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As Sienna steps into Dr. Korr’s lab, she is immediately struck by the sterile clinical atmosphere. Chilled air carries a faint, antiseptic scent. The room is bathed in seemingly pure white light that seems to emanate from everywhere and nowhere at once, eliminating any shadows.
“You used a lot of Prime protocols today. What are they about?” Sienna asked, curiosity threading through her voice.
The lab is a symphony of advanced equipment and precise organization. Along one wall, a series of sleek, stainless steel benches are lined with various instruments Sienna can’t begin to guess their function. There are centrifuges, PCR machines, and spectrophotometers; each humming quietly as they perform their tasks. The surfaces are spotless, likely thrice cleaned. Almost as if kept sterile through mechanical inclination.
Dr. Korr chuckles, a sound from them that is rare and full of unexpected warmth. “Legion's directives. He created them to circumvent many of the military protocols. He detests politics and the military getting in the way of Science. So...”
“He installed failsafes?” Sienna presses, her eyes widening.
In the center of the lab, a large, holographic display table dominates the space. It currently projects complex molecular structures and genetic sequences in mid-air, rotating slowly to reveal every angle. Sienna watches as Dr. Korr manipulates the holograms with precise and practiced movements, their fingers dancing across the interface.
“Precisely,” Dr. Korr affirms, eyes sharp with determination. “The UA often overlooks that the StarShade station remains, at its core, a Science and Research facility.”
To one side, a series of glass refrigeration cabinets house rows of meticulously labeled vials and containers. Each one holds a different chemical or biological sample, organized by type and purpose. The labels are written in precise and neat handwriting.
Dr. Korr retrieves a package of small, translucent patches from a secure compartment within one of their cabinets. Each patch has a slight bluish tint and a subtle, honeycomb-like pattern visible on its surface. With practiced precision, Dr. Korr peels one from its backing and quickly secures it to their own neck.
"What is that?" Sienna asks.
"A trial treatment. The StarShades react to heat. I hypothesize that by lowering my body temperature, I'll be able to calm the red spark effect within me quicker." They turn to Sienna. “We need to scan you and Shimmer. We must gather as much data and samples as possible before the special unit breaches the building or the other scientists wake up. We have less than three hours.”
Sienna nods, her heart pounding in her chest. “What do you need me to do, Dr. Korr?”
Moving swiftly, the doctor guides Sienna to a scanner. Near the back of the lab, a scanning station stands ready. It is a sleek, cylindrical device with a soft, bluish glow emanating from its base. The scanner’s surface is smooth and cool to the touch, and it emits a gentle hum as it powers up. “Stand here. This will only take a few moments. We need to understand how the Red Spark is interacting with your physiology.”
Sienna catches a glimpse of her reflection in the polished surface, she pauses, staring at her glassy skin glowing under the lab’s sterile light. Her eyes are glassy and intense, and the veins beneath her skin are starkly visible, pulsing with a glittery red liquid.
“Wow.” It’s all she can think to say in her mixture of curiosity, awe, and anxiety.
As the scanner begins its revolutions and imaging. Dr. Korr’s mind races with possibilities, yet they manage to smile at Sienna's self-reflection and reaction. “The Red Spark is unlike anything we’ve encountered within the Orion Spur. Its effects on physical health can be profound. But in high concentrations, it behaves with unexpected complexity. That's when it targets cognitive functions. If we can decode its mechanisms, we might find a way to neutralize it. Perhaps even master it.”
Sienna stands still instinctively, the scanner’s light sweeping over her. From here, she can see the walls of the lab are lined with shelves filled with thick, well-worn textbooks and journals. Titles like “Advanced Molecular Biology” and “Organic Chemistry: Principles and Mechanisms” catch her eye. There are also several framed certificates and awards.
“What about us? Are we going to be okay?”
Dr. Korr’s expression softens slightly. “I'll do everything I can to ensure your safety. Both of you. But in order to do so, we must understand what the Red Spark is doing to you. How it is moving through your system. Where it concentrates. All the minutia that your body automates every second through trillions of chemical signals and organic machinery.”
The scanner beeps, signaling the completion of the scan. Dr. Korr quickly reviews the data, their eyes narrowing in concentration. “Interesting… the Spark is stimulating your neural cortex in functional ways we only see if you're engaged in a highly complex task. Your hypothalamus is over-stimulated; that’s the area that controls your temperature regulation, sleep cycle, and heart rate. Your limbic system is engaged even beyond your current level of stress. Your amygdala is lighting up as if you’re experiencing emotional intensity inconsistent with your current disposition.”
Sienna’s brow furrows. “What does that mean? Is that why you needed me to command you earlier?”
Dr. Korr nods thoughtfully. “I’m not entirely sure yet, but I do know the Spark’s effects from past experiments. The Legion observed that in high and concentrated quantities, it seems to make affected individuals more receptive to commands… from...” They trail off. “It’s a double-edged sword.”
They move to another console, inputting the data from Sienna’s scan. “Now, we need to scan Shimmer. The comparative data will help us understand the full scope of what we’re dealing with.”
“Before you go, take this.” Dr. Korr retrieves one of the translucent patches, their fingers deftly peeling it from its backing. With a steady hand, they press it gently against Sienna’s neck, ensuring it adheres securely. “This location will allow for quick cooling of the blood flowing to your brain and the rest of your body.”
For Sienna, a sensation spreads as a tingling coolness flowing from the patch site. It extends to her head, down her spine, and out to her extremities. Her skin reacts by tightening and increasing its turgor, little bumps indicating the cooling extending through her body. “Damn, this is good.” She sighs in relief, her hand pressing the patch reflectively. She glances towards the door, worry etched on her face.
“Open wide, Sienna.” She complies almost reflexively. Dr. Korr swabs her buccal mucosa collecting a DNA sample from her mouth before storing it safely. “Take the stairs; elevators are disabled due to the lockdown. Be quick, but be careful. We don’t know how the Spark might react to further disturbances.”
As Sienna hurries out of the room, Dr. Korr continues to analyze the data, their mind racing against the clock. The special unit will arrive soon, and they need every second to prepare.6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN5E9En7Xa
