~Marcus~
Damon turned back to the screens. "The enhanced subjects from groups three through five will receive updated implants based on Elara's neural mapping. The imperfections in your generation will be corrected."
"Just like that?" I couldn't keep the bitterness from my voice. "Problem solved for the new models while first-generation subjects continue to deteriorate?"
"Scientific progress requires sacrifice." His voice was cold, impersonal. "Your contribution has been invaluable, Marcus."
My contribution. My suffering. My slow march toward death, marked by the shimmering silver creeping beneath my skin.
"What about stabilizing the existing implants?" I asked, already knowing the answer. "Chen said Subject Thirteen's neural degradation was temporarily reversed in testing."
"Tempora
