Microbial prevention seems simple in theory, requiring only disinfection through chemical agents, extre temperatures, and other standard ans but in practice, it is incredibly tedious. From the upper atmosphere to the deepest trenches of the ocean, whether in air, water, or soil, microbes are practically everywhere.
Furthermore, microorganisms are arguably one of the most resilient and fastest-reproducing forms of life in existence. Even the most stringent sterilization protocols used by humanity cannot guarantee a 100% eradication rate.
For example, tardigrades from Earth can survive for several days at -200 degrees Celsius and for a few minutes at 181 degrees Celsius. Certain extre thermophiles can even thrive and multiply in environnts pushing 100 degrees Celsius.
If sothing exists, it has adapted to survive; this holds true for life on Earth, let alone bizarre alien life forms surviving in extre extraterrestrial conditions. If even a microscopic fraction of these organisms survives contact with a new host, they can rapidly multiply in suitable environnts and pose a lethal threat to humans.
Therefore, no matter how foolproof the isolation protocols seem, there is no absolute guarantee against infection.
Dr. Roman gestured with his hands as he explained. "Without specific microbial samples, we can't develop targeted vaccines. But what we can do is boost the body's baseline immunity to achieve a stronger overall resistance."
"These represent two entirely different dical philosophies. It's like the difference between modern targeted dicine and holistic treatnts. Modern dicine relies on external interventions like highly specific drugs or surgical procedures to directly kill pathogens. Holistic therapy takes a different approach: its goal is to fortify the body's natural conditioning and fight viruses and bacteria by supercharging the patient's own immune system."
"The forr takes effect quickly, while the latter serves as a broad preventative asure. Given our current lack of data... the latter is our only option."
Jason nodded, recognizing the logic.
Roman flipped through a stack of docunts and continued. "Everyone's immune system varies in baseline strength. People who exercise regularly and maintain peak physical condition naturally possess better immunity and stronger resistance. Those who are chronically stressed or frail naturally have weaker defenses."
"Furthermore, due to genetic variations, there are massive individual differences—so humans were even naturally immune to HIV! Although, that specific virus was completely wiped out when Earth was destroyed..."
At this, Dr. Roman smiled faintly, his expression betraying a complex mix of regret and reflection. Due to Earth's destruction, humanity's biodiversity had plumted significantly.
In fact, many common infectious diseases had vanished entirely. The survivors who made it to the Lunar Base had been rigorously screened for serious infectious diseases, aning those illnesses miraculously died out alongside the planet.
"Individuals augnted by the Perfect Elent undoubtedly possess a hyper-resilient immune system. Therefore, we want to analyze your immune system and synthesize a reagent capable of instantly boosting the immunity of an ordinary person!"
He took a sip of water and continued. "Normally, our immune system operates in a semi-dormant state. It only partially activates and produces the necessary antibodies after a pathogen has actually invaded. Our theory is that once this immune reagent is administered, the immune system will imdiately kick into overdrive, aggressively deploying a massive number of T-cells, lymphocytes, and phagocytes—regardless of whether there is an imdiate threat or not. Do you follow?"
Everyone fell silent in thought; these were foundational biological concepts. Even those without a dical background could nod in agreent.
"Such a full-scale activation cannot be permanent, or the collateral damage to the human body's own cells would be too severe. It can only be sustained for a few days per dose."
"Enhancing the human immune system might not be a foolproof defense against alien microbes, but it will undeniably fortify our resistance. If soone unfortunately gets infected, it will buy us ti, prolonging the disease's progression and giving us a window to rapidly synthesize a targeted cure."
"This reagent relies on a unique activating factor found in your blood. We'll need to draw your blood regularly to verify its efficacy and synthesize the drug."
"That's not a problem, it's just a little blood," Jason nodded. He had been through this routine more than a few tis.
Even the large black dog standing off to the side barked twice, as if it understood the conversation, and then wagged its tail vigorously.
This type of mixed-breed mutt tended to hold its tail high, and when it wagged it, its entire rear end shook with enthusiasm. Even after being genetically modified by the Perfect Elent, it retained its goofy behavioral quirks.
"You're a smart boy, aren't you? Even smarter now, right?" Marcus said with a wide smile, roughly patting the dog's head.
He absolutely adored this robust, muscular mutt. It was a street dog, yet sohow stronger than a military wolfhound, truly an amazing specin! Look at that dopey, lolling tongue, how cool! And those razor-sharp teeth they looked like they could crush a steel plate in a single bite!
"His intelligence is roughly equivalent to a ten-year-old child. He can perform basic two-digit addition and subtraction. He genuinely possesses a rudintary level of sapience. Isn't that incredible?" Dr. Kelly said from the side, brimming with pride. "After the Perfect Elent integrated with his system, this mutt can even understand basic human speech! His physical potential has also been unlocked; his jumping, running, and bite force far surpass those of any ordinary canine."
Marcus chuckled, continuously ruffling the dog's fur. The dog happily leaned into the pets, eventually rolling onto its back and offering its belly to Marcus.
Suddenly, Marcus rembered sothing. He ran over to Austin and whispered a few words in his ear.
Austin seed tempted by the idea. He cleared his throat and announced, "This dog... the military is officially requisitioning it!"
"What?! No, absolutely not!" Dr. Kelly's expression instantly changed to one of shock and outrage. "This dog is our greatest biological treasure! How can the military just requisition him?!"
Even Dr. Roman loudly voiced his objections. Seeing the humans suddenly arguing, the dog's tongue lolled out further, and it barked excitedly, seemingly thrilled by all the noise.
An hour later, Jason left the Superhuman laboratory with an embarrassed, wry smile on his face. The top brass of the military and the brilliant minds of the biology departnt getting into a shouting match over a dog? It was absolutely absurd. If word of this got out, the entire ship would die laughing!
He refused to get involved in that ss!
Ultimately, the dog was subjected to a joint-custody agreent not physically divided, of course, but his schedule was split. Half the ti he would undergo advanced tactical military training, and the other half he would participate in various biological tests.
...
Jason returned to his office and let out a soft sigh. Although his grand dreams for the mass deploynt of the Perfect Elent were temporarily on hold, there would be other opportunities in the future.
Besides, humanity had survived this long without relying on miracle cures. Even without the Perfect Elent, people were surviving just fine. There were no free lunches in the universe. The road ahead required them to keep taking things one step at a ti!
With that thought settling his mind, he stopped dwelling on the issue and buried himself back in his tedious administrative work.
In the period that followed, as the decisions finalized at the Nyx conference were actively implented, the Precursor ship resud its fast-paced routine.
People were designing, researching, manufacturing, and training, making comprehensive preparations for the Nyx landing.
Everyone carried a heavy workload, but they all had a clear, unified goal, and they were more than willing to pour their blood, sweat, and tears into it.
Nothing particularly noteworthy occurred during this busy period...
Only one "diplomatic report" submitted by Peter slightly piqued Jason's interest.
"...So, this report on 'Spirit Level' is the culmination of Peter's long-term intelligence gathering? It seems quite novel. Is it a standard scoring tric used by advanced Interstellar Civilizations?"
Sitting across from him was Lily. She paused for a mont before replying, "Perhaps. However, this report doesn't contain any specific scoring criteria or mathematical formulas for calculating a Spirit Level. I believe the data is incomplete... The alien lifeform likely withheld the core chanics."
Jason nodded. "Yes, the alien isn't exactly fully cooperating... but that's normal. It's within our expected paraters. We'll just have to wait and see. How is Peter holding up? He should still have the psychological upper hand; he hasn't been ntally compromised yet, right?"
Lily shook her head. "I have observed Peter closely. The psychological influence ratio is still heavily in his favor, with no signs of shifting. Moreover, Peter himself remains highly enthusiastic about the assignnt."
"However..." she added at the end, hesitating slightly.
"But what?" Jason prompted.
"It's nothing critical, but I have so alternative theories regarding this Spirit Level report..."
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