Rachel twirled in her work chair and sat there reading the e-mail that Lore said contained criticism from an archaeologist. Her assumption was true, that the archaeologist was Niels Geyer, the man who later stole her attention after speaking wisely at the parliamentary congress. Now Rachel was like a lunatic, grinning crookedly at the screen of a sarcastic eight-paragraph letter.
"Good afternoon, Rachel Richmann, the CEO, and researcher of Cyclops Intelligence. Let me introduce myself. I'm Niels Geyer, an archaeologist and environmental researcher from Cohlin University."
'I watched your full presentation today. It was impressive and brilliant. I appreciate your company for that...'
At this point, Rachel wore a faint smile. Later on, she wasn't happy because, apparently, the contents of the letter of criticism were not as sweet as the opening. It's a critique, not much fun to read unless Rachel is a respectful person. Then everyone seemed to know that the woman had the opposite nature: arrogant, rude, and stubborn.
"Violating ethics..." Rachel sarcastically smiled as she read the fourth paragraph of the man named Niels. "Ignoring the natural history of human evolution..."
"You turned a human into a non-human..."
"You are violating God's rules, and biohacking is completely unjustified. A fatal mistake can happen at any time."
Rachel shook her head, "He doesn't seem to understand that what he glorifies as the natural existence of the universe is beyond the rest of hope..."
"My research doesn't violate ethics, Niels. The orangutans even love me badly because their body systems have changed."
"They're fine too."
"I work with experts, veterinarians, and the ethics bureau. Your opinion is completely unfounded." Rachel continued to monologue, expressing her defense of Niels' criticism.
Niels Geyer only gently tugged at Rachel's heart, not with her thoughts. What he conveyed at the congress yesterday was indeed keen, but according to Rachel, what he did at the company was no less wise either. They all have the same goal of improving and fixing the human world. But with a different approach: the conservative Niels and the futuristic Rachel.
Rachel continued to read criticism from Niels even more, digesting it with a furrowed brow. Though nearly three-quarters of the man's thoughts contradicted hers, there may be some truth within them. "He is indeed wise, full of the value of truth and naive idealism..."
"But if he continues to think that way, he won't be able to survive," Rachel said finally, setting her device down on the table. She had finished without a single criticism she thought she could accept from Niels.
"Ahhh..." Rachel stretched her arms and head, leaning back in the chair. He turned the work chair back and forth as her eyes closed, "It's tiring, but I was almost happy that you greeted me, Niels Geyer."
Some moments later, she heard the sound of a biometric scanner. Someone walked in, and approached her nicely, "Hi, Rachel. Did you call me?"
Rachel nodded, "Yes, please have a seat, Lars," she said, letting the neurosurgeon take a seat in front of her.
"What do you want to ask? Didn't we cover the whole microchip-gene-insertion agenda yesterday?"
"Yeah, it's been discussed. I just wanted to confirm, for the last time, that it's about my trust in you, Lars." Rachel was blunt, and Lars got it. "You know, it's risky. During that surgery and gene-microchip insertion, I'll be unconscious. You're going to put me under general anesthesia, and..."
"When a mistake occurs, you will immediately send me to hell. Do you understand what I mean?" Rachel continued, intimidating Lars with her arrogant and bossy style.
Instead of being intimidated by his old friend, Lars smirked, "I understand. You weren't the only person who warned me before the surgery, Rachel. But without trying to brag, I'm sure I can do it. This procedure wasn't too difficult for me..."
"How did you prove that this surgical procedure wasn't too difficult? You will connect the hundreds of motor nerves in my head and spinal cord to the path of a microchip that is less than a nanometer in size!"
"Not to mention that you also have to make sure that the genes in the microchip are activated immediately in less than a week. How can you not call that complicated, Lars?"
"What's the matter with you, Rachel? Are you scared right now? If so, it really isn't you."
"Lars..."
"Don't forget that you have gone through various experiments on your body before," said Lars quickly. "Just trust me. We're friends, and I don't want anything bad to happen to you, Rachel."
Rachel just sighed heavily. It was true what Lars said, that Rachel was terrified. "Are you sure?"
"Of course."
Rachel threatened, "I'll haunt you if you fail our experiment and turn me into a victim." She turns Lars into laughter, "Rachel ... Rachel ... You are so cute when you're scared."
"Stop laughing! I'm not joking!"
"Yeah yeah, okay, the serious Rachel. But if you're still doubting my abilities, you can ask Ben, CEO of Seawares."
Rachel frowned, "Why should I ask him?"
"Because I just performed a similar surgical procedure on the experimental object, the microchip insertion, but not with genetic material."
"Oh, is that so?" Rachel nodded, "What the hell are they doing?"
Lars smiled playfully, "Obviously, it's a secret, and they won't let me tell anyone, especially you, their immortal rival."
Rachel snorted, "He thinks I'm going to steal their idea? What a confidence. Do a good job with me, Lars," she said excitedly.
"Wow, the competitive Rachel is back quickly. But well then, prepare yourself tonight, Rachel. I'll give you some medicine to ease your anxiety and calm your nerves."
****
The Prime Minister's Room
District 14, Hatermoor
23rd of January, 2157
06.30 NPM
A puff of synthetic cinnamon-scented smoke wafted through the air-conditioned room. Philip, at his desk, continued to smoke. He made people around him drunk from the strange smell of the nicotine-herb mixture. The people could only hold their breath longer, waiting for a commanding word to come out of the mouth of the e-cigarette addict.
"When will she conduct experiments on herself?" asked Philip after a few minutes of silence.
"It's scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, Prime Minister."
Philip nodded, then smoke came out of his mouth again, "Is the same neurosurgeon working for her again?"
"Yeah, I heard so. They're pretty close friends, and Doctor Lars is indeed one of the permanent researchers at Cyclops Intelligence." The man in charge of supervising Rachel and her company reported further.
Philip then put down his cigarette and thought for a moment.
"Is there anything you want to do before Rachel Richmann does her experiment?"
Philip sighed, then glared at the man, "Tell Doctor Lars to meet me at my house for dinner. I have something to talk to him about."