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One year later.
Dr. Taylor looked up at the building where his fate would be determined. All his fears of failure came flooding back, shredding what little confidence he had into tiny pieces. He had declared to himself and others in the past that he didn’t give a flying fuck for anything other than the device he created. And he had meant it ... back then. Now, things had changed, and although he cared about his research, his zeal and enthusiasm had subsided. In fact, he wouldn’t have come back to claim his project if Ricardo Garcia hadn’t contacted him. Ricardo insisted on a meeting, and Dr. Taylor accepted, although he knew he wasn’t ready for any major commitment until he located his wife and kids, who had vanished without a trace. The man was charismatic, charming, and had easily convinced Dr. Taylor to comply.
He entered the building fearing defeat. Still, he forced himself to move forward. He obtained clearance from the security desk and took the elevator to the fifteenth floor. His partner was already there, looking polished in a suit that fitted his body perfectly, a red tie that proclaimed confidence, and a pair of shoes that would make some women jealous.
Ricardo was an ardent advocate of the device, and he was ready to take the game up a notch since the FDA had reversed their decision. Dr. Taylor didn’t want to deal with the FDA panel. He feared they would be unmerciful, so he had delayed his decision to meet with them by many months. His desire to come back wasn’t a priority. First, he had to secure the well-being of his patients, who now safely carried the device. He also hoped he could collaborate with Detective Fiona Sapiro to locate his wife and kids. He wouldn’t have crossed the building if Ricardo hadn’t insisted on his presence. His family was more important, yet here he was again, fighting for his invention. He embraced Ricardo and offered his hand. Dr. Taylor felt his partner’s confidence.
“Are you ready, Dr. Taylor?” he asked, concerned only about his mental state, not his upcoming speech.
“More importantly, are you ready?” Dr. Taylor turned the table on him, knowing perfectly well that the man in front of him had been ready his entire life. He was born to persuade others to back what he felt was a worthy fight.
“I’m well prepared. I will not let you down if you need me to take over,” he emphasized his words, wanting Dr. Taylor to understand his commitment. “You know, Dr. Taylor, I truly believe in your research.”
“Even after your personal experience?” Ricardo’s mother had carried the device, and she experienced the aftermath of the deadly code that Peter created. Instead of running in the opposite direction, Ricardo made it his business to reinstate the doctor’s research.
“Yes, even more. On my sabbatical in Cuba, I visited a mental health hospital, and it was a horrific sight. If I can contribute to a cure in any way, I would be honored.” He was sincere, and that made Dr. Taylor reconsider his lack of passion.
“Thank you,” came unhurriedly from his lips. He was unable to articulate any more of his thoughts. Besides, his thoughts and feelings were secondary. His partner infused in him the desire he lacked.
When he entered the auditorium, Dr. Taylor was emotionally prepared to undertake his noble cause. He forgot all about his egotistical need to make history and win the Nobel prize. It took a colossal failure and the deaths of innocent people for him to reach the conclusion that only humanity mattered. And with that thought, he was ready to face the panel, who interrogated him like a criminal. No, he did not abandon his project. Yes, personal business impeded his intention to come back sooner. But after considerable deliberation on their part, he was permitted to continue a project that was well worth re-establishing. The panel drilled him until they got every answer from him, and he looked tired when he appeared again. His hollow face signified his extreme labors. Nevertheless, he smiled as he left the auditorium, indicating his success.
“You did well, Dr. Taylor.” Ricardo approached him and shook his hand. “Now, my work starts. I must persuade the FDA to give us one more chance, and I promise you I’ll do it.” Dr. Taylor was positively confident that his device would survive. A small and insignificant spark of hope entered him, and humanity finally became his main concern.