As Nolan gave the command, the lab assistants began filing into the room.
The assistants, all handpicked for their proficiency, looked toward Jason, who stood by the console. He nodded and spoke, "This experiment is being led by Dr. Nolan. Every order given by him must be followed without question!"
"Understood!" the assistants replied in unison.
"Bring the test subjects forward," Nolan instructed.
He had already taken his position at the central control panel. His fingers flew across the keyboard as he pulled up the data on Luke Cage.
Luke's experiment, Nolan recalled, was originally a replication of the Super Soldier Serum a formula designed to enhance human strength and durability. However, things had taken a dangerous turn when a man named Billy interrupted the experiment, causing it to undergo an unexpected mutation.
The experiment had been tightly controlled, but as with any scientific endeavor, variables could tip the scales into chaos.
Nolan watched the video footage of that fateful day. Billy had tried to sabotage the injection, but he was promptly removed before any real damage could be done.
"Doctor..." Jason's voice broke through Nolan's thoughts as he looked up from the screen. "We've spoken with Billy. He insists he didn't touch anything—didn't interfere with the experiment."
Nolan glanced back at the footage, where Billy was shouting in anger, and then pointed at the screen. "Do you think sound waves could have been a variable here?"
Jason hesitated. "Sound waves?"
Nolan nodded. He was inclined to think that sound might have had an influence. Though his initial plan to slow down the amplification and reduce the effects was one option, a direct replication of the experiment was far preferable.
"General Ross, I've got two approaches in mind," Nolan said. "One would require redesigning the experiment, which will take time. The other is to use my current method slowing the process down and reducing the overall effect."
From the observation deck, Ross furrowed his brows as he processed Nolan's words. "Let's go with the second option," Ross decided. "We need results quickly. If it fails, we'll at least have a backup plan."
Nolan raised an eyebrow. Had all these failures made Ross hesitant? It seemed even the general, known for his decisive nature, was ready to take a more cautious approach now.
"Fine," Nolan replied, seeing no reason to argue. If Ross was unwilling to take the risk, Nolan would respect that after all, they could still gather crucial data.
Nolan turned back to Jason. "Follow the formula you've already developed for the solution, but prepare an additional chemical to regulate the release of the Steel Physiology serum."
He was already thinking through the mechanics. The problem at its core lay in the instant amplification that the body couldn't handle. The energy required outpaced the body's ability to process it, causing muscle and bone structures to self-destruct.
"Cellular autophagy," Nolan murmured, recalling the scientific term. This self-destructive process was the body's way of compensating for extreme stress breaking down its own proteins and fats to stay functional.
But in this case, the body went too far. Autophagy wasn't supposed to eat away at the cell membrane.
"Prepare glucose injections and ensure that the test subject's muscles and organs are monitored," Nolan ordered.
Jason nodded, ready to follow the command.
As Nolan moved between the workstations, mixing and preparing the necessary solutions, he couldn't help but smile. He was well-versed in this process every step and every variable. The lab was his domain.
Soon, Nolan held up a vial of emerald-green solution. "Start the experiment."
"Split this into six equal portions. When I give the signal, inject them all immediately," Nolan instructed.
"Understood!" the assistants responded in sync.
Military labs operated with efficiency, and this was no different. The personnel moved swiftly, following Ross's example hardline and to the point.
The experiment began.
Nolan sat in front of the main control panel, monitoring multiple screens showing the subjects' data. His eyes flicked over the results, analyzing every input in real time.
"Simultaneous injection!" Nolan commanded.
The assistants hesitated, surprised by the scale of the command. "Six subjects, all at once?" Jason asked, his voice tinged with concern.
"Isn't that a bit too risky?" someone muttered under their breath.
Ross, standing behind them, held his ground. He may have had his reservations, but Nolan was the expert in this field. He wasn't about to second-guess the man who had pioneered the most successful regenerative serum in recent history.
"Don't question my orders!" Nolan's voice rang out clearly.
"Begin the injection! Each subject gets 500 milliliters of glucose solution. Ensure it's done properly!"
Nolan spoke in a steady voice, not raising it too much he needed his words to be heard clearly across the room, without losing any crucial data.
"Connors, keep an eye on everything and double-check for any discrepancies!"
"Understood!" Connors responded, already positioned next to a monitor to assist in real-time adjustments.
As the six test subjects were injected with the solution, Nolan's attention remained focused. He could feel the energy in the room, the hum of the experiment taking place.
He wasn't just building a new serum. He was on the verge of creating something real a new kind of super soldier.
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