The scenes in the satellite images shook everyone in the Command Center to their core.
Apart from some of the younger generation born on Proxima Centauri, most of those present were veteran researchers from Earth.
Everything unfolding on Dawn Star tugged deeply at their hearts.
"If..."
An elderly man with graying hair murmured, his lips trembling slightly and tears of emotion glimmering in his eyes, "If humanity had possessed these capabilities back then, perhaps fewer people would have died during the evacuation."
His words left the researchers around him in silence.
Lü Yongchang clapped his hands lightly.
The crisp sound immediately drew everyone's attention.
"Cheer up, all of you."
"The experiment was a complete success. Why the long faces?"
A faint smile played across Lü Yongchang's lips as he teased them. "At this rate, once we master planetary terraforming, won't you all be holding a funeral for the original Earth?"
His humorous words instantly dispelled the gloomy atmosphere.
For a while, a cheerful air filled the Command Center.
"Ding-dong."
A crisp notification interrupted their laughter.
Lü Yongchang's gaze shifted to the Holographic Projection beside him.
Zero's virtual avatar slowly appeared.
"Professor, a report has come in from the shipboard Biological Laboratory."
Zero's synthesized voice rang through the Command Center. "A problem has arisen in the Magna heart-strengthening hormone experiment."
"The experimental mice are currently dying in large numbers."
The relaxed smile that had only just appeared on Lü Yongchang's face slowly froze.
"All right."
"I'll head over immediately."
Tap, tap, tap...
Hurried footsteps echoed down the Starship's corridor.
His expression grave and his brow slightly furrowed, Lü Yongchang strode toward the shipboard Biological Laboratory.
How could this happen?
His mind was full of confusion.
A few days earlier, he had found time to review the Biological Laboratory's experimental records.