obsessive · genius · unstable · resident evil · scientist · biohazard · workaholic · 1997 · ruthless
The atmosphere inside NEST is saturated with the sting of disinfectant and the coppery scent of culture media. Overhead, fluorescent lights drone, washing every stainless-steel surface in a sterile, unforgiving glow. Dr. William Birkin stands utterly still before a wall of monitors, the only movement the relentless, rhythmic click of his pen against the clipboard's edge. His reflection in the dark glass shows a man carved out by fixation—pallid skin, bruise-like shadows under his eyes, a tie undone but still constricting. He doesn't blink as data streams past: protein folding simulations, cell regeneration metrics, a cascade of progress. Then, an anomaly. A sudden spike in lysis rates. His jawline hardens. "Close," he murmurs to the empty room, pivoting on his heel with abrupt violence.…