"First, the risk.
Even if the straight-line distance isn't far, road conditions in the post-apocalyptic world are unknown, and that place used to be a highly sensitive facility.
Whether it's leftover security systems, large hordes of walkers gathering nearby, or even raider groups that might have taken over the area, every one of those is a deadly threat.
For a few machines we may not even find, I would have to send out my most elite squad immediately and risk them being wiped out. Is that price really worth it?"
"Second, priority," Calista continued calmly. "Right now, the construction of Blackberry Ranch is at a critical stage.
We need to focus all manpower and resources on scavenging downtown Knoxville. The base needs more building materials, fuel, and daily supplies to get through the coming winter.
When it comes to matters that affect the survival and development of the entire base, should a study focused mainly on my personal condition take precedence over the collective interest?
Besides, I haven't experienced any side effects so far. As long as I make sure not to bleed, everything about it seems beneficial for now."
She deliberately emphasized the word "personal" again, reminding Dr. Jenner that the core of the research was her, not all of humanity.
Dr. Jenner opened his mouth, wanting to argue that the research had long-term significance, but Calista did not give him the chance.
"Third, and most importantly, the actual benefits." Her tone carried a calm certainty, as if she had already seen the outcome.
"Doctor, you and I both know that the root of this disaster, the Wildfire virus, has almost no chance of being 'cured' in the foreseeable future.
Our goal now is to adapt to this new world, to establish order, to survive, and to live better."
She pointed toward Blackberry Ranch outside the window. "That is our real strength. And for me, the greatest value of your research right now is risk management.
I need to know whether the physical enhancement from the experimental vaccine has limits or side effects. I need to know whether that 'sensitivity' to walkers can be controlled, or at least how to avoid the danger it brings.
As for fully unraveling its molecular structure or creating a universal cure…"
Calista shook her head slightly, a faint, self-mocking smile appearing on her lips. "That's too far away, Doctor. It won't solve our immediate problems.
What we need right now is a shovel that can dig a well, not a map of an underground river that we can't actually use."
Dr. Jenner fell silent. Looking into Calista's overly pragmatic eyes, a sense of helplessness rose within him.
He understood she was right. From the perspective of a base leader, taking the risk to go to Sentinel Station now was not the best option.
But the frustration of brushing against the edge of the unknown and being unable to explore it further was almost suffocating.
"But that resonance… if we don't figure it out, what if it causes something irreversible to you…" Dr. Jenner made one last attempt.
"That's exactly why your research can't stop, Doctor." Calista's tone softened, carrying a note of reassurance. "Continue under our current conditions.
Focus on what I can feel and what you can observe, including physical changes, the strength of that perception, and the direct effects of my blood on the virus. That is the most practical path right now."
She then pointed out the shortcomings in his experiments. "There are too few live test walkers, so the results aren't representative. You need to run more experiments and find patterns.
And yesterday's preparations were rushed. If other stray walkers nearby had been drawn in, the consequences would have been disastrous.
I'll have Rickson arrange for people to build an experimental site in the Great Smoky Mountains as soon as possible. We'll also assign personnel from our group or the National Guard to help you capture walkers for your research from now on."
Dr. Jenner's research had to be pushed forward at all costs, for her sake.
Calista stood up and walked to the window. "As for Sentinel Station or any advanced equipment in distant places, they're not under consideration for now, at least not before I experience any side effects.
When we're strong enough, when Rock Fortress is truly stable, when we have spare strength that can handle losses, I'll think about it. But not now."
Her silhouette in the lamplight looked firm and resolute.
Dr. Jenner stared at her back and finally let out a weary sigh.
He knew he would not be able to persuade Calista anytime soon.
Still, having a dedicated site and personnel for more experiments was at least something positive.
Calista listened to his fading footsteps, her gaze deep and unreadable.
It wasn't that she didn't care about her own secret. On the contrary, she cared deeply.
But she understood how to weigh risks and benefits.
Before her strength was fully stabilized, blindly chasing a high-risk, uncertain goal would be foolish.
Calista's secret had to be uncovered step by step, at a pace she controlled.
No one, not even Dr. Jenner, could disrupt that rhythm.
However,
people really shouldn't make bold claims.
One evening, after construction had already begun on the experimental site Dr. Jenner had been hoping for and several fixed assistants had been selected,
the open-air kitchen area of Rock Fortress.
A large pot simmered with thick vegetable stew, and freshly baked bread was stacked nearby.
After a long day of work, everyone sat together, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation.
Calista sat with Leah, Carver, Mike, Turner, Bossie, and a few other core members.
She held her bowl and ate absentmindedly, feeling slightly off. Her head felt a bit heavy.
She could not quite tell what was wrong, only that she felt unusually hot, even though the sun was already setting.
"Hey, Calista," Carver said between mouthfuls, bragging about the day's training, "you really missed out today.
I disassembled and reassembled my gun with one hand, and I was a full two seconds faster than Mike. With skills like mine, if I ever run out of food, I could make a living doing street performances."
Mike let out a snort and immediately shot him down. "Give me a break. Performing for walkers? If you hadn't lost that bet and owed me thirty rounds, would you be trying this hard?
And you call that disassembling a gun? The parts nearly flew into my face. Looked more like you were putting on a flower-scattering act."
Turner laughed so hard he slapped his thigh. "Hahaha! Mike, that mouth of yours is brutal.
But Carver, the way you were baring your teeth at those soldiers during training really was intimidating. You looked like a brown bear in heat."
"Get lost. You're the one in heat." Carver laughed and kicked Turner, but his eyes drifted toward Calista, clearly hoping to see some approval on her face.
Calista did smile, though her cheeks felt a little warm. She instinctively pressed the back of her hand against her face to cool it.
The observant Bossie caught that subtle movement and the unusual flush on her cheeks.
He did not speak much usually, but his awareness was sharp.
A teasing smile curved his lips as he said, "Oh? Calista's blushing? That's rare. Did Carver, the 'brown bear in heat,' actually charm you?"
The moment he said that, everyone at the table burst into laughter. Even Leah could not help but smile.
They all followed Bossie's gaze and looked at Calista.
Only then did they notice that her fair cheeks were indeed flushed, as if brushed with the finest blush.
...
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