A massive screen on the far wall flickered to life. It wasn't a recording this time; it was a live feed.
Director Thorne stood in a pristine white lab, looking directly into the camera. Beside him was a tank of glowing green fluid. Inside the tank was a body that looked exactly like a younger version of himself.
"Science requires sacrifice, Adrien," Thorne's voice was smooth, cultured. "You and Ashley are the final pieces. The 'Chemistry' of the soul requires a perfect vessel. Your neural architecture is a masterpiece. Why waste it on a life of mediocrity?"
"You're insane," Ashley spat at the screen.
"I am immortal," Thorne corrected. "And the process has already begun."