Xu Gong pressed a button on the control console, then answered the phone, her tone calm and cold. "Yes, we had an accident. Don't worry, there were no casualties. Only a few computers and some ongoing research projects were damaged. The Ant project was destroyed, but its data is intact."
A very young male voice spoke on the other end. "I don't think that was an accident, Xu Gong. The higher-ups have already sent people to help you relocate from the Pacific Base to the Antarctic Base. At least the Antarctic Base's defense rating is still reliable."
"You don't think it was an accident?"
"No. The Club may have acquired some kind of item we know nothing about. The accident you experienced could have been a plot by the Club."
Xu Gong considered this. "All right. When will the relocation team arrive?"
"In about an hour."
Xu Gong ended the call and looked behind her, her gaze passing over the others making repairs to settle on Dr. Xu.
Dr. Xu sat on a sofa in the Laboratory's reception room, a blanket draped over his legs and an open book resting on it. He smiled as he spoke with the others overseeing the projects, looking gentle, cultured, and kindly.
Most of those overseeing the projects were between forty and seventy years old, and nearly all were accomplished leaders in their respective fields.
Xu Gong walked over in silence and sat beside her mother. Dr. Xu glanced at her naturally, then laid his hand over hers and patted it.
Xu Gong clasped his hand in return. Her voice was quiet, but everyone present could hear her.
"The higher-ups have arranged for everyone to relocate. They say this base isn't safe and want everyone to move to the Antarctic Base."
One hot-tempered scientist