"First, let me clarify that the reason I approved this report is because after taking over Meteorite Star, the parasitic insects transitioned from the public health sector to military defense. As you may have seen in the news, the parasitic electronic insects on Meteorite Star went out of control, leading to the planet's fall."
"Common infectious disease reports are submitted to Cen Yemeng, while parasitic diseases and chemical weapon diseases are submitted to me," Isabelle explained. "This parasitic disease report was submitted to me as a potential biowarfare risk, and I will now read out the important information."
"Thank you!" the nurse on the other end of the phone replied.
"Firstly, the registration rate of parasitic diseases in 36 cities globally has increased by over 200%, with 12 cities having submitted reports," Isabelle stated. "The investigation team visited the six most severe cities for a week of in-depth investigation."
"The main reasons for the rise in parasitic disease cases are illegal immigrants, followed by the slums," Isabelle continued. "Seventy percent of parasitic disease patients are illegal immigrants. They were infected with diseases on their home planets, which had poor sanitary conditions, and then illegally immigrated to the Exile Star. This can be calculated from the lifespan of the parasites within their bodies."
"The issue in the slums is mainly due to unclean drinking water and food. Many children drink raw water from nature, and undercooked raw water has a high content of worm eggs. These cases account for about thirty percent of the total."
"After the investigation, the comprehensive judgment is that the source of infection can be confirmed, and the possibility of biological weapons can be ruled out. The number of cases will fluctuate with the number of illegal immigrants and the situation in the slums, but overall, there is no significant harm," Isabelle said. "Measures are already being taken, mainly along these lines."
"The first measure is to distribute more parasitic disease medications to major city hospitals and continuously monitor the situation based on case registration and medication usage," Isabelle paused. "Nurse, you just mentioned that your hospital has received parasitic disease medications."
"Yes, about thirty boxes, enough to treat over a hundred types of parasites," the nurse replied.
"The second measure is to conduct parasitic testing on registered illegal immigrants. The testing is carried out at resettlement sites and prisons, with military doctors responsible for the process. So far, 1.2 million people have been tested, and the process is ongoing," Isabelle stated.
"The third measure involves an investment of 17 billion in funds to upgrade the slum's water supply and sanitation systems and to conduct public awareness campaigns on parasitic diseases. Simultaneously, primary and secondary schools in various regions will distribute informational leaflets to each student," Isabelle added. "This matter should have already been reported in the news, and the first batch of cities has already begun renovations."
"Therefore, I believe there is no need to worry too much about this matter," Isabelle concluded. "Thank you very much for your call. Exile Star needs responsible medical personnel like you, and we will continue to monitor the follow-up situation."
"Thank you! Thank you so much! I feel reassured now!" the nurse said repeatedly.
The call ended.
Cen Yemeng continued to answer calls, this time from a man with a deep, resonant voice.
"I'm actually not an Exile Star resident; I'm a small business owner from Jiangye Star, but my problem is one that many small business owners are concerned about," the man said. "We've noticed that prices have been rising this year. The raw sugar we use for food has increased by about 40%, and sunflower oil has gone up by 20%. We'd like to know when this price increase will stop and what is causing it."
Cen Yemeng nodded. "The price increase isn't uniform. If you were a boss in the military industry or the metal industry, you would feel that prices are decreasing. However, the rise in food prices is a general trend, especially in the galactic rim where Exile Star is located; almost all planets are experiencing increases."
"Yes, the closer to the edge of the galaxy, the more severe the price increase. Food prices on Jiangye Star have barely moved, even slightly decreased, but Bi Rong Star has seen an average increase of 8%. As far as I know, Exile Star's increase is even higher," Jiang Ye interrupted, opening his microphone. "Food additives, sugar, salt, and oil have seen the biggest increases, while fruits, vegetables, and meat are still stable."
"Yes, the increase in food prices on Exile Star is 24%. I will first explain the reasons for the price hike and then discuss our countermeasures," Cen Yemeng nodded.
"As everyone should know, the Galactic Empire is expanding on a massive scale. In the few minutes we've been on this call, the Galactic Empire's territory might have added dozens, or even more, planets," Cen Yemeng said. "Logistics precede military action. The army is acquiring large quantities of food. Exile Star alone sold 77 million tons of sugar to the military this year. Planets on the galactic rim are selling large amounts of food, leading to a phased price increase."
"Secondly, the grain reserves in various parts of Exile Star are expanding their stockpiling scale this year, leading to an increase in food prices," Cen Yemeng continued. "Expanding stockpiling is also preparation for war. As the Galactic Empire expands outwards, it is highly likely to encounter some hostile alien civilizations, which could lead to significant resource consumption. Stockpiling sufficient grain and meat in various regions and releasing them at a low price at an appropriate time in the future can help stabilize grain prices. Also, if the Exile Star army needs to go on campaigns in the coming years, they can directly draw grain from the reserves."
"The third point concerns interstellar trade," Cen Yemeng stated. "Exile Star's food trade involves over thirty planets, and more than ten of these planets have seen food price increases of over 50%, which inevitably affects us."
"Please do not worry, the increase in food prices should largely conclude by next month," Cen Yemeng shifted the topic. "We have taken many steps, including providing subsidies for raw material prices to production enterprises and increasing export tariffs on some food products. Furthermore, the food prepared for war is already sufficient."
"Okay, then I am relieved. Thank you very much for your explanation!" the businessman said excitedly.
The call ended.
From eight to ten, then from ten to twelve.
The phones kept ringing, with three people taking turns answering various questions.
At five past twelve, Cen Yemeng finally spoke. "It's getting very late, and I see many audience members are tired. We've answered over ninety questions in these four hours. We will now take one last question before concluding."
Isabelle scrolled through the screen and selected a call.
"Greetings to the three leaders. I am a dean of students at a high school," a woman's voice came through the phone. "I want to ask a rather personal question. If the three leaders did not choose to be planetary leaders, what jobs would you choose? That is, what are your ideal jobs?"
The three on stage were taken aback.
"It's like this: our school was built three years ago and will soon have its first batch of graduates facing university entrance exams. They are facing the challenge of choosing majors and even career paths. I'm curious about what the ideal professions of the three leaders would be?" the dean of students added.