As the hours dragged on, Dr. Sachiko's anxiety grew. The mounting pressure of her perceived failure weighed heavily on her mind. The other research teams in the last stronghold had managed to make some progress, while she felt stuck at a standstill. The thought of being cast out loomed over her like a dark cloud.
Sachiko wiped sweat from her brow and took a moment to reflect on her situation. She had always been dedicated to her work, but the stark reality was that if she didn't produce results soon, her fate would be sealed. The realization was a bitter pill to swallow. She was the only one considered a failure among the research teams, and her standing in the compound was increasingly precarious.
Her thoughts wandered to the possible scenarios she might face if expelled. The outside world was a grim place, teeming with danger and scarcity. She needed a plan, a way to increase her chances of survival if she were forced to leave.