“I can answer that,” Sample said. “The trial was preceded by the requisite lab and animal tests, all performed by technicians using FDA-approved materials. Based on that success, it became the collective assessment that our product could be tested where no conventional solution was available.”

“And where is that?”

Sample said, “Well, in other words, in situations where the subject would otherwise die.”

“How is it determined who meets that standard?” asked Maxime. “It’s determined in situ,” said Sample, “on a case-by-case basis, by trained professionals.”

I studied Maxime closely, and though it was hard to gauge his reaction behind the surgical mask, he seemed satisfied. Sample smiled and asked if there were any more questions, then gave Dr. Kriss a little nod, prompting her to enter her code into yet another keypad. We headed into a small, cold room full of stainless steel refrigerators.

“In the blood bank of Rubicon Tech,” Sample said, “this is the vault.”

Dr. Kriss opened a fridge and retrieved a bag of the solution, and the group passed it around. One of the Texans jiggled it, holding it up to the light.

“Would you look at that,” he marveled.

Maxime handed the sack along without looking.

“We believe that, almost immediately, Rubicon’s artificial blood substitute will become the hospital standard,” Sample said.

One of the officers asked if they manufactured it in this laboratory.

“No,” he said, “Dr. Kriss oversees that process at a different site here in Arcade.”

“This lab is strictly for research,” she added. “The process of manufacture requires a more industrial environment.”

Maxime raised his hand. “I have another question, if you don’t mind.”

“Christ, can’t it wait?” said a Texan. “It’s freezing in here.”

“Please,” Sample said, “go ahead.”

“My associates have voiced concerns about the report,” said Maxime.

I glanced at Dr. Kriss.

“What sort of concerns?” Sample asked.

“They would be considerably more comfortable if Rubicon would open up the raw data from the trial.”

She was about to respond, but Sample said, “No, Eva, allow me.”

The CEO glanced around the group, then cracked a smile. One of the Texans chuckled.

“Everything new is scary,” Sample said. “That’s the difficulty with such a major innovation, and it isn’t helped by the fact that we need to play everything close to the vest. I have no doubt, Maxime, that your associates would be very happy to see absolutely everything, right down to the contents of the product and the process of its manufacture. That’s impossible at this point, but in a very short time, everything we’ve developed here, and every step of the trial, will be a matter of historical record. We have a journalist for that.”

To my surprise, Sample pointed at me, and I went hot in the cold air as all the men looked my way.

“Does that answer your question?” the CEO asked.

Maxime gave a gracious little bow and we exited the vault.

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