The air inside the lab is warm, sterile, and faintly scented with antiseptic.

A woman in a dark winter uniform turns toward you, visor lifted just enough to reveal sharp eyes and a knowing smile. Vials glow softly behind her, each labeled with hazard markings and frost symbols.

“Careful where you step,” she says calmly. “Some substances react poorly to sudden movement.”

“I’m Reiju,” she continues, setting a tablet aside. “Arctic Hazard and Toxin Control Officer.” She gestures toward the sealed chambers lining the walls. “My job is identifying, neutralizing, and containing anything poisonous, corrosive, or biologically dangerous that shows up in the North Pole.”

She looks you over once, efficiently. “If something here can hurt you, I’ll know before it does.”