad at the research institute may have disrupted part of their plans, but they still managed to bring this 'seed' back in some way, only to have it discovered by the Iron Fist Squad by a twist of fate."
Base Commander Zhou Qiming and General Chen Jichuan had terrifyingly gloomy expressions.
"Can the chain of evidence be solidified? Does it directly point to the upper echelons of the Shen family?" Chen Jichuan asked in a chilling tone.
“There is insufficient direct evidence. Li Wei and Lei Bao are dead, and there is no way to corroborate their statements. The memory instructions are unsigned, and the source of the sample can be attributed to the institute. The Shen family can easily claim that Li Wei acted on his own, or even accuse us of framing them.” Academician Wang pushed up his glasses. “But a great deal of indirect evidence and logical chain strongly points to them. In particular, the trajectory and timing of Li Wei’s activities are too coincidental.”
Zhou Qiming paused for a moment, then slowly said, “This matter is no longer just a security incident. It is a serious provocation, and could even be considered an act of hostility. Immediately, with the highest level of secrecy, compile all materials and report to the Capital Joint Council and the Supreme Military Command! At the same time, under the pretext of ‘suspected risk of hazardous material leakage,’ conduct a secret and comprehensive investigation of all areas of the base, especially the residences where the Shen family has stayed and the facilities they have come into contact with, and immediately upgrade the base’s biological protection level! Until we receive clear instructions from the capital, freeze all non-essential contact with the Shen family, and closely monitor the movements of any personnel within the base who may be associated with the Shen family!”
He looked at Chen Jichuan: "General Chen, the base defense and internal investigation are entrusted to you. You must ensure the base's security and uncover any other potential threats!"
"Yes!" Chen Jichuan stood up, his eyes flashing coldly. This time, the Shen family had truly crossed the line.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com