**3 POV**
Dr. Susan briskly walked down the corridor, barely able to contain her excitement. After 15 years of research and theory, the Science Academy would finally be making its mark.
Had it not been for Alec Ryder's obsession to cure his wife, Dr. Susan would have never been able to make her dream a reality; having a A.I fully integrated with a human. Not just for medical purposes but for actual combat. Her dream wasn't that small to only consist of saving people; no, it was bigger than that.
"Dr. Susan," Dianvi greeted as the doctor entered the secret surgery ward. "Dr. Lang has been recovered from the crash site."
Dr. Susan smiled, the A.I had taken over the controls flawlessly. Imagine what it could do once it was inside a body!
"What's her condition?" Dr. Susan asked, preparing for surgery.
"Stable, no major injuries," Dianvi replied. "Alec is on his way over with the modified implant."
"Excellent," Dr. Susan said, putting on the surgical gown. "Once we've integrated the implants and have the A.I connected well have to find a way for Dr. Lang to be 'discovered' at the crash site.
We must make it seem as though she has been there this whole time. They mustn't know of our involvement."
"Alec won't agree," Dianvi cautioned her. "He'll want to keep her here."
"Once the surgery and the synchronization are completed, it'll be your job to incapacitate him," Dr. Susan stated. "We need her to be taken to the Citadel. Then our real plan can begin."
"I'll take care of everything. All the evidence will point to Alec," Dianvi agreed. "He'll take the fall. As long as his wife is saved, I dont believe he cares for what happens next."
Dr. Susan nodded and couldn't stop smiling. Today was the day that all of her dreams would come true. If the surgery was successful, then her implant would be the way of the future. Within the next 5 years, humanity could use the implant to change the known world in biotic and A.I.
When Dr. Lang's thesis paper on the biotic implants had been published, Dr. Susan had jumped at the opportunity to work with her, but connecting with her had been impossible. It was like Dr. Lang had disappeared from the face of the Earth.
A few years later, Alec Ryder's paper had also been published, and she knew that if she couldn't get a hold of Dr. Lang, she would do everything in her power to work with Alec Ryder. Desperate people were the easiest to manipulate.
His idea to create a specialized neural implant that connected not only to the nervous system but also to the circulation, endocrine function, and exteroceptive senses was exactly what Dr. Susan was looking to do. She just needed someone brave enough to go against the Council and all their stupid rules.
Unlike what the quarians had developed, this specialized implant would connect the A.I to the host's neural network, which would allow it to see, hear, and feel exactly what the host saw, heard, and felt.
"He's here," Dianvi informed her.
"Alec," Dr. Susan greeted. "Thank you for rushing over. We're ready to begin."
Alec hesitated, "Dr. Lang volunteered for this?"
"Of course," Dr. Susan lied. "After she heard about your wife, she wanted to make sure that the prototype was functional. Once we know that there are no side effects, we can start by saving Ellen."
Alec nodded and handed over the "prototype". Little did he know that there was no 'prototype'; this implant was the final version.
"Let's get started."
**
"Vitals are stable," Dianvi announced. "No signs of rejection."
"Let me know if anything changes," Alec said as he began connecting the wires between Dr. Lang and SAM. "SAM, begin the synchronization."
Dr. Susan quietly observed the rest of the procedure. Once the implant had been attached, her task had been completed. Now, the rest was up to Alec.
"Synchronization at 5 percent."
"15..."
"35..."
"Heart rate increasing," Dianvi called out.
"45..."
"Blood pressure slightly elevated."
"65 percent.."
"80..."
"All vitals are stable."
"Synchronization completed," SAM stated.
"How do you feel?" Alec asked, checking the monitors.
"I feel empty," SAM replied. "I detect no signs of pain or distress. I'll have full insight into her physical and mental state once I can move around."
"Congratulations, Doctor," Dianvi celebrated. "The surgery is a success!"
"We'll have to keep Dr. Lang for a few more days," Alec said furiously, writing in his journal. "I need to continue to monitor her."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible," Dr. Susan said, walking over to him. "Dr. Lang is expected at the Citadel."
Alec frowned and turned to face Dr. Susan. As soon as he was distracted, Dianvi made her move and hit him on the back of his head. Alec slumped to the floor like a sack of potatoes.
"Get her cleaned up," Dr. Susan ordered. "Then dump her at the crash site."
"I have a better idea," SAM interjected.
Dr. Susan hesitated momentarily.
"An explosion would cover up any signs of surgery," it explained. "I can cause an electrical malfunction in a contained area. Dr. Lang might suffer some injuries, but I'll make sure she doesn't die."
"We do have some abandoned areas that would work," Dianvi added. "I don't recall the last time any of the electrical appliances were serviced."
"That will work," SAM assured her.
"Go ahead," Dr. Susan said. "Once Dr. Lang arrives at the Citadel, I need you to hack into the network and upload the virus."
"It will be done."
Dianvi quickly got Dr. Lang dressed in her normal clothes and used her biotics to transport her to the abandoned storage room.
[Dr. Lang is in the storage room.] Dianvi reported. [I've isolated the remaining areas to contain the fire.]
"Hurry back," Dr. Susan said. "Head over to the common area. I'll meet you there."
"I've disengaged the alarms," SAM said. "Explosion set for 2 minutes."
Dr. Susan nodded and, after removing the surgical gown, headed to the common area humming a joyful tune.