Chapter 1606

"Don't interrupt me," Dr. Morris snapped. "What I'm saying is very important. Don't take this lightly."

Lily shrugged, unfazed. His caution was understandable; this plague was no trivial matter. She studied the memos on the wall while he outlined the regulations, resisting the urge to yawn. Relief washed over her when he finally finished; she could finally don her protective suit. She eagerly anticipated learning the department's progress, comparing it to her own research and discovering how far they'd progressed on an antidote.

After suiting up and disinfecting herself, Lily entered the laboratory. What she expected to be a substantial facility proved to be an empty corridor. Dr. Morris hurried down the hallway, Lily following silently until they reached a spacious elevator.

They descended to the tenth sub-basement. Only then did Lily's spirits lift; she gazed at this impressive facility with admiration. This was where an elite laboratory truly differed from a run-of-the-mill one.

The elevator doors opened to a bustling, yet tranquil, world. A giant laboratory hummed with activity, filled with people in protective suits and goggles. A solemn air pervaded the space; everyone seemed intensely focused on their work.

Dr. Morris hadn't spoken to Lily since she'd changed. He wore an access card around his neck, scanning it on an infrared reader before entering. Lily remained silent, observing her surroundings cautiously, remembering the events in the old laboratory. She'd participated in the first experimental project in good faith, contributing valuable ideas, only to be exploited. Professor Thompson's supposed good intentions had masked self-serving motives. Now, she questioned this department's integrity. Even under state jurisdiction, could it be misused by malicious individuals?

Dr. Morris led her to an inner circular office, scanning his card again before the door opened. Dr. Blanc awaited them.

"Ms. Christian, welcome to the family!" he greeted, turning from his desk with a smile. He raised his gloved hands. "Given the circumstances, no need for handshakes," he added.

Lily nodded. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"I trust Dr. Morris has explained your responsibilities and our precautions?" Dr. Blanc asked.

Lily glanced at Dr. Morris, who remained impassive, and nodded. "Yes, Dr. Morris has been very clear."

"However, I must emphasize that your department is strictly classified," Dr. Blanc said gravely. "No matter what you see, do, or experience here, you may not disclose it to anyone—not even family or close friends. Do you understand?"

"I do."

"So," she asked, "what's my job here?"