HM-I: "There's a leak. We need to activate Protocol Noah immediately."

HM-A: "How can you be so sure?"

HM-I: "You must activate the protocol now! The CDC was at the laboratory today."

HM-A: "And? We're still waiting for supplies, and we're desperately short on agents."

HM-I: "We don't have time anymore. The protocol must be initiated tonight. The sooner, the better. Someone has accessed my research."

HM-A: "How is that even possible? And if the CDC is involved, how come you're able to communicate? Weren't you interrogated?"

HM-I: "I don't know. The CDC summoned the entire staff. They conducted a presentation, claiming they were recruiting volunteers for a task force focused on research into prokaryotic entities capable of colonizing animal cells and modifying their genetic material... My prokaryotes! Well, from the same family. I don't know how they managed to get hold of that material or who was foolish enough to synthesize and test it on living beings. The prototypes were not ready... it can't be a coincidence that CDC agents approached our laboratory! They must have stumbled upon Aro's published works on my research and must think he's behind these advancements... that's the only explanation I have for being allowed to return home."

The air is thick with tension as the words reverberate through the hidden channel of communication. Panic surges in my veins, like a tempest that threatens to engulf my every thought. Protocol Noah—the ultimate contingency plan, the last resort—is being invoked. The weight of the situation presses heavily upon me. It's not just about safeguarding my research anymore;

HM-A: "Activating the protocol will draw attention. The resources we've gathered so far, the connections we've established—they could all unravel."

HM-I: "I understand the risks. But we're past the point of cautious deliberation. If we don't act swiftly, whatever's been set into motion could spiral beyond our control."

Panic seizes me as I contemplate the repercussions of these actions. Years of research on the technique of introducing prokaryotes into animal cells flash before my mind's eye. My focus has been centered on optimizing cellular oxygenation for years now. Theoretically, I stand on the cusp of finding a way for cells to multiply their oxygen utilization, perhaps even produce it. This evolutionary leap, encoded deeply into the genetic fabric from the very first generation, could have led humanity to combat air pollution and alleviate countless congenital diseases, especially those afflicting the pulmonary system—a crucial cause given the precipitous decline in air quality. Our calculations projected that the air in our city centers would become unbreathable within the next 15 years, and with increasing deforestation and population growth, the planet itself would lose its habitability within 30 years.

HM-A: "We should distance ourselves and cease all communications for the time being. But I fail to understand the urgency in triggering Project Noah!"

HM-I: "You don't understand! My research was still in the project stage. The prokaryotes are meant to invade living cells and corrupt the genetic material responsible for protein production. At the molecular level, corrupted cells no longer interact with oxygen in the same manner."

HM-A: "Could it affect a human cell?"

HM-I: "They were designed to..."

HM-A: "What would be the consequences for the human host?"

HM-I: "I cannot be certain without experiments, but it's certain that the host's cells would deteriorate and begin to decompose. In the case of the prototypes that the CDC presented, the system becomes gangrenous, gradually 'rusting' away, seeking a host rich in iron and living cells to further its invasion. It's certain that organisms as simple as prokaryotes will direct all their energy towards their means of reproduction and expanding their territory. In this case, blood would be the most favorable."

HM-A: "Could it be contagious?"

HM-I: "Chances of them becoming airborne are slim, but they could potentially spread through bodily fluids..."

The weight of this revelation crashes over me like a tidal wave, drowning me in the horror of my own creation. The path I've embarked upon now seems fraught with darkness, and every step taken threatens to unravel a web of consequences beyond comprehension. The prokaryotes—the very foundation of my work—have the potential to unleash chaos, a force capable of reshaping the destiny of mankind itself.

HM-A: "I still don't understand this panic... Even if a few individuals conducted experiments, it won't likely be on a large scale. We would have heard of it! We have time to organize ourselves!"

HM-I: "There's nothing to organize... there's no cure."

HM-A: "But... can't you consider any possibilities?"

HM-I: "These entities rewrite a part of our genetics. It's as if they're forcing an evolutionary leap. We must initiate Plan Noah immediately. Your research must continue at all costs."

HM-A: "But you're not planning to participate?"

HM-I: "I can't... The CDC might track me down and compromise everything we've worked for. Besides, I need to stay. I can assist the CDC in finding a solution to eradicate infected population centers, even if it seems they're either in the dark about what happened or willing to deny any involvement until the very end... I swear, during their presentation, it felt like they were offering scholarships to young scientists seeking direction for their future careers! None of them seemed to realize the peril of what was being presented to us."

HM-A: "Perhaps that's all it is... a case study? An experiment? We could prepare everything while waiting for you! You could join us in a few days, and we could complete the final step together."

Doubt lingers in the air like an uninvited specter, a silent question that chills even the most resolute hearts. I'm torn between the need to stay and offer my expertise to the CDC and the instinct to flee from the storm I've unwittingly set in motion. The plan to join forces once more is enticing, a glimmer of hope in the abyss of uncertainty. But even as I consider it, I can't shake off the haunting feeling that the moment for unity might be slipping through our fingers, a mirage born of desperation.

The plan to trigger Protocol Noah hangs over me like the sword of Damocles, its impending activation a testament to the uncharted territory we've ventured into. I can only hope that, somewhere within the labyrinth of possibilities, there lies a solution, a way to extinguish the fires that threaten to consume us all.

HM-I: "I fear we can't afford to wait... We can't take any risks."

HM-A: "What aren't you saying?"

HM-I: "It's just a suspicion, but... the heavy maritime traffic in Southeast Asia over the past few days. I don't think it's a military display or a diplomatic fallout between two nations. I think it's a quarantine."

HM-A: "A quarantine? Across all of Southeast Asia... but that would mean..."

HM-I: "A global pandemic, and given the scale, I have no doubt it's already crossed the Pacific."

HM-A: "What symptoms will the infected subjects have? How can we protect ourselves?"

HM-I: "These are mere speculations, but I believe we should anticipate hemorrhages from the eyes, nose, all cavities... I'm unsure about the rest, but at an advanced stage, the bodies will have adapted to function differently... probably without oxygen, which could lead to cellular decay. A sort of living mummification. Direct contact must be avoided. Fire is the only way I know to eliminate the risk of infection. But I won't know more without observation."

HM-A: "I can't leave you alone."

HM-I: "It's imperative. Gather the others and leave immediately."

HM-A: "Then we'll take the convoy and leave the other annexes for you to join us when you can."

HM-I: "I'm afraid the quarantine will be enforced swiftly... Borders and coasts will be monitored, and refugees will be shot."

HM-A: "You can use the simulations we conducted. There's little chance the military can endure these conditions for more than a few months. When the time is right, you'll have the opportunity to join us."

HM-I: "Please, activate the protocol. We'll find each other again."

The gravity of the situation hangs in the air like a storm cloud, casting a shadow over our every word. The finality of our decisions becomes achingly clear as we lay out our plans. The world teeters on the brink of an unprecedented catastrophe, one that threatens to reshape the very foundations of existence. The bond we share, the whispers of hope, they all seem to dissolve in the face of the impending storm. My role, my duty, is to stay behind, to face the abyss alone, and to search for a way to quell the rising tide of chaos.

HM-A: "Very well. I'll initiate Protocol Noah, but be prepared for the consequences. Our paths could diverge from here on."