"Now I'm remembering the owner of that CPF. He wanted to become a partner in our research business, and believing in Mr. Raminski's goodwill, we ended up revealing too many secrets, which resulted in an advancement greater than ours."
"What do you mean by that, Domi?"
"I mean, Carlie, that we, the developers, were supposed to be ahead of the project. And because of what they did, we are practically depending on their results."
"Domi, let me tell you something. I think you don't know, but Mr. Raminski doesn't disclose his technology to anyone."
"I understand, Carlie, but he has a contract with us, and there is a minimum amount of technology that they are required to show, or we'll take back all the equipment we financed for them in one go."
"But, knowing what I do about him, he might also pass on false information, thus sabotaging your entire project," Carlie warned.
"I know, Carlie, but there is a way for me to find out what really works, but I'll need your help."
"If it's within my reach, Domi, just say so, and I'll help you."
"I need Experiment Number 1 to be present for the test. Everything that originated from this project was recorded in the matrix of this individual from the moment he was enveloped in the energy cocoon. Experiment Number 1 is essential for confirming the test."
"I don't think it will work. They don't even know about it. I can guarantee that no one at CPF has this knowledge about Experiment Number 1. Unfortunately, he was dismissed."
"No problem, Dr. Carlie. Just call the individual back, and if you need to pay him, let it be on our company's account. We cover any investment necessary for the benefit of this project."
"Domi, I'm sorry to say, but that's not the point. The issue is that, after an incident that happened in the cocoon, Mr. Raminski strictly prohibited the entry of Guinea Pig 1 into the project, with strong threats. He said that any team that did something in favor of Experiment Number 1 would be automatically dismissed."
"I don't care about that, Carlie. Those things are mere details. As long as the individual is alive, his presence at CPF is indispensable. Get in touch with him and have him ready to meet me there. I'm counting on you."
"I fear that I won't be able to do that. It's really beyond my capacity," Carlie said, almost apologetically.
"I'll also need you to cause a minor malfunction in the equipment that activates the other cocoons. That way, CPF will have no choice but to call Guinea Pig 1 to show us the progress they've made with our technology. If they want to continue with the project."
In the end, it was agreed that Dr. Carlie would convince Lowo N'air to return to CPF, and regarding the malfunction she would cause, Domi provided all the specifications on how she should act without permanently damaging the equipment. Essentially, it would be just a forced pause, but without damage.
During their farewell, they only gave a firm handshake, but in their hearts and in the intensity of their gaze, they wanted something more. However, Domi was in a hurry, so everything was arranged to ensure that the sabotage would occur by the next morning at the latest. The following day, he would schedule his company's visit to CPF under the pretext of comparing results, which was one of the specific clauses of their agreement.
Carlie had walked for several hours and had not found Lowo N'air's house. She went to work and had all the options to do as Domi had instructed. But, since she had not found Lowo N'air, she had to abort the plan. She couldn't arrive correcting, and she couldn't leave earlier, since she arrived in the afternoon. So, she stayed until 6 p.m. at work, then took a taxi and went home. On the way, she changed her mind and decided to look for Lowo N'air's house.
The doctor found Lowo N'air in a very worn-out little house. He was sitting on the doorstep and seemed to be pondering life, but strangely he wasn't sad. By chance, she found his address in her bag and handed it to the taxi driver, who arrived minutes later. Upon spotting the young man, Lowo got out of the taxi quickly and immediately broke into a smile.
"Hello, Lowo. How are you?"
Although caught by surprise, Lowo N'air was pleased and, with a big smile, came to meet Dr. Carlie, who hugged him immediately.
"Lowo N'air, we need you. Please come to the CPF laboratory tomorrow, without fail."
Immediately, Lowo N'air's cheerful face fell.
"I'm sorry, doctor, but I'm not going back to that place. I'm tired of being treated like trash. I've suffered so much there, and my only reward was, sorry to say, leftovers and a used shirt."
Dr. Carlie was mortified.
"There's no need to be embarrassed, doctor. I know it's not your fault, but I simply won't go back to that place."
Immediately, the doctor's phone rang while the taxi driver looked at her impatiently, waiting for payment. On the other end of the line, someone spoke.
"Dr. Carlie, this is Domi. The message I want to pass on is that no matter how much the boy asks for, pay whatever amount he requests to get him to come to CPF."
The doctor didn't know, but Lowo N'air's hearing was much sharper than usual, so he logically overheard, even though the doctor was at a reasonably distant location.
Dr. Carlie thanked and ended the call, asking the taxi driver to wait as he would still take her home. She then turned to Lowo N'air and said:
"Lowo N'air, I have a proposal for you. I'll pay you 5,000 liras to come to CPF tomorrow. How about it?"
"I'm sorry, Dr. Carlie, but for less than 150,000 liras, I'm not setting foot in that place again."
"150,000 liras? Are you crazy? I mean, you're exaggerating a bit, Lowo N'air," the doctor corrected.
"If you think I'm exaggerating, then you can go back alone because I won't show up unless you pay what I'm asking."
"Look, Lowo N'air, I do take into account everything you've been through, but what's the logic in asking for such a high amount?"