In the laboratory, Dr. Rhine and Dr. Erskine were in a heated argument, with researchers and assistants standing aside, hesitant to intervene.
"You know how risky it is to comprehensively enhance human body functions. Why would you want to proceed?" Dr. Erskine demanded.
"I've stated multiple times that the risks are manageable. We can use volunteers; as long as the compensation is adequate, they'll likely agree," Rhine replied.
"How can you say that? These are real people!"
Dr. Erskine looked at Rhine with disbelief. Rhine understood the concerns about using human volunteers, but she needed experimental data to move forward with the project. Her resolve seemed to falter, and she said with an uneasy expression, "Of course, I know they are human beings. We've tested on mice and are confident we can achieve results without causing harm."
Her tone wavered. Despite the advanced biotechnology from the Red Alert world, most of it relied on mutation and replication. Given the complexity of genes, even minor changes could lead to significant reactions, making her unsure of the experiment's safety.
"Do you believe this yourself?" Dr. Erskine asked, seeing Rhine's hesitation.
He sighed as he approached her, speaking earnestly. "The goal of our research is to improve lives, not to create unnecessary suffering. If a technology requires many sacrifices, is it worth developing?"
Noticing Rhine's silence, Dr. Erskine felt a pang of concern. "Scientific research does require sacrifice, but not this kind of sacrifice! If we involve humans in unproven experiments, they become mere objects. The greater the science, the less humanity is valued. We must ask ourselves: what is the true purpose of our research? Is it worth sacrificing our own people?"
Seeing Rhine still not responding, Dr. Erskine's expression softened. He seemed to understand that Rhine wasn't inherently bad but had been blinded by her eagerness for quick results. "The path of scientific research is long. You're still young and have time to make meaningful contributions without compromising your principles."
Rhine, reflecting on his words, realized that her initial plan was to leverage Hydra's resources to develop the enhancement potions quickly before Hydra's downfall, hoping to avoid future complications. However, she could continue her research slowly, using advanced technology to refine the potions over time. Though she might miss the best opportunity for enhancement, the impact might not be significant. She could still create a suitable enhancement potion later, perhaps even better than the ones developed under Hydra.
Dr. Erskine's advice resonated with Rhine. She nodded and said, "You're right. The current technology is indeed immature. We should proceed with animal testing first."
"That's the right approach, but we don't have any materials at the moment. How about we go have a meal together?"
Dr. Erskine was delighted by the suggestion. He had spent enough time with Rhine to know she was fundamentally good-hearted and kind. Her independent thinking was also a rare quality in the chaotic world of constant warfare.
The scientific research building was some distance from the cafeteria. Though it was possible to have meals delivered directly to the research building, most people preferred to eat in the cafeteria. It provided a chance to unwind and enjoy a brief respite from work.
Dr. Erskine was poking at his mashed potatoes with little appetite, while Rhine across from him ate heartily. Noticing his lack of enthusiasm, Rhine commented with a frown, "Dr. Erskine, even if mashed potatoes aren't the best, you should finish what you've taken. We shouldn't waste food."
"Actually, I think mashed potatoes are quite good," Dr. Erskine said after taking a few bites. He sighed and added, "It would be great if there were no wars."
Rhine glanced at her food and responded, "As long as there are people, wars will continue. From ancient times to the present, and into the future, even if humans stopped fighting among themselves, there would still be conflicts between humans and aliens."
"Haha, you're quite the humorist," Erskine chuckled, though he quickly agreed with her sentiment. "You're right; as long as people are fighting, it won't stop. But I believe that one day, people will come together..."
Before Erskine could finish, a voice interrupted them.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen. I heard you've made a breakthrough, so I came to see for myself."
It was Schmidt, accompanied by a slightly rotund man with glasses. Rhine recognized him as Arnim Zola, a biochemical expert who had joined Schmidt. They had previously discussed weapon and equipment design with Zola, who, while skilled in practice, lacked Erskine's theoretical expertise.
Rhine nodded politely to Zola and turned to Schmidt. "There has been some progress, but it's not a breakthrough."
"Really? But I heard that further research requires experimental materials," Schmidt said.
Rhine's mind raced. Although she trusted her friends, Schmidt was clearly not one of them.
"Yes, that's true. We need more experimental materials. I suggest procuring additional chimpanzees to avoid delays in the research process."
By specifying that the experimental material was chimpanzees, Rhine effectively closed off further discussion and limited the scope of the conversation.
However, the news Schmidt had received was clearly accurate, and he smiled as he took a seat next to Rhine.
"But what I've heard is that people, not chimpanzees, are being used. There are many volunteers, both inside and outside our base, eager to contribute to great science, despite the risks not being 100%."
"At this stage of the experiment, we can use chimpanzees. Using humans prematurely could introduce errors into the experimental data. If that happens, I'll need to redo the research based on the new results, which would be very time-consuming."
Reasoning with Schmidt was challenging, but the benefits tied to the physical enhancement program might make him reconsider, especially when it came to time.
Schmidt was not foolish. Despite his betrayal of the Third Reich, the fall of the Reich would not benefit him. The United States, the Soviet Union, and other allies were preparing to launch counterattacks. With the battlefield in flux and the Third Reich bogged down in the Soviet Union, it was unclear if they could withstand attacks elsewhere.
Thus, time was of the essence, and the human body enhancement program was critical to Schmidt. He could not afford any delays.
"I understand that the specifics of the experiment depend on the research progress of you and Dr. Erskine, but I would appreciate it if you could provide me with a recent scientific research result to reassure me."
"Of course."
Rhine knew Schmidt wanted to confirm the information with Zola, but that wasn't a problem. Understanding the technology was feasible, but reproducing it would require Dr. Erskine or her.