"The organization doesn't need us either," Mike said, his voice laced with mixed emotions. He wasn't trying to convince Rhea.

Rhea only cared about her research. Obsessed, she was unreachable, impossible to sway against the organization or to shut down this evil place. Convincing her was pointless; only her experiments and fame mattered.

Rhea nodded. "Yes, you're right! However, the world always needs someone valuable. As long as I prove useful, they'll need me. Just as they need Lily now."

A mysterious smile played on her lips. "However, it won't be long for her."

Mike, remembering her earlier words, finally asked, "What the hell do you mean? Why wouldn't the organization need Lily? Anyone could be a test subject. Why her? With her abilities—"

"With her abilities, she could do much more for the organization," Rhea interrupted, knowing precisely what he was about to say.

Mike, surprised, had been about to voice that very thought. He wondered what Rhea was implying.

"You're wrong! The organization finds Lily's knowledge incredibly useful, but it's not just that. It's also her body, her capabilities…"

Puzzled, Mike looked at Rhea.

She seemed to decide, perhaps to gain his trust, or perhaps simply because she no longer saw a reason to hide it, to tell him what she knew. "I discovered this by chance. Besides the drug's effects, the organization has never revealed its final, crucial step for R10."

"What is it?" Mike mused. "Use Lily as a test subject? A vessel?"

Rhea had mentioned this before, but he'd been too preoccupied with finding Lily to press further. Now, however, with her willingness to speak, he was determined to learn the truth.

"That's right!" Rhea exclaimed. "A fucking vessel! R10 will eventually be used on her; her body will absorb the drug first. It'll mitigate the toxicity and enhance the drug as human cells absorb and break it down, finally making it ready for its true use."

Mike struggled to believe it. "Will the drug still be useful after a human body absorbs it?"

"Of course! As long as they time it correctly, they can produce optimal results." She clicked her tongue. "I have to admit, it's a brilliant idea. I wonder which genius conceived it. I'm looking forward to seeing the results."

She was obsessed with the experiments, but Mike found the idea abhorrent. Letting a human body absorb and break down the drug before use? Using humans as 'filtering agents' is incredibly inhumane, he thought.

"But she… is pregnant!" Mike murmured, the words barely audible.