"Rustle, rustle, rustle... Video clear. Recording started."
Doctor Anna aimed the camera at herself and took a deep breath. She wanted to speak to the camera about her schedule in a businesslike tone, but saying such things to an emotionless lens felt far too awkward.
After gathering herself for a moment, she relaxed her tone instead:
"It is now 7:56 a.m., October 7, year 220 of the Galactic Era. I am Assistant Physician Anna—no, I am no longer an assistant."
"I am located in the Outlands, at the Nethermark Humanity relief organization in P-205 Shelter... The situation is worsening. The greenhouse and synthetic protein systems have been heavily damaged, and most medical equipment has been destroyed. The infected people under our care need Gene Stabilizer, Steroid Drug, and ventilators, but all of those have been destroyed as well—I truly don't know whether the people I sent out can steal them back."
"Twin Queens... The pressure is too much. The security team has been devastated, Nethermark Humanity is weaker than ever, and no one can sleep peacefully. As the acting leader, only these early-morning diary entries bring me any peace."
"Besides daily supplies, we also lack steel, titanium, and aluminum. Our weapons reserves are even worse. Fortunately, we still have enough uranium fuel rods for the reactor... Now, there is only one path left to me."
She picked up the professor's tablet and operated it as she spoke. "While clearing out the professor's belongings, I found a communicator for Frostplate."
"Professor... My teacher was still too stubborn. She could have asked Frostplate for help at any time, yet she would rather die than join them. Xue Nuo's failure must have affected her deeply."
"She was still lost in the shadows of the past... still as beautiful, innocent, and kind as she