Alexander began to speak, but Lily interrupted. "Say no more," she said firmly. "My mind is made up. Besides, there's no better solution." They would have pursued another if one existed. The truth was, they had done their best.

Lily continued, "I've told Queen Yasmin I'll create a new cell-regenerating drug to prolong life. She believes me, at least for now. I'll continue the research and then convince her to halt the R10 experiment."

Austin cautioned, "Even if she believes you, she'll need to test the drug. She might even use it on you if she suspects you." Given Yasmin's suspicious nature, Austin's concern was valid.

Before Lily could respond, Mike spoke. "I'll go," he said, surprising them. He raised a hand, his resolve evident. "Let me go with you." He glanced at the hesitant Lily. "Since the experiment requires a test subject," Mike stated flatly, "I'll volunteer."

"Mike, do you know what you're talking about? This isn't a joke!" Austin exclaimed. As Lily had explained, she'd fabricated the experiment to deceive Yasmin. No one knew the consequences if the queen decided to test it on someone.

"I know," Mike smiled. "Lily clarified it just now, but that's why I need to go. I can be the test subject. What if Queen Yasmin decides to test the drug on Lily if I don't?"

"Of course," Austin continued, "since Lily still needs to conduct research, the queen might find another candidate. I doubt they'd sacrifice their own people, so the test subject would most likely be…" After all, they had abducted him to be a test subject; the experiment itself mattered little to them. Silence fell.