The elevator descended smoothly to the third sub-level, the hum of the machinery barely audible.
As the doors slid open, Arias stepped out into a high-tech lab environment that was much less busy than the floors above. The room was spacious, filled with cutting-edge equipment dedicated to gene research, cloning, and advanced biological studies.
The walls were lined with glass enclosures showcasing various specimens and experimental setups with faint, sterile scent of antiseptic hanging in the air.
Doctor October stood waiting for him outside the elevator, her face lighting up with a welcoming smile. "Arias, it's good to see you," she greeted, gesturing for him to follow her.
"Doctor," Arias nodded, his eyes taking in the surroundings with keen interest. "You've been busy, I see."
She nodded as they walked down a corridor flanked by transparent walls, offering glimpses into various labs filled with scientists at work. "Indeed. We've made great strides in gene research, cloning, and cellular regeneration. Our team is pushing the boundaries of what's possible."
Arias raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Impressive. But you mentioned something about a specific issue?"
Doctor October's expression grew more serious. "Yes, despite our advancements, the most valuable item of research remains the specimen you brought in: Galatea. Her growth has been quite steady, but we've encountered a significant problem."
They reached a secure room at the end of the corridor, requiring biometric access. Doctor October placed her hand on a scanner, and the door slid open with a soft hiss.
Inside, the lab was full of activity, centered around a large set of monitors that housed Galatea's data.
Doctor October led Arias towards the monitors, her voice taking on a more technical tone. "Galatea's growth has hit a critical juncture. The problem we're facing is related to her genetic stability. We've observed that her cellular structure is starting to show signs of degradation. Essentially, her genetic material is beginning to break down, and without intervention, she may enter a state of stasis or slowly deteriorate."
Arias frowned as he stared at the screeens. "And this is because of what? The fact she isn't a true kryptonian?"
Doctor October nodded. "Precisely. Cadmus likely overcame this issue due to their extensive data and genetic material on Kryptonians. To stabilize her, we need new genetic material to overwrite the degrading sequences."
Arias considered this for a moment. "I assume the solution would be obtaining Kryptonian genetic material?"
Doctor October sighed. "Yes, but it would have to come from the original donor, from which Galatea's DNA was constructed. And a significant amount would be needed to account for possible errors and ensure successful integration."
They continued walking until they reached another secure room, this one even more fortified. Doctor October accessed it using her biometrics, and the door opened to reveal a lab filled with more sophisticated equipment.
At the center of the room, a large pod housed Galatea, suspended in a nutrient-rich orange fluid.
Arias approached the pod, observing the faint signs of deformation in Galatea's features. "Is there no other option? Could any compatible material work?"
Doctor October looked at him curiously. "Theoretically, yes. But the material would need to not only assimilate with Kryptonian DNA but also possess cells that can repair themselves in the same way. It would require high regenerative capabilities, stability under stress, and compatibility with Kryptonian cellular structures."
Arias smiled. "I think I have one such donor."
Doctor October's eyes widened slightly with curiosity. "Who?"
"Me," Arias replied, his tone steady and assured.
Doctor October blinked, momentarily taken aback. "You?"
Arias nodded. "Yes. My genetic material should meet the requirements. I possess enhanced regenerative abilities and an adaptive cellular structure. If it's a match, it could solve the issue with Galatea."
Doctor October studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly despite being very skeptical. "If your genetic material is compatible, it could indeed work. We'll need to run tests to confirm this, but it's a promising solution." Doctor October agreed, not because of the plan's potential for success but rather because she would lose nothing by testing it.
She stepped back, her eyes never leaving Galatea. "Then let's begin. Time is of the essence."
Arias was momentarily surprised by Doctor October's suggestion to conduct the tests immediately. "You want to do the tests now?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Doctor October nodded, her expression resolute. "Yes. It won't take long—no more than an hour. Though it will be a few days before we get the results, we can at least collect the samples and begin the compatibility tests."
Arias considered this for a moment before nodding. "Very well. How do we proceed?"
Doctor October began listing the necessary tests. "First, we'll need a blood sample to analyze your cellular structure and compare it with Galatea's. Next, a biopsy to assess the tissue compatibility. We'll also perform a full genetic sequencing to map out any potential conflicts. Finally, we'll conduct a regenerative capability test to ensure your cells can support and repair the Kryptonian DNA."
Arias nodded, mentally preparing himself. "Let's get started then."
———
Meanwhile, Batman, was driving back to the Batcave.
The steady hum of the Batmobile's engine was shattered by the chatter on his radio, catching his attention.
"Reports indicate Arias Markovich is currently at the Ark Academies," a voice crackled through the speakers.
Batman frowned. He activated his communicator. "Alfred, can you confirm Arias's presence at the Ark Academies?"
Alfred's voice came through clearly. "Yes, Master Bruce. According to images posted by multiple students at the Ark Academies, Arias is indeed there. Our satellites didn't relay any information though. Perhaps an error or tampering?"
Batman tightened his grip on the steering wheel. "Maybe. But isn't it strange that he decided to visit the academies right after Superman and I left?"
"It is peculiar," Alfred agreed. "He's certainly up to something."
"Download the surveillance data from the Leviathan residential building instead," Batman instructed. "The government operatives there must have recorded something useful."
"I'll get right on that, sir," Alfred responded.
"Good," Batman said, his voice grim. "Let's hope the situation doesn't escalate."
———
Elsewhere, Superman had arrived back in Metropolis and swiftly changed into his civilian identity, Clark Kent. He hurried towards the Daily Planet building, wanting to sort out his own things before meeting with league again.
As he reached the entrance, he spotted Lois Lane making her way out.
"Lois!" he called out, jogging to catch up with her while adjusting his glasses.
Lois turned, a look of mild irritation on her face. "Clark, I can't talk right now. I've got an interview with Arias Markovich to prepare for."
Clark blinked, momentarily taken by surprise. "You're interviewing Arias Markovich? When did this-."
"Yes," Lois replied, cutting off Clark before anything else could be said. "And I need to get ready. We'll talk later, okay?"
Before Clark could respond, Lois was already walking away. Clark watched her go with a look of concern in his eyes.