Alexander Vandervoss entered the research facility.

“Jackson!” Alexander said.

A young man in his late twenties turned around.

“Hello, Mr. Vandervoss. Can I help you with something?”

“Is Ron available? I was just about to check his office,” Alexander said.

“I wouldn’t bother. He’s in the lab with Ash,” Jackson said.

“Who’s Ash?”

“Dr. Ash Williams is Ron’s chief scientist and reports to him,” Jackson said.

“Interesting. Show me where I can find this lab.”

“Follow me,” Jackson said.

A minute later, Jackson and Alexander entered the lab facility. Ash and Ron were huddled around an electron microscope; Alexander looked at Jackson and put a finger over his lips. Jackson nodded.

“We did it! The cells are stable enough to begin the cloning process,” Ron said.

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“That is wonderful news,” Ash said.

“It is, but it is only the beginning. We still need to stabilize the sample.”

“I want to run an experiment using the technology in my dissertation,” Ash said.

“You mean use human DNA to activate your cyborgs?” Ron gave Ash a disapproving look. “No way. I won’t allow it.”

“You use DNA to clone dogs, cats, and even goats!” Ash countered.

“Those are animals. I’m not experimenting on humans. Besides, I only have enough of the compound for my next batch of experiments, which are scheduled for testing tomorrow.”

“How long will it take produce more?”

“Several weeks, at least,” Ron said.

“My life’s work involves helping humans,” Ash said. Ash gave Ron a pleading look. “I have several signed waivers for patients dying for this, and you’re worried about corporate profits.”

“Look, Dr. Williams,” said Ron with a sigh, “it’s not that I don’t want to help you. I believe in your cause, but management is threatening to shut me down if I don’t produce results—and soon. I would wait until next week, but the day after tomorrow is a holiday and we need to show results before then.”

“Understood,” Ash said.

Ash turned to leave the building, and she almost ran into Alexander Vandervoss.

“Sorry, I didn’t see you there!” Ash said as she left.

“How long have you been standing there?” Ron demanded.

“Long enough to see you have made significant progress. The board will be very happy!” Alexander replied.

“Wait just a minute. You can’t tell them anything . . . yet!”

“Why not? I need to show the investors something. They are getting restless,” Alexander said.

“Give me another month—then you shall have results.”

Alexander thought for a moment.

“You have a week to produce something, and from the looks of it, tomorrow’s test will be a day to remember. Keep me posted,” Alexander said, leaving Ron to his thoughts. Jackson followed quickly behind.