As he talked, Rothman edged toward the back of the room. Set in the wall was a door with another security pad like the one on the main door outside. Rothman shielded the code pad with his body, punched in a code, which Pia assumed was the same as for the other security doors, and pulled open the door. Dr. Yamamoto held it as Rothman stepped over the threshold, followed by the students. Yamamoto stepped in and closed the door behind him.

They were standing in a room that was maybe ten feet square, an identical but smaller version of the one they had just left. The five people made the room feel crowded. The same bluish light filled the room, which had its own HVAC system that hummed a little louder than its larger neighbor. The recessed ceiling light illuminated two carts like the ones they had been working with next door. They stood side by side, but only one was operating.

Rothman gestured toward the bath atop the one cart. It was similar to the ones out in the main room. In it was a kidney much larger than the mouse organs. Soon they learned that it was a human kidney, and like the human kidneys in the outer room, it had been made from Yamamoto’s fibroblasts. It was a pale color and appropriately kidney-shaped. The difference was that this organ had ports through the Plexiglas wall that were connected with Y connectors to the organ’s artery, vein, and ureter.

“What you’re looking at is what is going to be the world’s first human organ exoplant made from induced pluripotent cells. This morning we received official sanction from the FDA to go ahead and attach this organ to Dr. Yamamoto’s cannulated inguinal artery and vein. We will be allowing the organ to function as it would if it were transplanted into Dr. Yamamoto’s abdomen.”

“You’ve volunteered for this?” Will asked Yamamoto.

“Yes, of course,” Yamamoto said with enthusiasm. “It is a great honor for me.”

“When will you do it?” Pia asked. It seemed as if she was being overwhelmed on a daily basis in Rothman’s laboratory.

“As soon as we can schedule it with the surgery department. It will be done in one of the main operating rooms for safety’s sake. We’ll allow the organ to function for several hours while we monitor it carefully. It’s going to be a big day. A milestone really.”