"Queen Yasmin wants to make Fred the guinea pig?" Austin shook his head. "That's unlikely. My experience with R10 in the lab suggests they haven't begun testing yet; the vessel requirements are incredibly stringent."

Finding two compatible bodies is extremely difficult. It's like organ transplantation; a precise match in bodily conditions is crucial. Even then, rejection and other adverse reactions are possible. Even if the queen intends to use Fred, a suitable vessel is essential.

"Do you think there isn't one for him?" Alexander asked.

Austin and Mike exchanged puzzled glances.

"Fred must have found a vessel," Alexander stated confidently. "If he hadn't, why would he want Queen Yasmin to test the experiment on his behalf? Why wouldn't he have secured a vessel himself if that was his plan?" The others understood.

After a moment's consideration, Mike asked, "So, now that the queen controls everything, she wants him to undergo the experiment first to allow for further adjustments?"

Alexander nodded. "Precisely. That's also why Lily is safe, for now."

"That's excellent news!" Mike breathed a sigh of relief. "No wonder Dominic mentioned buying time. We still have some left."

"No, we're running out," Alexander said, his hesitation evident as he looked at Mike.

Austin, meanwhile, watched them both, utterly perplexed.

Mike frowned, unease growing. "What? Just say it."

After a tense silence, Alexander said, "I received information from my source. Do you know who Fred's vessel is?"

"Who?" Mike suspected the answer, but couldn't bring himself to believe it. "Nicky?"

Alexander's reluctance confirmed Mike's fear. It had to be his son.

Alexander remained silent, his answer implicit.

"A child?!" Austin exclaimed, incredulous. "Could your source be mistaken? Fred is far older than Mike's son. How could they be compatible in terms of size and development?"