I'm on the Ark, and I start out as Gretchen.

As for why it's not conducted in a laboratory, that brings up the issue of volunteer compliance.

The infected volunteers in this clinical trial were not recruited by Mebius through formal procedures in the name of Rhine Life, but rather suitable candidates she found privately.

There are two reasons why Mebius didn't follow the proper procedures. First, it was too slow... By the time Rhine Lab completed its procedures, it would be too late.

The second reason is that if she were to follow the proper procedures, she would need to document the experimental process and write reports. She doesn't want to reveal her research or the extent of her work for the time being.

Therefore, after careful consideration, Mebius abandoned the formal procedures and opted for a private transaction.

Although she loathed that old goat Ahrendts Parvis, she had to admit that money could indeed easily attract a large number of poor "volunteers".

However, it is precisely in such situations that the differences between people become more apparent...

P.S.: Time for bed. I'll be fully recharged tomorrow and back to double updates, I mean it! If I don't update twice soon, I'll feel bad about this recommendation...

Chapter 101 The Standoff at the Headquarters Office

While Sakura was leaving Rhine Lab to complete the task assigned by Mebius, Saria successfully found Ahrendts Parvis, who had just finished bandaging his wounds.

"Why are you looking at me with such a terrifying gaze, Director Seria? Is something the matter?"

Seeing that Saria's appearance was clearly hostile, Ahrendts gently adjusted his glasses and asked with a smile.

"The current treatment plan for Ifrit is to be halted! I, as the head of the Defense Department, request the Structural Department to adjust the treatment plan and resubmit it to the Defense Department for reassessment."

Facing Alents, who was smiling and had a kind expression, Saria frowned and said in a serious tone.

"Director Seria, are you trying to illegally interfere with other departments' projects? I protest! Your request is unreasonable!"

Although he knew that Saria's visit was not well-intentioned, Ahrendts clearly did not expect the person in front of him to be so disrespectful from the start, and his expression immediately turned sour.

"Ifrit's Originium Arts strength has far exceeded previous assessments. Continuing will only lead to a repeat of the tragedy at Hayden's Labs!"

"Moreover, because of this treatment, Ifrit's physical condition has deteriorated rapidly!"

After hearing Ahrendts' words, Saria, who was already furious, spoke with a hint of sternness.

"I am very sorry about this. But the more this happens, the more treatment must continue."

"Or is it that once Ifrit lost her investigative value, her life or death became unimportant to Director Seria?"

Looking at the tough Saria in front of him, Ahrendts's face darkened completely, and his tone became firm as he retorted, word by word.

After a brief moment of firmness, Ahrendts' tone suddenly softened, and he said:

"Assessing the strength of Originium Arts is the responsibility of the Structural Engineering Department. Before this, I always thought this was their job."

It was under control, but... I never expected such an unexpected turn of events.

Instead of blaming me here, Director Seria should investigate properly and find out who secretly injected Ifrit with the mysterious drug... After all, that is the only variable in this experiment.

Upon hearing this, Saria was taken aback, but she quickly recovered and replied, "Of course, I will investigate this matter thoroughly."

rotten

"However, if the Structural Department is no longer able to take responsibility for the safety of the patient and Rhine Life, then the Defense Department will transfer Ifrit to a more suitable treatment facility."

"..."

Hearing Saria's words, Ahrendts narrowed his eyes, remained silent for a while, and then continued, "Director Saria, I expressed at the beginning of the treatment that this was a risk, and that's why I specifically applied to the Commander for permission to conduct experimental treatment."

"But if your intervention prevents the Structural Department from proceeding with the treatment according to the established plan, the Structural Department will no longer be able to bear all the consequences alone, so this needs to be reported to the headquarters for approval."

“If you insist on this, then let us let her decide.”

"Ah-"

Upon hearing such an answer and the familiar address from Alentz Parvis, Seria couldn't help but clench her fists.

"All right……"

"Then let's not delay, please."

After saying that, Ahrendts stopped and turned to walk outside.

Saria followed with a stiff expression, and the two of them then took the elevator to the headquarters office.

……

Standing in the elevator, Seraya couldn't help but recall the time when she and Kristen Wright had just begun to make a name for themselves in the Columbia scientific community...

At that time, both she and Kristen Wright were just fresh graduates, newcomers to the scientific community, full of dreams and expectations for the future.

Christen Wright wanted to create Rhine Lab because of her dreams and aspirations, and Seria made a promise with her because of her recognition and support, and they worked together.

But now...

Out of trust and affection, Saria didn't want to think too deeply, much less admit... she didn't want to admit that her best friend, Christen Wright, had, without her noticing, begun to slowly stray from her initial intentions...

Otherwise, she wouldn't have protected Christen Wright and her life's work, Rhine Lab, for so many years.

However, this time, the incident involving Ifrit and Hayden's Lab was like a heavy punch to Saria's face, shattering the last glimmer of hope in her heart... and even causing a crack in her trust in her best friend.

"Ding--"

As the elevator arrived, Saria quickly gathered her thoughts and, together with Ahrendts Parvis, stepped into the office where she hadn't seen anyone for some time.

"Commander-in-Chief, we're here."

Unlike Saria, who remained silent, Ahrendts adjusted his glasses and spoke first to greet her.

Upon hearing Ahrendts' words, the blonde woman standing in front of the desk with her back to the two quickly turned around. After seeing Saria, she slowly curled her lips into a smile, a hint of joy flashing in her eyes, and said, "Saria, it's been a long time. How have you been?"

"Thank you for your care, Commander."

Noticing her best friend's expression, a complex look flashed in Saria's eyes, and then she said coldly.

"..."

Saria's distant address successfully transformed Christensen, who had been smiling, into the icy figure others perceived her to be.

She gave Saria a deep look, then slowly sat back in her office chair, closed her eyes, and asked in a calm tone, "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"The situation is like this..."

After Christensen asked the question, Ahrendts Parvis, who was standing next to him, began to recount what had happened in the Structural Department.

……

"I understand."

After listening to Ahrendts Parvis's entire account, Christensen stopped twirling her pen and asked, "Director Seria, do you have any objections to what Director Parvis just said?"

"No."

When confronted with the question, Saria met his gaze and gave her answer.

Although she did not narrate the events, the account given by Ahrendts was largely accurate and unbiased.

"Is this so..."

Upon hearing this, Christen rested her chin on her hand, thought for a moment, and then told Saria her judgment word by word.

"Therefore, I believe the treatment does not need to be stopped."

P.S.: Although Serena's "ex-wife" is a bad woman, they are still... really a great couple. I prefer this one to the senior (Serena) x junior (Hyper) pairing.

Chapter 102 Saria's Disappointment

"Therefore, I believe the treatment does not need to be stopped."

Upon hearing Christensen's words, Saria frowned and hurriedly explained, "I am not asking for the treatment to be completely stopped, but rather that the treatment plan should be re-formulated and re-evaluated with safety in mind."

"Really? Then let me confirm again. Before the patient was injected with that mysterious drug, Director Palvis said that the patient's condition had definitely improved. Do you have any objections to this?"

smell

"Speaking," Kristen looked up at Saria and asked in a calm tone.

"No."

Saria answered honestly once again when questioned this time.

"..."

After hearing Saria's answer, Kristen rested her chin on her hand, closed her eyes, and fell into a brief silence.

After a moment, she stood up, supporting herself on the table, and said to the person in front of her:

“Seria, the reason we are gathered here is because we have all denounced the stagnation of the Columbia scientific community and we hate those corrupt people who hold the power of discourse but prevent others from moving forward.”

"You haven't forgotten, have you?"

After saying that, Christen opened her eyes and confronted the person in front of her.

At this moment, Saria did not shy away from her sharp edge, looking directly into her best friend's eyes and responding seriously: "The so-called scientific spirit requires the courage to boldly pursue the truth, but also a rigorous process of argumentation."

"You haven't forgotten, have you?"

Saria raised her voice for the last sentence, causing Christensen's expression to darken for a moment.

Then, disregarding her best friend's expression, Saria continued, "Moreover, there is now evidence that the accident at Hayden Pharmaceuticals' Laboratory 1 was caused by Ifrit."

"This matter concerns the lives and safety of all employees of Ifrit and Rhine Life, so of course we should proceed with caution!"

"Sareya..."

After listening to Saria's remarks, Christensen's expression softened, and she said calmly, "I remember you always said that you shouldn't let emotions affect your rational judgment."

“My judgment is based on reason.” Seria retorted directly to Christensen, who brought up the past.

"..."

Looking at Saria, who was clearly suppressing her anger but feigning calm, Kristen gently stroked her chin, then changed the subject and asked:

"Really? Is there any evidence that Ifrit's loss of control in Hayden's lab was caused by experimental behavioral stimuli?"

"What if her loss of control was caused by a worsening of Oripathy? Then isn't Director Palvis's treatment precisely reducing the probability of her losing control... Besides, there were unplanned factors in this experiment, weren't there?"

"That's just your guess!"

Upon hearing Saria's rebuttal, Christensen's lips curled slightly, and she said:

"That's right, they're all just guesses, which is why we need to keep verifying them. Besides, the patient's condition probably isn't good right now, which is why the treatment should continue."

"Furthermore, you personally participated in the design of the headquarters' security system. With you here in charge, even if Ifrit's Originium Arts were to go out of control on a large scale, you would definitely be able to handle it..."

"Right?"