2. The Injector.
A year later, Crystelle has some commercial backing for another product, with this as her own hidden agenda.
Devyon has been following the instructions in various documents that Crystelle has selected for him to look at.
"I have the injection ready," Devyon says. "But who would try it? And how will we know if it works?"
"You said you tried it on a mouse?" Crystelle says.
"Yes," Devyon says. "Well, it's my pet hamster. It's in that cage over there. It's still living happily."
"How will we know if it regenerates, though?" Crystelle asks. "You aren't going to kill your pet hamster to find out!"
"You're right there!" Devyon says. "I have no idea. So, I've rigged up a camera, so I won't miss it if it happens. But at least we know it isn't harmful."
"Do you think it will work?" Crystelle asks. "How might you know?"
"I've followed all of the suggestions in the documents you gave me," Devyon says. "Where did you say they came from?"
"It's frightfully secret," Crystelle says. "I'm really sorry, I can't tell you."
"I keep seeing an icon of a capital G surrounded by some wavy text that I can't read," Devyon says.
"Do you think people will want to try it out if it works?" Crystelle asks.
"Yes," Devyon says. "I'd like to, but I just feel it's too risky as yet."
"I want to try it," Crystelle says.
"No! I won't let you!" Devyon says protectively. "I'm sorry, you're a wonderful friend. I guess I value you too much."
A beautiful admission. How does Crystelle feel about Devyon?
Crystelle sits down by Devyon. "Oh, Devyon." They cuddle and kiss for a while. Crystelle fully recognises that Devyon is unlikely to risk giving the injection to her. This is a great moment for them.
Devyon breaks the kiss. "We've been working on this together for six months and I haven't told you how I feel about you. Can we date?"
"Yes, that's wonderful," Crystelle says.
Crystelle recognises that they do both really like each other and this would be a lovely start to something new. "Tonight?"
"Yes," Devyon says. "What restaurant would you like to go to? BeestThorne? It's new since your party!"
"Brilliant," Crystelle says. "Let's get ready now. Do leave that injector just there and I'll see you later on."
Devyon goes home to ablute.
Crystelle sits on a reclined chair she has prepared ready for this occasion. She reaches for the injector.
Should Crystelle inject herself with no-one else there? Isn't that rather dangerous?
At Work the Next Day.
For Devyon, it's rather like dating his boss. But they have a good connection and lots else in common.
"I really enjoyed our date last night," Devyon says. "I'd love to date you again. Would that be alright?"
"That would be lovely. I enjoyed it, too," Crystelle says.
"I meant to ask. What's that sticking plaster on your arm? It wasn't there yesterday daytime. Did you have an accident?"
"No, I didn't have an accident," Crystelle says. "I should have taken it off, it was nothing."
"Oh, where's the injector? I left it here?" Devyon asks.
"It's in the sink waiting to be washed. I'll wash it," Crystelle says. "But now I'll tell you a bit more about where this has all come from. If you want to hear it?"
"I'm all ears."
Crystelle's distraction worked. But now she has committed herself to sharing a bit more. What should she share, and what should she not share?
To Share or Not to Share.
"There have been a few new things around here recently," Crystelle starts sharing. "The BeestThorne restaurant, now this."
"You seem to be at the centre of these things," Devyon says. Crystelle seems much more fascinating the more he thinks about it.
"Ok," Crystelle says. "But I MUST ask you to keep these things totally secret..."
What will they go on to develop?