Mars City, outside Port Ten, in the temporary laboratory.
Academician Ding Xueming stared anxiously at the readings before him and let out a deep sigh.
"This is... this is difficult!"
Despite every physical cooling measure they had taken, the six Starship pilots' temperatures remained above 38°C.
The damage this inflicted on their bodies was undoubtedly severe!
While Ding Xueming fretted, a researcher hurried over to him with a document.
"Professor Ding, the blood sample results are back."
At those words, Ding Xueming quickly turned and took the document the researcher handed him.
The moment he saw the data, his brow furrowed.
"Elevated white blood cell and neutrophil percentages, elevated C-reactive protein, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate..."
He murmured, "This is classic inflammation caused by a bacterial infection!"
At that moment, he actually felt relieved.
Bacteria are good. As long as it isn't a virus!
Based on past experience, bacterial infections were relatively easy to treat.
"Have you identified the pathogen?" Ding Xueming turned to the researcher beside him. "Where is the infection located?"
A hint of hesitation appeared in the researcher's eyes.
"Professor Ding..."
"Hm?" Seeing the researcher's expression, Ding Xueming felt his heart sink. "Tell me! What's going on?!"
"...We've identified the pathogen, but we've found these bacteria throughout the patients' bodies," the researcher said with a bitter expression. "All six patients now have varying degrees of inflammation throughout their bodies. That's why their fevers won't break."
Ding Xueming's expression instantly darkened.
"Have you tested for drug resistance?"
"Do our antibiotics work?"
The researcher slowly shook his head. "Professor Ding, so far, these bacteria have shown extremely strong drug resistance."
"Even our most effective antibiotic has only a slight effect."
Although he had anticipated this result, the moment he heard the researcher's answer, Ding Xueming felt a chill rise along