Chapter 793: The Inhibitor
Dr. Hanson asked urgently, "Does this mean it might not possess typical explosive virulence or absolute lethality?"
"Based on available data, yes. It resembles a slow-acting ecological contamination. However, Protoss tolerance is zero. If the contamination continues to accumulate or activates, a transition toward a standard infection cannot be ruled out," Ryo confirmed.
Raynor seized on the crux of the matter: "So, eliminating the sources of contamination and cutting off transmission is viable? We wouldn't need to purge potentially infected individuals on a massive scale?"
"Theoretically viable. However, all primary contamination sources must be precisely located and thoroughly purified. Conventional methods cannot accomplish this within three days," Ryo replied.
"Do you have a way to increase efficiency?"
Ryo pointed to the suppression field generator. "This device emits a specific energy field that induces reversible suppression and tagging in biomass carrying the target genetic fragments. Affected subjects emit a distinct bioluminescence or energy signature, making them easy to identify. Furthermore, the suppression field drastically slows the activity and spread of the contamination."
He turned to Dr. Hanson: "Based on this analysis and your previous data, I can optimize the synthesis pathway for an inhibitor. Utilizing the micro-reaction module, an experimental batch can be synthesized within twenty-four hours. Paired with the suppression field, this agent can perform targeted neutralization and clearance of detected contamination without destroying the host."
Hope surged within Dr. Hanson: "You can do that? Here? In twenty-four hours?"
"The equipment is ready, and the synthesis route is optimized. I require you to provide a list of locally available raw materials and assist with monitoring," Ryo stated.
Raynor weighed the options rapidly. This plan was more complex than a straightforward military purge, yet it pointed toward "containment" and "purification" rather than "slaughter." It aligned closer with Dr. Hanson's principles and might also be more acceptable to the Protoss.
"What do you need?" Raynor asked.
"Authorize me full access to the laboratory sector and coordinate Dr. Hanson's team to synthesize the inhibitor. Provide a squad equipped with detectors to precisely locate and tag high-risk zones with the aid of the suppression field, establishing coordinates for subsequent purification. The purification operations can be executed by the Raiders. Orbital scan support from the Hyperion will be required for verification," Ryo listed his requirements.
"You want me to send my boys into areas that might be compromised?" Tychus asked.
"The suppression field provides a degree of protection, reducing risk. The mission focus is detection and tagging, not direct engagement. Upon encountering anomalies, withdraw immediately," Ryo looked at Raynor. "This is currently the most efficient solution."
Raynor pondered for a moment, exchanging a glance with Matt's holographic projection, who gave a slight nod.
"Alright," Raynor made up his mind. "Dr. Hanson, give the consultant your full cooperation. Tychus, pick five men to form a detection squad and follow the consultant's technical guidance. Matt, keep a tight watch from orbit; report any anomalies immediately."
He looked at Ryo: "Consultant, we have less than seventy hours left. Here's hoping your tech brings a miracle."
The glow of Ryo's optical lenses remained steady. "Commencing operations." He turned to Dr. Hanson. "Please provide the raw materials manifest. The synthesis protocol initiates in thirty minutes."
The atmosphere inside the temporary laboratory shifted, an efficient, focused rhythm of collaboration replacing the prior anxiety.
Ryo completed his equipment integration. With the raw materials manifest inputted, the synthesis pathway was rapidly optimized and confirmed via simulation.
"Synthesis pathway confirmed. Divided into three phases; total estimated duration is twenty-two hours and thirty-seven minutes," Ryo narrated as he began working. His mechanical fingers moved with deft precision, accurately weighing, compounding, and calibrating parameters without a single wasted motion.
Dr. Hanson assisted and observed, her mind filled with shock and curiosity. "Why select low-temperature catalysis here instead of high-temperature, high-pressure?" she asked, pointing to a node on the display.
"The target inhibitor structure is thermolabile. A high-temperature, high-pressure pathway is faster, but it induces stereoisomeric errors in the product, resulting in over ninety-five percent loss of bioactivity. Low-temperature catalysis combined with a specific orientation template ensures the correct configuration. It increases duration by thirty percent, yet yields a viable product," Ryo explained professionally.
Dr. Hanson nodded in sudden understanding and took notes.
Nearby, Ryo calibrated the suppression field generator, connecting the power supply to initialize alignment.
"The suppression field operates based on the specific resonant frequency of the target genetic fragments," he explained to Raynor and Tychus as he worked. "The device emits a modulated energy field that interacts weakly with the contaminating genetic material, slowing its metabolism and exciting a distinct bioluminescence or energy radiation. Tagged points are clearly visible under dedicated detectors. Within the field, contamination spread essentially halts."
He brought up a detector unit. "The squad will scan using these; tagged points will display clearly. Small, dispersed contamination sites can be neutralized with inhibitor sprays. Larger or deeper sources will have their coordinates marked for subsequent targeted clearance by ground or orbital weaponry."
Raynor asked, "What's the effect on uninfected personnel?"
"Negligible. It may induce brief, mild paresthesia of the skin or drowsiness, which dissipates once field intensity drops. Harmless to most flora and fauna. For safety, prior to mass synthesis of the inhibitor, a low-intensity suppression field will also be deployed across the core camp perimeter as a preventative measure," Ryo replied.
Tychus fiddled with a detector: "Sounds a hell of a lot more civilized than hunting bugs with a rifle. Long as it works."
"Efficacy awaits field verification. Theoretical models are supportive," Ryo said, never offering absolute guarantees.
The synthesis protocol ran smoothly. Ryo handed monitoring duties over to Dr. Hanson and her assistants while he tackled another critical task: analyzing the discrepancies between the Protoss scan data and the camp's telemetry, cross-referencing them with high-precision background scans relayed from the Eternal Seeker via Valerie to construct an environmental dispersion model.
He rapidly updated the high-risk zone map, revising perimeters and marking several suspected "primary infiltration points," mostly situated near subterranean water sources or geological fissures.
"The contamination likely propagated initially through groundwater or specific mineral dust vectors," Ryo said, sharing the updated map. "The detection squad should prioritize surveying these sectors. The suppression field generator can be set to mobile mode, carried by the squad for progressive scanning."
Raynor studied the map; most points lay deep within the dense mountain forests. "Time is tight. Tychus, your men will have to split up to maximize efficiency. Keep comms open—if anything feels off, don't play the hero, pull back immediately."
"Got it," Tychus dropped his casual demeanor and nodded seriously.
Time ticked away. Synthesis entered its second phase. Calibration of the suppression field generator was completed, and small-scale perimeter tests succeeded. The detectors picked up tagged signals from trace contamination samples with clear results.
Valerie maintained her silence, ensuring uninterrupted information flow between Ryo and the Eternal Seeker while observing the dynamics of their interactions.
Ryo's communications remained consistently direct and concise. Focusing solely on technical matters, he abstained from strategic debates or emotional exchanges, offering professional input only when queried. This strictly utilitarian demeanor paradoxically led Raynor and Tychus to gradually lower a fraction of their guard.
Dr. Hanson, meanwhile, saw her curiosity toward Ryo's technical prowess transform into awe and excitement. She asked continuous questions, receiving brief, accurate answers, forming an efficient, albeit somewhat chilly, academic partnership.
As synthesis neared its final stage—less than six hours before the first batch of inhibitor would be produced—Ryo presented Raynor with a complete detection operation plan.
Raynor approved it. Tychus's five-man squad geared up with mobile suppression units, detectors, protective equipment, and weapons, departing at dawn.
"Remember," Raynor gave his final reminder, "your job is to be eyes and ears, not fists. Find the stuff, mark it clearly, and get back. Leave the rest to us."
Tychus tapped his detector: "Relax. We'll flush out whatever dirty little secrets are hiding out there."
The squad set out, heading toward the nearest predicted contamination site. The Hyperion provided continuous orbital scan support, with Matt coordinating the broader picture.
Inside the laboratory, Ryo stood motionless before the reaction module, his optical lenses fixed on the slowly dripping product. Dr. Hanson held her breath.
The first batch of trace purified inhibitor sample was successfully collected. The pale blue liquid looked pure beneath the overhead lights.
"Inhibitor synthesis successful. Preliminary bioactivity testing commencing," Ryo's voice remained level.
Those words allowed everyone present in the laboratory to breathe a sigh of relief.
This was only the first step. Ahead lay efficacy testing, scaling up production, awaiting feedback from the detection squad, and preparing for the purification operation. One and a half days of Selendis's three-day deadline had already elapsed.
Yet, the chemical reaction of hope had genuinely begun within this crowded laboratory.