"Well, he's here," Alexander told Dr. Blanc, then hung up. "Let him in," he instructed.

Mike, his clothes wrinkled and dirty, looked so disheveled that strangers might not have recognized him. He practically threw himself into the car upon its opening. "How could you, Alex?!" he snapped. "I told you what happened, and you let them lock me up! What do you take me for, a guinea pig? Who the hell were those people? They took my blood, ran tests—as if I were infected! What the hell was that all about?"

Mike knew Dr. Blanc and his men; they hadn't revealed their identities. Though he hadn't been mistreated, two days' unwarranted confinement in the X Department building had angered him. His first priority upon release was to unleash his frustration on Alexander.

Alexander remained silent, letting Mike vent, then handed him a towel. Puzzled, Mike asked, "Why are you giving me this?"

"To use," Alexander replied blandly, gesturing toward the back. "There are some spare clothes there. They should fit. Clean up and change."

"What the hell? You think I'm too dirty for you?" Mike frowned. "It's your fault I'm like this! I'm not carrying any viruses! Although I deal with them every day, I—"

"I've captured Rhea Moore," Alexander interrupted.

Mike was taken aback. "Huh?"

"I also went to the vaccine research facility."

"Oh."

"So you don't have to work with Rhea anymore."

"Okay..."

Overwhelmed by Alexander's concise replies, Mike stared, rapidly processing the information. When Alexander fell silent, Mike asked, "So where are we going now?"

"To rescue my wife... and your son," Alexander said calmly.

Mike was perplexed.

"My son? You're saying you're taking me to Yudonia?" Mike's assumption stemmed from his knowledge that his son was likely within the Royal Palace compound.

"But I don't have my passport. Can you wait—"

"We don't have to leave the country," Alexander said.

"What? Didn't you say my son is in—"

Alexander shook his head. "Clean up and change first. You can't go in looking like this."

"Oh," Mike nodded, taking the towel and moving towards the back. Looking over his shoulder, he added, "Wait a minute. Why do I feel like you're disgusted with me?"