Sachiko and Ryo ate their ramen and canned food, the simplicity of the meal contrasted sharply with the complexity of their situation. Sachiko's mind drifted back to her time with Dr. Kurose, the memories of their research sessions and his warnings echoing in her thoughts.
She recalled one particular conversation with Dr. Kurose, a moment that had seemed insignificant at the time but now felt deeply relevant.
"Dr. Kurose," Sachiko had asked, "why is this particular research so important? Why are we focusing so much on these genetic tests?"
Dr. Kurose had looked up from his tablet, his eyes reflecting the weight of the information he carried. "Sachiko, what I'm about to tell you stays between us. The government has been funding research to develop a virus that could, in theory, control population growth—using it as a biological tool rather than a weapon. But like all such things, it's dangerous, unpredictable."
