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Dreadhorse Chapter 6
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Lira always found solace in the numbers. As the lab’s data analyst, her days were filled with streams of information—temperature logs, chemical concentrations, experiment results—all meticulously recorded and cross-referenced. While others thrived on the tangible aspects of research, Lira delved into the patterns hidden within the data, her keen eyes spotting anomalies that often went unnoticed.
That evening, as the lab began to quiet down, Lira remained hunched over her workstation, sifting through the day’s data. The hum of the ventilation system was a constant backdrop, a reassuring reminder of the controlled environment she helped maintain. Tonight, however, something felt off. A subtle fluctuation in the air filtration metrics had caught her attention earlier, but she had dismissed it as a minor glitch. Now, with Valen’s report of the researcher’s symptoms, the data seemed to whisper a more urgent message.
She cross-referenced the air filtration logs with the timing of the experiments conducted in the adjacent lab. The data pointed to a brief spike in particulate matter coinciding with one of Orna’s late-afternoon sessions. Lira’s fingers flew over the keyboard, pulling up detailed logs and generating graphs to visualize the anomaly. The spike was subtle, but unmistakable—a momentary lapse in the otherwise flawless filtration system.
Concern gnawed at her. She knew the compounds Orna worked with were sensitive, any deviation could have serious consequences. Gathering her thoughts, Lira decided to approach Orna. She found her colleague meticulously arranging her workspace, the ritualistic cleaning a testament to her dedication.
“Orna,” Lira began, her voice steady but edged with urgency, “I was reviewing the filtration system logs from today, and I noticed a slight spike in particulate matter during your last experiment session.”
Orna glanced up, her expression guarded. “A spike? Our systems haven’t shown any irregularities. Everything is within the expected parameters.”
Lira shook her head gently. “I’m certain there was a brief increase. It was minor, but enough to correlate with the time your team was conducting the experiment. It might have been a sensor glitch, but given the incident Valen mentioned, it warrants a closer look.”
Orna’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of concern crossing her usually impassive face. She stepped away from her workbench, allowing Lira to continue. “Show me the data.”
Together, they pored over the logs. The evidence was clear—during the fifth experiment of the day, a minute but consistent rise in particulate levels suggested that something had escaped the usual containment protocols. Orna’s mind raced, considering the implications. If even a tiny breach had occurred, the consequences could be dire.
“We need to report this,” Orna said finally, her tone resolute. “Even if it’s a glitch, it’s better to be safe. I’ll inform Valen and the team to double-check all protocols.”
Lira nodded, a sense of relief mingling with apprehension. “I’ll prepare a detailed report of the data. It might help in understanding what happened.”
As they worked together to compile the information, Lira felt a deep sense of purpose. In a world governed by precision and control, her role was the silent guardian of integrity, ensuring that every detail was accounted for. Her collaboration with Orna not only highlighted the importance of vigilance but also reinforced the strength found in teamwork.
Later that night, as Orna and Valen discussed the incident, Lira watched from the doorway, satisfied that her diligence had bridged the gap between data and action. The brief distortion she had seen on her own monitors earlier had faded into significance, now part of a broader narrative of safety and responsibility.
In the controlled chaos of the lab, every role mattered. Lira, the data analyst, had once again proven that even the quietest voices could hold the key to unlocking the truth, ensuring that the sanctity of their work remained unbroken.