“If the subjects were left on their own, they would die?” Wen Lo asked.

“That’s correct, sir, within twenty-four hours. The disease would take its course by then, and it is always fatal.”

Wen Lo asked to see the next phase.

They set off down another corridor, through more airtight doors, and entered a second observation area similar to the first. The room on the other side of the glass held eight gurneys enclosed by cylinders. On the gurneys were four men and four women. Their faces looked like they had been carved from mahogany. Their eyes were closed, and it was difficult to tell if they were alive or dead.

“This is phase three,” Wu said. “These subjects show the dark rash that is typical of the virus, but they are still alive.”

“You call these ripe vegetables in your little garden alive, Dr. Wu?”

“Admittedly, it would be preferable if they were up and about, but they are still breathing, and their vitals are sound. The experimental cure is helping.”

“Would you like to be infected and helped by your cure, Dr. Wu?”

Wu couldn’t miss the implied threat. Sweat trickled down his back between his shoulder blades.

“No, I would not, sir. The cure is imperfect at this time. The virus is amazing! Its ability to adapt quickly to any treatment we try has made our task difficult but not impossible.”

“In other words, you have failed.”

Wen Lo’s smile could not counteract the coldness in his eyes.

“Success is possible,” Wu said. “But it will take time. I don’t know how long.”

“Time is the thing we have in little supply, Wu.”

Dr. Wu couldn’t help but notice that Wen Lo had dropped his title. He was doomed. He started to croak something about one more chance, but Wen Lo wagged a finger at him.

Wu was about to faint, but Wen Lo clapped him on the back.

“Don’t worry, Dr. Wu,” he said. “We appreciate your hard work here. We are near to developing a highly promising cure at our offshore facility. You will go there to make sure the work is satisfactory.”

“I’m grateful for another chance,” Wu said. “When might I expect to start new tests?”

“There won’t be time,” Wen Lo said. “The testing will be done using computer simulation.” He turned back to stare at the forms on the gurneys. “Dispose of this material. The subjects in the cellblock too. We will find our way out.”