Prelude to Genesis [1]

Men and women in pristine white lab coats moved methodically through the sterile, fluorescent-lit lab.

The room was filled with typical laboratory equipment: microscopes, vials of chemicals, and computers humming with data analysis.

The soft beeping of machines echoed faintly.

At one of the large windows, the view was nothing but an endless expanse of snow, a white desert stretching as far as the eye could see.

Snowflakes drifted lazily from the sky, which, despite being a crisp blue, gave no warmth to the scene.

It was 4 a.m., but the brightness outside made it feel like the day had refused to end.

Among the scientists stood three men dressed in black military uniforms.

One of them, with jet-black hair and eyes to match, stood out as the target of muffled snickers.

The others—both soldiers and scientists—tried their best to suppress their laughter, their smiles betraying their efforts.