Yasmin lowered her gaze, concealing her emotions. She couldn't reveal the experiment's true purpose; people would condemn her for attempting to prolong her life by sacrificing another. She couldn't abandon it, however. The organization provided each team with a formula, instructing them to follow it precisely.
Naturally, they also provided irrelevant formulas to obscure the experiment's goal. This wasteful use of manpower and resources was necessary to maintain confidentiality.
Lily mused, "Now that I think about it, some aspects of the formula don't align. I'd like to adjust it."
"How?" Yasmin asked softly.
"I'd alter some ingredients, their dosages, and the order of addition," Lily explained. "Our research focused on transplantation, replacement, and continuation. I'm considering stimulating cell activity and regeneration. This would eliminate the need for risky transplantation, while still achieving your goal."
"Really?" Yasmin asked eagerly, intrigued by Lily's explanation. Her excitement now surpassed that felt when Fred first mentioned the experiment. While she yearned for it, hesitation remained. The experiment was inhumane, involving another's sacrifice, and highly risky.
Though she didn't fully grasp Lily's explanation of cell regeneration, she understood it avoided body swapping. She wouldn't endure endless surgeries. Not only might she regain her youth, but she wouldn't have to explain body-swapping to her people.
"Well, I can't guarantee success, but it's feasible," Lily said gravely. She knew she couldn't promise results; the less confident she sounded, the more Yasmin would believe her. A confident promise would only seem like an excuse to save Nick and herself.
After hesitating, Yasmin asked, "Then... how much time do you need?"
"Six months, or longer," Lily answered honestly. Redoing everything would take time.
The excitement in Yasmin's eyes dimmed. She mumbled, "I'm running out of time." She'd waited long enough for R10, and might not even survive another six months.
After considering, Lily said, "Perhaps you should let me try? Exploring another option wouldn't hurt, would it?"