Lily thought nothing of it, lowered her head, and began reading the date. Flipping through the pages, she discovered the same problem she'd encountered with the experiment. Subduing the scent was necessary to maximize the drug's potency; otherwise, allowing the natural aromas to emanate would diminish its effectiveness. The biggest challenge was perfectly combining the two.

Lily couldn't understand their insistence on such perfection, given that imperfection was the norm, and true perfection, paradoxically, was an imperfection containing defects. The earlier research, she noted, had been intended to cure people. Patients would have accepted a milder scent; complete eradication of the herbal smell wasn't necessary. Upon discovering the research's actual goal—not medicine, but poison—she understood the organization wasn't trying to alleviate suffering, but to subtly influence people.

She imagined their target was someone important, the intention not to kill, but to manipulate. Such a person would be well-protected, making spices a more discreet method of poisoning than direct contact. However, Lily didn't know the organization's target. After reviewing the data, she shook her head.

"What's wrong?" Mike asked.

"The data is incomplete," Lily said, handing him the documents. "I made it very clear I needed everything. Concealing anything renders it incomplete."

"But everything's here," Mike replied, puzzled. He'd anticipated her arrival and ensured the workers compiled the necessary information. He wouldn't know, of course, how complete it actually was.

"You must ask them if the data files are complete. They know better than you," Lily said, turning to the person who'd given her the documents.

The worker was facing away, seemingly unconcerned. She hadn't heard Lily and Mike.

"Ahem..." Mike cleared his throat. He didn't know the worker's name—many wore masks and hazmat suits. However, he knew access to this heavily guarded area was strictly controlled.

When his cough elicited no response, he said, "Whatshername?"

Lily looked at him bewildered.

Embarrassed, Mike approached the worker, hand raised to pat her shoulder, when she suddenly turned, staring at him. Startled, Mike froze, hand hovering, unsure what to say.

"Uh..."

"What do you want?" The worker's unfriendly tone and strange voice, even muffled by the hazmat suit, betrayed her agitation.