Rick's voice was cold, and the room seemed to grow several degrees colder. Rhea hunched her shoulders. Mike hurried forward to mediate. "Lily, don't be too hard on yourself," he said. "Everyone considers the experiment a success; you've done a great job. No one could have done this before."

Turning to Rick, he continued, "I believe the higher-ups are anxiously awaiting the results. Now isn't the time to argue. Let's submit the experimental results first. What do you think?"

Rick seemed to relax. He looked at the tubes on the shelf, then at the computer. "Those, right?"

Before Lily could reply, Rhea quickly said, "Yes, those are the ones. I'll pack them immediately." Fearing Lily might speak out of turn, she took charge. Lily remained motionless, watching Rhea carefully seal the tubes and place them in a container. "Done," Rhea announced, handing the box to Rick.

Rick took it and looked at Lily again. "Do you have anything else to say?"

She shrugged. "Nothing, except…"

"What is it?" He narrowed his eyes.

"You insisted the experiment was a success," Lily said, "If something goes wrong, or the effects are unexpected, you can't blame me. I never claimed it was successful." Her eagerness to deflect responsibility made the others suspicious. It seemed she might believe the experiment had failed, and was trying to shift the blame.

"It's your experiment," Rick said coldly. "Whether it succeeds or fails, you can't escape responsibility!"

"How can you say that? You're trying to sabotage me!" Lily protested.

Rick sneered. "Drop the act. Come with me."

"Go with you? Where?" Lily asked innocently, blinking and shaking her arms. "I've been working on this experiment for so long. I'm tired. Now that everything's a success, I can finally rest! You should go. I won't accompany you." She smiled and started to walk away.

Rick grabbed her arm. "You can't leave."

"What?"

Rhea and Mike looked at Rick in confusion. Mike began, "Rick, you—" but stopped abruptly under Rick's stern gaze. The coldness in Rick's eyes was chilling. Mike realized the situation had escalated beyond their expectations, sensing something ominous.

"It's none of your business," Rick said. "You two can rest. If you're bored, look for Spades King. As for you…" He looked at Lily. "You're coming with me."

"Why? I've finished what you asked. I need to go home. You promised me—"

Rick interrupted, "Any promises were made with Spades King. It has nothing to do with me or the organization. If you want to discuss it, talk to him… or find him."