Chapter 344: Experimental Interlude
Inside the pure white Tunnel, a dozen Fully Armed Iron Soldiers patrolled back and forth with heavy steps. Through the multi-layered One-Way Mirror in the Tunnel, one could see the Sterile Laboratories partitioned within.
Inside the Laboratories, young Researchers wearing White Coats and holding Special Alloy Scalpels were busy in front of Operating Tables.
Most of the Dissection Subjects bound to the Operating Tables were Humanoid Organisms, but there were also some unique Extraterrestrial Life Forms from Alien Races.
Of course, as a Biological Laboratory, the Research here wasn't limited to biological transplantation, dissection, and Cloning. They also studied Genetic Grafting of Flora and Fauna.
They researched the Influence of Oxygen Rich Content on the Human Body, as well as the genetic mutation effects of Alien Environment on the Human Body.
In a Laboratory marked Level C+, several Graduate Students in White Coats were conducting a detailed examination of a Japanese person on the Experiment Table.
Blood Analysis and DNA testing were being done to compare the differences between Miners who had lived in the Underworld for several years and Normal Humans.
"I heard we're moving out of here!"
A curly-haired Researcher dripped Blood onto a Microscope Slide and placed it under a High-Power Microscope. The Intelligent Program on the nearby Computer automatically compared and detected abnormalities in the Blood.
When Tang Group recruited workers in Japan, they specifically kept Samples of those Japanese Miners for later comparison.
Although the Survival Environment of the Underworld had been modified by an Artificial Sun to be suitable for Humanity, it was still not Earth.
The first batch of Japanese Miners were sent there as Experiment Subjects, treated as Consumables. As for their Life and Death, well, no one cared!
Even the Family Members of those Miners only cared if their monthly Salary could be deposited into their Bank Accounts on time. Even more so, some Japanese Women even hoped that their husbands working overseas could bring back a Compensation payment, because after a man died, according to Japanese Government regulations, his Widow would not only be exempt from repaying the house's bank loan but could also receive a monthly Compensation.
"Moving out of here? No way! How long has this Laboratory been built?" The black-haired Asian Experimenter roughly inserted a Stomach Tube into the Experiment Subject's Throat. He turned back, looking surprised at the curly-haired person who spoke.
"I heard it from Supervisor Bob. He said the High-level Staff plan to move several A-Class Projects to other locations! Experiment Projects below A-Level will still be conducted here!"
"I knew it! This Experimental Base of ours cost billions of US Dollars just to build, and that's not even counting the irreplaceable High-Tech Equipment inside! How could the High-level Staff bear to abandon it!?"
"It's true that more and more Experiment Projects have been started recently. To start an Experiment Project, you actually have to apply for a Laboratory in advance and wait in line!"
"That's because the Projects we're involved in aren't high-spec enough. Look at those A-Class Projects, do they need to apply for Approval to use a Laboratory? I heard that the Experiment Equipment used for A-Class Projects is procured from Alien Planets!"
The curly-haired person operated the Computer, uploaded the Blood Analysis Data, and then turned his head to speak mysteriously to the others in the Laboratory.
The other people in the Laboratory didn't show much surprise at the curly-haired person's words.
After all, the shortest time anyone working in this Laboratory had been here was two or three months in the Hive Laboratory. Unless they were a Fool, they could see the differences within the Hive Laboratory.
Especially some Experimenters who were fortunate enough to participate in C-Level and above Experiment Projects. The Alien Equipment and Experiment Subjects that were clearly not inferior to Earth Technology made them once suspect whether the High-level Staff of the Company they worked for were Aliens.
However, soon, the annual Salary of over a million US Dollars, coupled with Project Commission far exceeding the Salary, dispelled this concern. As long as the Money was sufficient, whether the High-level Staff of Tang Group were Aliens was clearly not important.
Not to mention the Company's internal reward system, those good Things that could be exchanged with Contribution Points made these Experimenters wish they could treat the Laboratory as their home and just sleep here.
Could you believe that 0.5 Contribution Points could be exchanged for a Fully Simulated Custom Girlfriend? That wasn't the Silicone Product found on the market, but a real Simulated Maid.
The kind that could take care of your daily life.
A Dark Elf with a prominent chest and buttocks, previously only existing in Games, only cost one Contribution Point! As for the Divine Serum that was being speculated to be worth tens of millions of US Dollars Outside, the Internal Price here was also only one Contribution Point.
Moreover, the Acquisition Threshold for Contribution Points wasn't high. Ordinary Researchers only needed to participate in five Level C+ Experiment Projects to get 0.1 Contribution Points! "I wonder when we'll get to use that Alien Equipment!"
A blonde girl with a ponytail, a delicate appearance, and a few freckles on her face was organizing the Experiment Equipment, her tone full of longing.
"Oh right, are you guys participating in next month's Rating Assessment!?"
"Malun should go, right? I'll pass, I have to rush my Graduation Thesis next month!" The Fatty with a Small Belly said with a bitter face, sighing.
"Will! Your thesis hasn't passed yet?" The ponytail girl put the Experiment Equipment one by one into the Sterilization Equipment, turned on the Sterilization Switch, and looked at the Fatty with some surprise.
The Fatty shook his Head and said, "My thesis has been submitted twice, and Professor Connors sent it back both times, saying the Plagiarism Rate was too high!"
The ponytail girl shrugged helplessly: "Then work hard. It's your fault for choosing Professor Connors as your Mentor. He's very strict in Academic Aspects!"
The Fatty sighed: "There's nothing I can do. With my Conditions, if I want to join the Hive Laboratory, I can only Assist my Mentor. I didn't expect Professor Connors to be the Laboratory Head. I don't even have the qualification to Assist in the Projects he's involved in."
"It's hard to say whether you're lucky or unlucky. Every year, at least a thousand people from various universities' Biology departments want to pursue a Doctorate under Professor Connors. How did you stand out!?"
The curly-haired person finished his Work, sealed the Computer, and looked at this inconspicuous Fatty who had been at the Laboratory for less than two or three months.
"Maybe it's because my cousin used to do Research with Professor Connors?" The Fatty said hesitantly.
"Your cousin? Is he also at this Experimental Base?" The curly-haired person was a little curious.
"You know my cousin? You just mentioned him!"
The Fatty pressed the button in front of the Experiment Table. The Wall next to the Experiment Table slid open to the sides, and the experiment bed, along with the Experiment Subject on it, slid to the Processing Room on the other side via a slide rail.
The Method for handling this Japanese Experiment Subject who had previously caused a Strike in the Underworld was not something they, as junior Experimenters, could know.
"When did I mention your cousin? You mean Supervisor Bob? He's your cousin?"
The curly-haired person swallowed his Saliva, and the Gaze he directed at the Fatty instantly changed.
As one of the Deputy Supervisors of the Hive Laboratory, Bob's Ability was not outstanding. In the Hive Laboratory, he mainly managed Experiment Projects below B-Level.
However, his Status in the Experimental Base was very detached. There were Legends that he had previously been a Colleague of the Company's Big Boss, and they had a good Relationship.
So, even Professor Connors gave him some Face.
Furthermore, Bob managed these junior Experimenters.
Upon hearing that their Directly Subordinate Leader was the Fatty's cousin, the atmosphere in the Laboratory instantly became silent. Several Experimenters quickly recalled whether they had ever complained about Bob.
The more they thought, the paler their Complexion became. After all, no matter in any Company, complaining about one's superior was the greatest pleasure of ordinary Employees.
"Uh, Will, is your cousin really Supervisor Bob?" Finally, the ponytail girl, who had a good Relationship with the Fatty, broke the awkward atmosphere.
The Fatty Will's Gaze swept over the colleagues who had ordered him around quite a bit during this Time. He looked at the ponytail girl in front of him with a friendly expression: "Don't worry, Josie, I never complain about Work Matters to him, and my cousin is quite generous. 'Wide-hearted and fat' describes him perfectly!"
"Oh, right, my cousin said that this Rating Assessment has been changed to the Preparation of a certain Agent. If you want to participate in this Rating, read more books on this topic. It seems to be about a certain Gas that affects the Spirit, but he didn't tell me the specifics!"
The Fatty seemed amiable, but he was well-versed in the Reason of giving a sweet date after a Slap. Under his deliberate efforts to win them over, the Laboratory quickly returned to a harmonious atmosphere, but the Fatty, who had kept a low profile for several months, subtly became the Core figure among this group of junior Researchers.
In the Lower Level Space of the Laboratory where the Fatty and the others were located, about two or three kilometers down, was a Giant Laboratory Complex nearly ten stories high, each floor covering dozens of square kilometers, with extremely advanced facilities.
Here, you could find elements from every Sci-Fi Film and Horror Film.
Unlike the junior Experimenters in the Hive Laboratory, those who could participate in Research here were famous Scientists from Earth. It could be said that this place gathered the top Science Magnates from various disciplines in the field of Biology on Earth.
This place was filled with Incubation Pods, Culture Vessels everywhere, and red, green, and colorful Culture Medium everywhere.
All sorts of strange Limbs and Internal Organs were soaked in these Culture Vessels. Some Limbs and Internal Organs had been separated from their Main Body for a long time, yet they still maintained biological Vitality. The Limbs could still stretch and contract freely, and the Internal Organs were still wriggling. This showed the astonishing Vitality of these Specimens.
Similarly, the Security Measures here were not comparable to the upper-level Laboratories. Even the patrolling Guards had been replaced by more advanced Sentinels instead of Iron Soldiers.
In a certain Laboratory on one floor, with the activation of the Over-Frequency Infrasound,
A mass of Black Liquid, resembling a Non-Newtonian Fluid, began to change its form restlessly. At times it became cloud-like, at times it stuck to the Laboratory Glass, hitting it frantically, trying to break through the Protective Glass.
Unfortunately, the Protective Glass of the A-Level Laboratory, although it looked like Glass, was made of a new Material a hundred times tougher than Bulletproof Glass.
Let alone the Impact of this Liquid mass, even a direct Bombing from a Tank Main Gun couldn't break through this Glass!
"Ultrasonic Wave and Flames can cause fatal Damage to it. Ordinary Firearms and Cold Weapons have little effect on it. What about Energy Weapon Attack?"
Outside the Laboratory's Observation Window, Professor Connors was observing the Research Progress of the Experiment Subject with several Biology Experts. "A small high-energy gun can cause Damage to it. We experimented with a high-energy Autocannon from a small Airship, which can cause Severe Injury to them. As for Ship Cannons, they can't withstand them!"
Professor Connors stroked his chin, examining the Symbiote that had gone limp and collapsed into a puddle of black mud under the intense Infrasound.
"So, what are the plans from the Weapons Research Department?"
"This is their Plan!" A Research Assistant wearing a White Coat and Flat Lens Glasses handed a Paper Document to Professor Connors and explained:
"The Weapons Research Laboratory plans to develop these Symbiotes into a new type of Bio-Battlesuit. This Battlesuit Manufacturing Plan has already received Approval from the High-level Staff!"
Professor Connors flipped through the Paper Document in his hand. The Assistant thoughtfully projected a Video Recording onto the One-Way Mirror in front of Professor Connors.
The Video Recording showed a Black Monster leaping and shuttling between Tall buildings. Its Height was nearly two and a half meters, it had strong Limbs, tentacle-like Slime Limbs that shot out, and Sharp Teeth that occupied most of its Head, looking extremely Terror-inducing.
However, the people present had dissected more non-human Monsters like Aliens, Predators, Werewolves, Vampires, and even Demons than the Living Persons this creature, labeled as Venom, had seen. Naturally, they wouldn't be scared by it.
"How does the Weapons Research Laboratory want us to cooperate? Nurturing these Symbiotes?" Professor Connors quickly finished reading the Data in his hand.
The Weapons Research Laboratory planned to add an Inner Armor made of this Symbiote inside the Black Demon Battle Armor and Juling Shen Type Armor, in order to increase the Pilot's Survival Rate and Combat Capability after the Outer Armor is damaged.
"The Interstellar Exploration Team found a Habitable Planet in Star Zone Nine. Millions of Symbiotes live there. They captured a batch, but these Symbiotes are relatively violent and not suitable for use. The Weapons Research Laboratory wants to know if we can Domestication this Alien life based on Biological Science!"
"Domestication!? Do the people in the Weapons Research Laboratory think we're those Western Cowboys who raise Cattle and Sheep?!" Professor Connors looked at the limp puddle of black mud in the Laboratory, then turned his Gaze towards a White Person Bald-headed Elder beside him.
"Professor Houlder! You are an Expert in Neurology and Genetics. Do you have any good ideas?"
Professor Houlder looked at the Symbiote in the Laboratory and pondered for a moment, "I do have an idea. Perhaps we can directly perform Brain Lobe Removal on this Creature, if this Extraterrestrial Life Form has a Brain. We can use an Artificial Brain to replace its Brain Center, and then program a Control System. Wouldn't that be a Bio-Battlesuit?"
Professor Houlder's words instantly made Professor Connors and the others' eyes light up. Professor Connors turned to the Research Assistant and instructed: "Write that down, upload it into the system. Once it's approved, immediately establish a Project and find the best Method! Oh, right, don't forget to write Professor Houlder's name as the proposer of the plan!"
Upon hearing Professor Connors' words, the several Experts and Professors standing beside him couldn't help but cast envious Gazes at the bald Professor Houlder.
Professor Houlder also couldn't hide his excitement. After all, as long as the Project was approved, he would earn at least one Contribution Point.
Although Professor Houlder looked like he was only fifty or sixty years old, his Age had actually passed the ninety threshold.
Except for a Pervert like Deadpool, no one wanted to Embrace Death, especially a Professor who studied Biology and Neurology. Ever since he felt his Body getting worse day by day, he had been dedicated to Research aimed at Lifespan Increase, including Forbidden Experiments prohibited by the scientific community.
This Mad Scientist was eventually reported and imprisoned after a failed Human Experiment involving illegal Consciousness Neural Transfer conducted privately.
After serving two years, he was bailed out by Tang Group's Legal Department and joined Tang Group's Biological Laboratory.
For a Mad Scientist who liked to conduct Forbidden Research, the Hive Laboratory was like a fish in water.
With his experience and Knowledge, he not only quickly rose to become a Senior Researcher and participated in A-Class Projects, but in less than three months, he obtained a shot of Divine Serum through internal Contribution Points.
It's worth mentioning that most of the Senior Researchers in Tang Group's Hive Laboratory are Mad Scientists who dare to challenge the Law.
Following the rules has never been the recruitment standard for the Hive Laboratory.
After inspecting the Symbiote Experiment floor, Professor Connors took several Senior Researchers through the Security Elevator to another Experiment Area.
...
In another Experiment Area, in a Laboratory marked A+, a Man in a black and white striped T-shirt was sitting by the bed, staring blankly at Photos of a little girl! An Alien Scientist with a humanoid appearance, sporting a large green MODOK, and wearing a White Coat, stood in front of the Observation Window, talking eloquently and explaining his Research Results to Professor Connors and the others through a Voice Translator.
In the Hive Laboratory, there were not only Human Scientists but also a dozen Alien Science Talents. Some of them were purchased by Elder Mandel, and some voluntarily joined Tang Group.
Compared to Earth Technology, these Aliens who possessed a higher Level of Life Science were undoubtedly the main force of the Hive Laboratory.
They were responsible for Research Projects of A-Level and A+ Level, such as the Project led by the MODOK Alien in front of them.
"The Experiment Subject's Body can change between Sand and Carbon-Based Body. This means he can control himself to change between Silicon-Based and Carbon-Based!"
"This form Change is different from the Superpowers of those Mutants. It is a difficult problem even in a Tier 3 Civilization. It involves an extremely complex issue."
"Especially his Consciousness, which has integrated into a deeper Level of molecular, even atomic form. This is not just Matter Composition, but also involves Energy Law!"
"Hmm, this peculiar Life Form is a very good Research Object? If we can grasp the composition pattern of his Body, we can say we have grasped the most top-tier Energy operation pattern in this Universe!"
"Since he can Control Sand, if we can replicate this pattern, we can also create Electro and Fire Human who Control Electricity and Flames!"
A Light Screen descended from the Ceiling, and countless images twisted on the Light Screen.
The Alien Scientist pointed at the images on the Light Screen and said, "Due to Time constraints, I haven't analyzed much regarding the conversion of this Energy Matter. This requires Time!"
"Also, I need more comparison Samples!"
Professor Connors and some other Senior Researchers from the Hive Laboratory looked at the countless images and text on the Light Screen, their faces twitching involuntarily.
Although this Alien Knowledge had all been translated into Earth's images and text by Artificial Intelligence, even so, they could only understand one or two tenths of it.
This was not a matter of individual Wisdom superiority or inferiority, but a Technological Gap between two Civilizations.
Professor Connors did not express his Opinion on the Alien Researcher's Research this time. He coughed awkwardly: "Professor Pitt, besides Sandman, we have discovered another Experiment Subject who can Control Electricity. Someone will send him over to you shortly!"
"Boss asked about the Manufacturing Method for the Fear Gas. How is the Research progressing?"
Professor Connors, whose Knowledge was completely outmatched, left the Project area managed by the Alien Researchers with a group of Senior Researchers, almost in embarrassment.
Walking in the pure white Tunnel, Professor Connors did not forget to ask his Assistant.
"We used Computer Simulation for the Manufacturing Process of the Fear Gas, there are no problems. Supervisor Bob plans to use the Manufacturing of Fear Gas as the Exam Questions for junior to intermediate Researchers!"
"Okay!" Professor Connors listened to his Assistant's words and nodded. He stopped walking.
The Crowd following behind him also stopped and looked at him.
"I think you've also heard that some of the A-Class Projects will be relocated and moved out of the Hive Base. After all, this place is too small, and some A-Class Projects require a larger Testing Ground! The planned Large-Scale Experiment Bases, besides the Hive Experimental Base, are in three locations, all in the Underworld. Professor Samuel Sterns has already gone there with his Hulk Nurturing Project.
We will also follow suit gradually, but the Hive Base also needs a few people to Remain on Duty!
After all, the Underworld is too far away, and it's not convenient to go home. If you are interested in staying here for Research, send me an Email on the Company Computer!"
"I'm a lonely Elder, I have no Children. I'll leave the opportunity to Remain on Duty at the Base to others!" A thin Elder wearing a White Coat and with a gaunt face said with a smile.
"Me too, I'm old, and not close to my Children. I'll still follow the Project to the Underworld. Although I've analyzed the soil Environment there, I haven't personally gone to see it yet!"
"Nix, I remember your Great-Granddaughter was just born, you dote on her so much. Why don't you stay here? It only takes ten minutes to get home, it's convenient!"
"Wang! You stay if you want to stay, I still have a Project to follow up on!"
Regarding the issue of Remaining on Duty at the Base, several Elders over seventy years old actually started arguing in the Passage, talking over each other.
It seemed none of these Mad Scientists were willing to Remain on Duty at the Hive Base and Guide those Youngsters in Playing House.
"Buzz buzz buzz—"
Just as Professor Connors was about to speak, the Smartwatch on his Wrist, the same Model as Ryan Kane's, suddenly flashed. Then, a Phantom of a little girl in a Red Dress appeared on his Watch.
Seeing this scene, the several Senior Researchers who had just been arguing and Connors' Assistant sensibly walked to the Security Elevator and left.
"Professor Connors! Boss wants you to prepare twelve Golden Security Constructs! And two shots of Venus Potion!" Red Queen said to Professor Connors.
"What Model of Golden Security Construct is needed?"
"Junior Model. Boss instructed to set up the Self-Destruct Program!"
The Junior Model, which is the Consumable Type Golden Dragon Wing Strongman whose Cell Division Tip can only last for one day. Professor Connors nodded understandingly: "I'll go prepare them right away. I'll send them to Lake Heart Island Manor later!"
(end of chapter)