After reading Dr. Campbell's letter, Adele felt her heart racing and her face flushing from a mix of surprise and confusion, influenced by the cortisol hormones that surged through her.
Carol, who was beside her, also looked at Adele with a dazed expression after reading Dr. Campbell's letter.
"What should we do, Adele?" Carol cautiously asked.
Adele, with a worried expression, looked back at Carol and replied, "Let's take a moment to think calmly."
However, part of Adele's mind was already filled with regret about giving up the sweet newlywed life she had and the passion she had devoted to the research, as well as the achievements she had made so far.
Adele looked at Carol with a determined gaze and said, "Our project is critical research related to human intelligence, health, and life extension. We can't give up now."
"We need to find a way to continue this research, no matter what."
Carol nodded in agreement, her voice trembling as she echoed Adele's sentiments. "You're right! I can't bear the thought of our research falling into the wrong hands."
Encouraged by Carol's words, Adele responded, "First, let's head to the lab Dr. Campbell prepared. We need to think about what we can do there."
Carol agreed, nodding her head. "Let's do that, Adele! We need to move as quickly as possible."
Following Professor Christine's guidance, Adele and Carol headed to the lab. Throughout the way to the Brigham Hospital lab, Adele's mind was fiercely battling between a sense of duty to continue the research and lingering doubts about the contents of Dr. Campbell's letter.
However, Adele seemed to make a decision. "If the research we've been doing can significantly contribute to humanity, then personal sacrifices are worth it."
Carol, who had been watching, supported Adele's decision. "Exactly, we need to find a way to continue our research, no matter what. Adele, our choice is the right one."
As Adele examined the lab's facilities and equipment, a dangerous plan took shape in her mind. "The only way right now is to clone my genes and have a baby. That way, we can continue our research's purpose." Her gaze was resolute.
Carol was taken aback by Adele's decision, her feelings a mix of surprise and concern. "Adele, that's a really dangerous choice. Have you forgotten the Human Cloning Prohibition Act passed in 2001?"
"I know, it carries a prison sentence of up to ten years or fines of over a million dollars. But...!"
"If we stop here, can we ever restart our research?"
"If you don't help me, my gene-editing technology will be useless. It will set us back decades."
"On the other hand, if we succeed, we could write a new history in treating incurable diseases and extending lifespan."
Carol closed her eyes and fell into deep thought for a moment.
"Okay, let's do it! If you are so determined, I will follow you."
Adele and Carol embraced each other, solidifying their resolve.
"Carol, I will collect my somatic cells and remove the nucleus. Then, instead of using CRISPR/Cas9, I will edit the genes using the recently successful Prime Editing technique."
"You, in the meantime, will remove the nucleus from my oocyte and prepare the electric shock embryo culture that you successfully created!"
Adele and Carol proceeded with the preparations for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) like the top-level experts they were.