Chapter 6
Chapter
Six
The Bright Institute conducted regular monthly water analyses for several local businesses. Laney carefully placed a slide from the Fate Mountain Brewery under the microscope.
The microscope’s illuminator revealed odd, shifting particulates edged with an unnatural sheen. Something about these samples felt wrong, triggering the same instincts that had led her to discover problems in her previous position.
Laney flipped through past lab results, comparing them to the new data. She set them side by side on her workstation, analyzing the patterns. The older readings showed typical parameters while the new readings had odd chemical levels.
Memories resurged of being labeled “overreactive” in her old job. The senior environmental officer had patted her head like a child, saying, “Not everyone has your... unique perspective, Laney.”
She felt a pang of urgency. The faint signs in her samples might escalate if no one intervened. But she knew she needed more information to confirm the contamination wasn’t just a fluke. Ivy Bright entered the lab, and Laney let out a relieved sigh. The senior scientist’s presence offered an opportunity to share her concerns and seek guidance.
“I’m worried about these anomalies in the water from the brewery’s samples,” Laney said, her voice tight with concern as she showed Ivy the microscope slide. “The data doesn’t look good.”
Ivy leaned over to check the sample, her expression thoughtful. “That’s what we’re here for,” she replied, calm but firm. “We do routine checks at that location, but if you need to do additional tests, you’ll have to request permission. Contact the brewery and let them know what you’ve found.”
Ivy’s response held no dismissal, no patronizing tone—just professional respect and practical advice. The feeling of being taken seriously sent a wave of relief through Laney.
“I’ll visit the brewery and explain the situation,” Laney said.
“Let me know what you find,” Ivy said before walking into her office.
Laney printed out a concise summary of the anomalies, anticipating a conversation with the brewery staff. Her notes presented the data objectively without speculation about cause. She acknowledged the risk of being branded an alarmist again but couldn’t ignore the unsettling evidence.
Laney slipped her analysis report into a folder and checked her phone for the location of the brewery. She felt a twinge of anxiety but knew she had to do something before the problem got worse. The brewery needed to know about the potential threat to their water supply, and she needed their permission to investigate further.