As soon as I heard the commotion upstairs, I wiped my hands clean, making sure to leave no residue from my work. The smell of blood clung to my gloves, so faint that I didn't bother replacing them. Offering my now sheet covered experiment one last glance I straightened my coat and stepped out of the lab, locking the door behind me.

The hospital walls were piercingly bright in contrast to the dark basement, the morning sun that filtered through the window only adding to it. The scent of medicine and antiseptics filled the air, drowning out whatever stench of blood I still had on me. Lucky.

Just as I turned the corner, Sterling stood before me. "Oh hey Viktor. You're in earlier than usual," he said, adjusting his tie with a clearly experienced flick of his wrist. His tone was unreadable, yet knowing him it was laced in distaste. I could tell that he despises me with his very being.I force a polite smile, "Oh well i suppose so..You're not the earliest usually either. What's the special occasion?". Sterling let out a very dry chuckle as he slipped on his coat. "I woke up early so I came early." His responses were always short and snappy, as if my presence was enough to sour his mood and ruin his day. I've always been clueless as to why Sterling has such a repugnance towards me. Maybe he knew something was off about me. Maybe he just cant stand any of his coworkers, that misanthropist swine. Whatever it was, he never made an effort to hide this distaste, and frankly, I never made an effort to care. Sterling was like a pest, an irritating insect that insist on flying around, causing minor disturbances for seemingly no reason. "Well, good for you." I exhaled, keeping my expression neutral. We stood there for a few seconds longer before Sterling ended the subconscious staring battle and brushed past me. Good riddance.

Soon, more staff came in, moving through their routine in their own pace. The hospital was quite small, akin to a clinic, so not many people work here, yet their presence here is unmistakable. If they knew what I've been doing at our workplace they'd all lose their minds. People who think my work is "unethical" are simple minded. Their opinions are as insignificant to me as Sterlings. Science, true science, is not bound to mortality, it is not restrained by foolish notions like "right" or "wrong". It is driven by discovery, by the pursuit of something greater, and thats what I strive for. I'm advancing us. If anything, I'm doing the human race a favor. The thought made me grin wide, though I quickly forced it down as a nurse walked past me, offering me a troubled, disturbed glance before continuing on her way.