A woman in her thirties was sitting across from Nathan in his office.
- No, no, Andrea, you can’t leave Omni now, Nathan said in a neutral tone.
- I see word travels fast, Andrea replied.
- Don’t tell me it’s to go work for AuraSun.
- No, don’t worry, it’s not that.
- May I ask why? Nathan asked, curious.
- Personal reasons, answered Andrea playfully.
- Forgive my bluntness. Before making such a decision, is there nothing I can do to change your mind?
- No, not really.
- I knew this day would come.
- Oh really? Andrea asked, intrigued.
- It seems to me that you are one of those rare people who are fully qualified, Nathan said, emphasizing the word fully.
Andrea was shocked Nathan had that information, but didn’t show it. She knew he was looking for a negotiating angle, even if he wasn’t wrong. Indeed, in these advanced times, various pathologies caused by the continual use of chemicals in the agro-industrial sector had impacted human fertility, both female and male. Decades of shifting societal norms had not helped to restore birthrates, granting privileged status to humans both capable and willing to reproduce. Despite the shortage, a qualification system had been implemented, making generational renewal elitist, intellectually and physically. Andrea had passed all the filters of that system, which Omni had significantly helped design.
- In all modesty, I don’t think I’m the only one who’s competent, Andrea attempted.
- My dear Andrea”, Nathan replied with a smile, “you know exactly what I mean. Without playing armchair psychologist, I think you’re going through a dry spell. You’ve had good results, but you haven’t fully completed the mission I gave you.”
Andrea said nothing, but grew increasingly uncomfortable. Nathan continued:
- Allow me to reaffirm my trust in you. You’re so close to succeeding, I believe you’d regret leaving when you’re this close to the finish line. You’re on the verge of bringing the greatest innovation to humanity and, in doing so, engraving your name in history.
- It’s true the recent results have been frustrating, Andrea replied.
She then thought: Don’t give him any leverage, Andrea, you want to leave, and added:
- But please believe me when I say my personal reasons are very real.
- I take your word for it, my dear Andrea. All I ask is a little more time from you, because while for you it may be about personal pride or glory, for me, it’s about survival.
- What do you mean? Andrea asked, surprised.
- Andrea, you’ve known me for several years now, you’ve seen my physical condition deteriorate to what it is today. Doctors say I don’t have long left unless there’s a miracle cure”, explained Nathan.
Andrea was shocked by the news, and an unpleasant silence settled in. Seeing the discomfort grow, Nathan turned the negative moment into an opportunity and said: “Give me five years, and you won’t regret it. I know my request is selfish, but five years is nothing in our time. After that, I’ll let you go, and you can start a family as much as you’d like, Nathan added playfully.
- It’s not just about parenting, if you want to bring up the subject so bluntly and frankly. I have other needs, and while I appreciate your confidence, there’s no certainty of a breakthrough anytime soon.
- Pardon my directness, you know I’m bad at sugarcoating things. I understand your skepticism, and for that reason, I’ve recruited one of the most brilliant neurosurgeons in the world. Together, I’m sure you’ll succeed soon.
Andrea, who knew every neurosurgeon who mattered, abruptly paused her thoughts:
- Dr. Wu is joining Omni? Andrea asked, both surprised and intrigued by the chance to work with one of the world’s greatest minds.
- Exactly, he arrived yesterday. I placed him next to your lab. Perhaps you’ll manage to kill two birds with one stone, no pun intended.
Andrea seemed embarrassed by Nathan’s remark, and he added:
- I’ll be transparent with you: Dr. Wu arrived yesterday, but nothing says he’s inclined to stay. He’s not convinced by Omni’s intentions, so I’m counting on you to do everything you can to help me persuade him.
Andrea was aware of Nathan’s all-or-nothing approach, but she held back to see what he meant by that. She asked:
- What do you mean by everything?
- You have carte blanche.
- Mr. Jackson, scientists aren’t people who fall in love at first sight.
- You’re right, Andrea, but they are still human beings, sensitive to well-chosen pheromones.
As Nathan said these words, he opened his desk drawer and pulled out a perfume bottle. He placed it in front of Andrea, who fixed her gaze on the pretty bottle, and he said:
- Something to help you seduce Dr. Wu. The longer he stays, the better our chances of success.
A mix of anger and shame filled Andrea as she continued to look at the bottle without picking it up. She felt reduced to the role of a luxury escort and finally said:
- I need to think about it. I was planning to leave the Plain tomorrow night.
- I understand”, Nathan said. “Think it over, I’m only asking for five years, maybe less. And if the perfume doesn’t work, you’ll still have learned a lot working with someone like Dr. Wu.”
- Thank you for your time, Mr. Jackson.
Andrea stood up, reluctantly took the bottle, and left the office.
Just outside, Andrea stood frozen in front of the door, staring at the bottle. She was about to curse Nathan out loud: You pathetic…, but held back, afraid of being overheard. She considered tossing the bottle in the trash right away. She told herself she would never use it. She wasn’t sure she believed him. In the end, she slipped it into her pocket and walked away.
On the other side of the door, Julios stepped out from the adjacent room:
- Shall I intervene? asked Julios.
- Not yet”, Nathan said. “She must feel insulted right now, but it’ll fade. Keep a close eye on the situation.”
- Understood, Julios replied.

Next: Meet  the being of Sinesol alongside Xiao and Mei, and uncover his true intentions.
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