Scientist Rinsing Mud from Sample Tubes at Dawn

Pale monitor light and faint instrument readouts illuminate a dark workspace beside a flowing stream in Manta. A scientist stands before a stainless steel sink, hands submerged as they rinse thick, wet mud from the lids of ceramic sample tubes. The water cascades over the rough, earth-stained surfaces, revealing the clean white ceramic beneath. Humid air hangs heavy, visible as a soft haze in the beam of the glow. Symmetrical rows of tubes line the counter, their cylindrical forms reflecting the cool blue light. one drop of water rests on the rim of a tube, suspended against the dark background.