This one was no more important that when I sent over the first batch.”

            “I guess you're right, Doctor.  But I didn't know they needed more than one batch.”

            “But they do.  And they may need more!  It is lucky for you that you have me to tell you these things.”

            The doctor's office door opened.  There stood Commandant Ornstein.  “Doctor, we have to talk.  Exactly how many injections will these soldiers need?”

            “Commandant, I know how you must feel.  Not everyone can follow something this complex.  Here, let me show you something on my monitor.  Computer.  File number 131.”

            On the monitor on the wall appeared a picture of the lab monkeys calmly resting in their common cage.  “These are monkeys that are in their fourth life span.  Next:”  the computer switched to the next screen.  “And these monkeys are those who didn't have a second dose within a week of the first.”  On the screen were monkeys shrieking and writhing on the floor, obviously in great pain.  “If I don't inject the clones and Aryans, they will suffer the same fate.”

            “Why didn't you tell me about these side effects?” he said.  “You deliberately withheld this information.”

            “What information?  That they need a second injection or they die a painful death?  What does it matter to you as long as I scheduled the second injection to be made on time?  I've taken care of everything.  I already mailed all of those who got the first injection and have made arrangements for them to come to the clinic, or one of our workers will go to them, wherever they may be. Surely you have read  your own mail.  You are to report with the others.  Check your personal com.  It is there.  Believe me.  There will be no side effects that can't be dealt with.”

            “‘That can't be dealt with?’  You mean there is more?”

            “Commandant.  Immortality sometimes comes at a price.  But you did see the lab animals that live far longer than nature would have them to live.  They are perfectly functional.  No problems.  You worry too much.  Calm yourself and have trust in the doctor.  I created these clones, gave them virtual immortality and I will give the same gift to your Aryan race.”

            “Then tell me, Doctor.  What can we expect?  What side effects might we have to deal with?”

            “Commandant.  You forced me to give the clones and Aryans the serum without prior human experimentation.  You absolved me of all responsibility for what might go wrong.  I honestly can't tell you if just one more injection will be enough.  We have no test group except those who have already taken the first dose.  We have to see.”

            “The Counsel Chairman is not going to like this.”

            “Then why tell him?  Chances are that the second injection will be just fine.  After that, maybe a third, maybe not.  We just have to play it by ear.  Surely he can't be angry if everything is resolved in a month.  What does he care if it takes a few shots to obtain virtually eternal youth?”

            “Doctor, you are a wily man.  If we can't trust you, you are dead.”

            “That may be true,” he replied.  “But since the only hope of eternal life resides in my hand, I would suggest to you that you don't kill me.  And, since I am the only one capable of creating the serum to deal with side effects, I suggest you don't threaten me either.”

            The commandant's voice became much more forceful.  “You are not the only physician that worked on this project.  Surely the Aryan scientists know what to do.”

            “Your Aryan scientists?” he said, mockingly.  “You mean the boys you sent me?  The ones that had just gotten their degrees?  Ha!  They know how to experiment only.  Ask them to create a serum and you'll get cough syrup!”

            Commandant Ornstein looked at the monitor again.  The monkeys were tearing at each other.  “Doctor, while I am here, would you mind giving me my injection now?  Do you have any with you?”

            “I do.”  He took an injector out of his pocket and held it to the commandant's neck.  A puff of pressurized air delivered the concoction into his bloodstream. 

            Instantly the commandant smiled.  “This is one side effect that I do like,” he said.  “I feel wonderful! I don't feel tired any more.  It feels like a fresh spring day!”  Within seconds the commandant’s face blanked out as his mind turned inward.

            “Yes, the pathway to eternal youth is pleasant, isn't it Commandant?  Commandant?”  The doctor waved his hand in front of the blurry-eyed officer.  “Excellent."