"I...do," Fred answered after a pause.

"You do?" The queen's voice sharpened, becoming agitated. "Yet you've shown no remorse and continued the experiments behind my back? How long did you plan to keep this from me? Fred, what were you thinking?" Tears welled in her eyes, her voice choked with emotion. She was heartbroken and distressed.

Most believed the pandemic a natural disaster; others suspected bioterrorism or human action. The queen harbored similar suspicions, but never imagined their origin within her own country, let alone from her most trusted servant.

The pandemic was a catastrophe for all mankind. Even though it seemingly ended, countless lives were lost, countless more suffered lingering effects, and countless families were torn apart.

At the time, the queen worried about her own vulnerability to infection. She never, however, suspected Fred's culpability.

"I'm as heartbroken as you are, Your Majesty, but I had no choice. Experiments like these come with risks and sacrifices," Fred said, placing a hand over his heart. "However, if an experiment can create a better future, then such sacrifices are acceptable."

The queen was shocked, feeling as though she were facing a stranger.

"Do you know what you're saying, Fred? They were my people. Our relatives and friends! I only wanted to prolong my life for my people's sake. Now you're saying their lives don't matter?" She shook her head in disbelief.

"You're being too soft, Your Majesty. That's why I didn't tell you. I knew you couldn't bear it, so I acted alone." Fred rose to his feet, a first without the queen's command. Towering over her, he cleared his throat. "Your Majesty, I'm trying to say that none of us wanted this. The pandemic was an accident, a leak. We tried to mitigate its impact on our nation."

He tilted his head back, closed his eyes, and sighed. Slowly opening them again, he offered a chilling smile. "I know you're disappointed, Your Majesty. But rest assured, I did this for you and Yudonia. You'll understand one day."

"Fred!" The queen stared at him in astonishment, acutely aware of the impropriety of his towering presence.

"Fred, do you have any idea what you're doing? Have you gone insane?"

Fred's smile widened. "I've always known what I was doing. You're the one who doesn't! You've grown old and soft, lacking the vigor and decisiveness of your youth. It's time for you to regain it!"

"Fred!"

"Guard!" Fred shouted, his previous panic gone. The queen was stunned.