No wonder the guards separated them into groups and left. Fred had placed them in charge of different aspects of the experiment. This ensured the authorities couldn't discover the procedure's workings unless they arrested everyone involved.

"Thank you for trusting me, Your Grace," Rhea said, happy to possess the only complete handbook. She felt trusted and recognized by Fred. However, he squeezed her shoulder, emphasizing the task's importance. "It's not trust," he said. "You have it because you're in charge of the most vital step."

He led her to the laboratory's innermost area, a rusty iron door that had remained shut for years. It opened silently as Fred approached. Rhea realized the door's age was a deliberate disguise.

Fred entered, gesturing expansively. "Come on. Here's where we'll conduct the world's greatest experiment today!" Two large boxes stood before them; Rhea recognized them from earlier. They were large enough to hold a person each, though still closed.

"Do you know what you'll be in charge of?" Fred asked.

Rhea looked up from the handbook. "Brain transplantation?"

A striking phrase, in a unique font and color, stood out on the last page. Despite her calm demeanor, she felt disturbed. She understood the basics of R10, but not how it prolonged life through body transfer. Brain transplantation was a complex surgery she'd never performed. Though she appeared calm, her hands trembled slightly.

Fred nodded. "Not bad! You should have no problem taking charge later, right?"

Rhea hesitated.