Eddie took a sip of coffee. "Preliminary results look successful, but it still needs refinement. At least the IQ defect is fixed—everything else is up to you. Polish the details and we'll be at the final step of Phase Two."
Rebecca watched with relish. "Hubby, what's Phase Three?"
Monica, helping on the side, was equally curious. Unlike Jill and the others, she hadn't used birth control and was now a mother of three; she worshiped Eddie without reservation.
"Phase Three probably can't be cracked by virus research alone; we'll need a different angle. Maybe we'll find inspiration in mythology or an outer-space adventure." Eddie sounded uncertain.
Just then the lab doors opened. The sultry Carla and the icy Ada walked in together, both wearing matching minimalist open-toe heels that made them look statuesque.
"You still need some prerequisites—something to unlock cellular potential and adaptability to every environment. In space you'll face pressure differentials, extreme cold, vacuum—those all have to be accounted for." Carla crossed one arm and propped her chin, radiating seductive mischief—definitely not a proper woman!
Eddie nodded. "Exactly. So the problem's yours now—you're brilliant. Work with Annette and the rest. Monica, come here."
A hesitant Monica stepped forward, uneasy; she'd never felt she belonged on the same level as Jill and the others.
"Study hard with Carla, don't be scared—I won't bite. And thank you for giving me three beautiful daughters." Eddie sighed; he wasn't the type to love-and-leave.
Monica shook her head. "No, I just admire you. I'll learn everything!"
Carla's smile turned teasing—classic Stockholm syndrome; the woman was hopelessly in love.
With Eddie's approval, and after learning Goddess Island's social web and operating rules, Carla began her enhancement of the Pupa Virus.
Using cocooning principles, she re-engineered the strain while stripping out any gene-disrupting factors. Per protocol she fused the island's upgraded viruses: Progenitor, T-Virus, T-Veronica, T-Phobos, G-Virus, T-Abyss, Uroboros, and a Plaga IQ concentrate.
Eddie had collected nearly every viral sample, excising insect and animal gene fragments.
Plant gene segments were retained as support, offsetting negative insect-gene effects.
When Carla saw the refined, unaided virus, her eyes lit up—utterly cool. She hadn't expected her husband to be this formidable; she'd definitely married right.
Annette looked equally proud. "Surprised? This is the fruit of our labor."
Carla nodded. "You're amazing—truly impressive."
Rebecca declared proudly, "Hubby says every virus needs its own vaccine—only then can we craft the perfect enhancer virus!"
Chapter 551: Kathy Outmaneuvered
Eddie descended from above carrying a plate of food. "Jessica, how are you feeling?"
The golden-haired beauty with the swollen belly was Jessica; seeing her husband, she beamed. "I'm great, thank you, honey."
Eddie eyed the belly. "Is the little one kicking?"
Jessica's face glowed with maternal light as she stroked her stomach. "Yes, the rascal's lively. I miss you, honey."
Eddie handed her a bowl of stew. "I miss you too. After you give birth you can be my bodyguard again. Hilda's doing great; I want you two together."
Hilda smiled. "Thank you—it's my duty. I'd also like to have your child, may I?"
Eddie blinked. "Of course, but not now. Let's wait until Jessica's delivered and finished her confinement month."
Jessica frowned. "Honey, I really don't think I need a confinement month—I'm not that weak."
"No discussion—you'll do as I say." Eddie waved the matter closed.
Jessica could only nod. "I understand. Time really drags on. Honey, if you have a moment, go see Lisa—she's having a rough time too."
Eddie smiled and nodded. "Of course I'll visit her. Everyone's in the same boat."
Half a month later, in a Western Federation hotel, BSAA agent Kathy was having a heated, unpleasant argument with her fiancé, Norton.
"So you're really breaking up with me? Over a woman who doesn't even exist? Is this because I won't do those dirty things before marriage?" Kathy demanded furiously.
Norton sneered. "I was only ever in it for the money. Hmph, what else did you think? Now I've found my true love, so get lost. I don't mind telling you—she gave me half a million; that's just my spending money!"
Kathy stared at her fiancé with icy eyes as he flaunted the wad of cash. "I really misjudged you; you've always played your part well."
Norton gloated. "Hmph, I'm fed up with you, stupid woman. It's the twenty-first century and you still cling to some ancient tradition. You probably have some disease!"
Splash! Kathy grabbed a glass and hurled the water in his face. "Scumbag—get out of my sight!"
Norton didn't even flinch, watching Kathy walk away. "Get lost, you idiot. Good riddance—I'm off to find my sugar mommy and skip twenty years of struggle!"
It was all Carla's scheme: a brief chat with Norton, treating him to dinner, and before the food even arrived she produced two hundred thousand cash, promising that if he married her their children would take her surname.
Norton was over the moon and agreed at once.
After all, Carla possessed the same stunning face as Ada—few could refuse that visage.
With a few sweet words and some cash, Carla had Norton wagging his tail like a lapdog—no effort required.
It was a despicable move, yet Carla felt no guilt. Eddie had taken a liking to Kathy, a master of energy studies, and wanted her on the team.
Norton had become a thorn in that plan; only by removing him could Kathy join without reservation.
Killing would be the simplest method, but also the riskiest.
As an agent, Kathy would investigate her fiancé's death with everything she had. If she uncovered the truth and turned against them, it would be a disaster.
So Carla chose the second option: turn Norton into a scumbag, awaken the worst in men—the desire for comfort without effort, the dream of enjoying life while someone else foots the bill.
It was a casual trap laid by Carla, almost off-hand—yet brutally effective.
Walking away, Kathy felt nothing but rage, not a shred of sorrow. Thank heavens she'd found out in time; otherwise she would have regretted it for life.
The moment she stepped out of the hotel, her phone rang.
When she reached the conference room, she was surprised to see a familiar face already there.
The man in charge was Chris, officially forming the Silver Blade Squad by recruiting experts from every field. Their mission: counter bio-terror attacks across North America and oversee a mysterious security organization.
Chris cleared his throat. "All right, everyone's here. Today's agenda: locate a beverage merchant in North America who's selling bio-weapons—and drugs—on the side."
Eddie puffed on his cigarette, studying the room with interest. Besides the quietly attractive agent Kathy, there was also a sharp-looking woman—said to be a relative of Piers—whose sniping rivaled his own.
Young Piers was now the Silver Blade Squad's Vice-Captain, assisting Chris. In time he'd inherit the post, letting Chris retire early.
"This operation is in Mexico; the cartels there are ruthless. Our job is to secure evidence, not to arrest or kill without proof," Chris said.
"Sir, yes sir!" the team responded in unison.
"Kathy, you and Dr. Eddie go ahead. Help him gather intel—it'll speed up vaccine development," Chris ordered.
"Roger that, Captain." Ever the professional, Kathy had broken with her fiancé in the morning and was back to work by afternoon; life goes on.