The laboratory buzzed with activity. Rows of scientists in crisp white lab coats busied themselves at various stations, each absorbed in their tasks. The air hummed with the sound of clinking glassware, the whir of machines, and the occasional brief conversation. It was a place of cold precision, where progress was measured in data points and results.

At the center of the room, an older scientist stood with a clipboard in hand, deep in conversation with a tall, imposing figure clad in a dark uniform. The man, the Honor Guard Captain, exuded an aura of authority, his piercing gaze sweeping over the bustling lab with a mixture of scrutiny and satisfaction.

"Everything seems to be in order," the captain said, his voice firm and controlled. "Expectations have been met. Advancements have been made. Achievements have been recorded. Your work here has been... satisfactory."

The old scientist nodded, a faint smile of pride tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Thank you, Captain. These facilities are top-notch."

"They had better be," the captain replied, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "We have allocated quite a large sum of money to this laboratory."

The captain’s eyes roved over the busy scientists, his mind clearly assessing more than just the equipment. "Tell me," he continued, "how are the new specimens coming along?"

The old scientist’s expression brightened. "Quite well, sir. Our four newest test subjects are quite superb."

The captain's gaze sharpened, focusing on the scientist before him. "Is that so? Have they surpassed subject number twenty-seven?"

At the mention of the number, the old scientist’s demeanor shifted. His smile faded, and he hesitated, glancing away as if the very mention of that subject brought a weight upon him. "I'm afraid so, sir," he admitted reluctantly. "We lost her."

The captain's eyes narrowed. "You lost subject number twenty-seven?"

"She escaped," the old scientist confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

"She escaped?" The Captain’s voice was icy, each word clipped with controlled anger. "Why was I not informed of this?"

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The old scientist flinched, his face pale. "She’s merely a round two test subject. We didn’t think it was a priority."

The Captain’s expression hardened, and he took a step closer, his presence looming. "You didn’t think?"

For a moment, the Captain said nothing, his eyes boring into the old scientist. Then, with a slow, deliberate movement, he raised a hand to his chin, rubbing it thoughtfully. He inhaled deeply, the silence in the lab stretching taut.

"Did you think this lab was approved by the voters?" the captain finally asked, his voice dangerously quiet. "Did you think this operation was above board? Did you think this research was ethical?"

The old scientist shook his head, a tremor in his voice as he stammered, "I-I'm sorry, sir. It won’t happen again."

The captain’s hand dropped to his side, but the tension did not ease. "Well, you are right about that."

In one swift motion, the captain drew a pistol from his holster and fired. The crack of the gunshot echoed through the lab, and the old scientist crumpled to the floor, his life extinguished in an instant. Blood pooled around his motionless body, staining the pristine white tiles.

The entire lab fell into a stunned silence. Every scientist froze, their attention riveted on the captain. Some stood with mouths agape, others with eyes wide in shock, but all were silent.

The captain surveyed the room, his voice rising as he addressed them all. "Listen up, all of you. The fate of humanity relies on the success of this facility. Do not fail me. Is that understood?"

Slowly, the scientists began to nod, their attentions dropping back to their workstations as they resumed their tasks with renewed urgency.

One figure among them walked forward, his steps careful and deliberate as he approached the captain and the body at his feet. This man, the new head scientist, had been the old scientist’s assistant, and now, by the captain’s decree, he would take his place.

The captain turned to him, eyes still sharp. "You were his assistant, were you not?"

The head scientist nodded. "Yes, Captain."

"Tell me," the captain asked, his tone carrying a hint of irony, "how did you fare in your ethics classes?"

The head scientist straightened, a faint smirk on his lips as he replied, "Never took them, sir."

"Good," the Captain responded, a cold smile touching his features. "You're in charge now. Find the escaped patient at once. I want her back here immediately. Clean up this debacle, clean up this lab, and get someone to clean up the mess on this floor."

"Right away, sir," the head scientist affirmed, already turning to the task at hand.

As the Captain strode out of the lab, his presence a fading shadow of authority, the remaining scientists hurried to follow the new head scientist’s orders. The lab buzzed back to life, but now with an urgency previously absent.