Chapter 790: Valerie's Proposal
"I know it's cruel. I hate this choice more than anyone. But I am the commander of this unit, and I am responsible for the survival of everyone, including the vast majority who haven't been infected yet."
"Within three days, we must give an answer—either prove to the Protoss that the infection has been controlled and eradicated, or we 'purify' it ourselves."
"There is no third path. Developing a cure... that would take months, even years. We don't have that kind of time."
Dr. Hanson shook her head, unable to accept this logic. To her, every single life was worth fighting for, especially through scientific means. Giving up on the possibility of treatment and jumping straight to "purging" was a fundamental denial of her medical beliefs.
"Then fight for more time! Negotiate with the Protoss again! Or... or we concentrate our forces on controlling the infected zones, quarantine the sick, and accelerate the research! Jumping straight to the most brutal solution is surrender!"
"Selendis will not give us more time," Raynor shook his head. "The Protoss's dread of the Swarm is carved into their bones. Three days is already the absolute limit, granted only out of respect for some meager past ties. As for quarantining and researching..."
He pointed at the scattered red dots on the scan map. "The infection signals are dispersed, not concentrated in a single hospital."
"Some might be in animals, some might be underground, some... might be lying dormant inside someone standing right here who still looks normal."
"A comprehensive screening, quarantine, and control operation requires manpower and time far exceeding our current capabilities. Three days is only enough for us to do the most urgent, most absolute thing: find the source and eliminate the threat."
The air between the two seemed to freeze.
On one side was the commander's tactical decision based on harsh reality; on the other was the scientist's unyielding adherence to humanitarianism and hope.
It was a fundamental clash of ideologies, rendered exceptionally sharp and irreconcilable under the pressure of a death deadline.
Valerie had been sitting quietly to the side all along, like a complete bystander.
Her gaze calmly swept over the two arguing parties. Her mind raced, evaluating every minute shift in the situation.
Raynor's pragmatism and decisiveness, Dr. Hanson's idealism and persistence, and the crisis—and opportunity—hidden beneath it all.
Just as Raynor and Dr. Hanson's argument reached a deadlock and the atmosphere grew increasingly tense, Valerie spoke up at the perfect moment. Her voice was steady, clear, and carried that professional neutrality, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
"Commander Raynor, Dr. Hanson, please allow me to interrupt."
Both of them looked at her. Raynor frowned slightly, while Dr. Hanson looked at her with lingering agitation and a hint of expectation—after all, the "Far Star United" Valerie represented had demonstrated extraordinary technological prowess.
"Both of your starting points are to save lives; only your paths differ," Valerie began with a mollifying statement, then cut to the core. "Commander Raynor's judgment, based on the lack of time and the immediate threat, is responsible."
"Dr. Hanson's insistence on the possibility of a cure is precious. But since our current conditions cannot bridge this divide, perhaps we should consider introducing a... variable."
"What variable?" Raynor asked.
"Far Star United," Valerie stated directly. "Beyond our cross-sector commercial activities, our company also possesses a certain degree of technological accumulation and resource reserves in the fields of biomedicine and anomalous lifeform research."
"While I cannot guarantee that we can solve the current Swarm infection, our research directions and toolsets might differ from the mainstream methods in the Koprulu Sector."
Dr. Hanson's eyes immediately lit up. "Do you have experience treating Swarm infections? Or relevant biological suppression technology?"
"We cannot speak of direct experience in treating Swarm infections; after all, the Swarm is a new threat to us as well," Valerie phrased her words carefully. "But we have handled other... highly aggressive, rapidly mutating cases, or cases involving anomalous biomass proliferation."
"Our technological approach might provide new analytical angles and tools."
She looked at Raynor. "Commander Raynor, if Far Star United can provide some emergency technical support, perhaps we can, within three days, at least complete an in-depth analysis of the infected samples, confirm the exact nature and transmission stage of the infection, and evaluate whether a biological window for rapid intervention exists."
"This can pinpoint the threat much more accurately than simple 'purging.' It could also provide critical data for Dr. Hanson's research, and even... we cannot rule out the possibility of discovering a rapid suppression method."
She paused, observing their reactions.
Raynor fell into deep thought. He remained wary of the mysterious entity known as "Far Star United," especially given their clear background of possessing power beyond that of an ordinary corporation.
But right now, this seemed like a possible breakthrough.
If Far Star United's technology could help identify the threat faster and more accurately, or even find a method to control it, that would undoubtedly be far more ideal than relying solely on military purging. It would also ease the tension with Dr. Hanson's team.
"What's the price?" Raynor asked directly. "Far Star United won't provide this level of technical support for free, right?"
"An opportunity for in-depth cooperation, and shared access to the relevant data," Valerie had the answer ready. "We wish to conduct first-hand research on the Swarm infection; this in itself is highly valuable risk intelligence."
"If we can subsequently develop effective countermeasures based on this, whether for commercial application or strategic value, it will be immensely significant to us. Furthermore, if the operation is successful, we hope to have a certain degree of participation or observation access in some of the Raiders' 'specific future operations'."
She didn't explicitly say "Xel'Naga Artifacts," but both Raynor and Tychus read between the lines. Tychus raised an eyebrow slightly but said nothing.
Dr. Hanson looked urgently at Raynor. "Jim, this is worth considering! If they really do have more advanced analytical technology, even if it just speeds up our understanding of the infection, it will improve our efficiency and reduce misjudgments! Maybe... maybe we really won't have to take that final step!"
Matt's hologram also spoke up: "Jim, from a strategic standpoint, introducing external technical forces is a high-risk, high-reward option. But considering our current lack of time and solutions, this might be the only path that addresses both the immediate threat and the Doctor's appeals."
"Provided that we maintain sufficient vigilance and control over Far Star United's involvement."
Raynor's gaze shifted between Valerie's calm face, Dr. Hanson's expectant eyes, and Matt's worried expression. Time ticked by, Selendis's countdown flowing silently.
Finally, he made his decision.