Machiko considers briefly, then says, "I have one other question. Please consider it purely hypothetical. If the two of you were both removed, if you were compelled to leave your positions with Neurocomp, would the GCP project suffer?" Mother seems disturbed by the question, but Father says plainly, "We merely administrate the GCP project, Machiko. We do not direct the experiments. And the project began with the agreement of all the senior officers. Unless the whole board was removed, the GCP project would almost certainly continue for the foreseeable future."