Asteroid Base 3 remained suspended in silent orbit far from Earth's detection networks a carefully hidden laboratory surrounded by empty space and distant starlight. The base was one of Zack's newest research centers, equipped specifically for work combining soul theory, advanced biotechnology, and artifact analysis.
A teleportation sequence shimmered in the docking chamber, followed by the arrival of Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel.
Nicholas stood with relaxed posture, his eyes bright with curiosity rather than fear. Many centuries had made him familiar with the extraordinary. His wife, Perenelle, observed with a sharper gaze not hostile, but analytical. The kind of stare belonging to someone who had spent centuries unraveling secrets and expected new ones.
Zack greeted them with measured steps.
"Welcome. I appreciate your acceptance of the invitation."
Nicholas smiled.
"We've heard many stories, Zack. Most rumors are absurd, but the fact that they exist at all means the magical world feels something shifting. We wanted to see it for ourselves."
Perenelle nodded in agreement.
"And if you asked for us specifically, it means you believe we can contribute."
> "You can," Zack replied. "Your experience with the Stone is unmatched. The knowledge you've acquired cannot be replicated through observation alone."
Nicholas exchanged a brief glance with his wife a silent conversation between two minds that no longer needed words.
They followed Zack through a series of connected hallways with transparent flooring. Beneath them, dozens of automated production bays operated with seamless precision: nanite swarms assembling metallic lattices, biological tissue forming in containment tanks, drones installing structural components for future research wings.
Perenelle studied the machinery.
"This is beyond any magical innovation or alchemical advancement I've seen."
Nicholas folded his hands behind his back.
"Humanity's understanding of the world evolves slowly," he said thoughtfully. "But you have accelerated the process beyond natural evolution."
> "Advancement should not wait for centuries if solutions are available now."
Nicholas gave a soft laugh.
"A statement every alchemist has whispered at least once."
THE LAB
They entered a chamber designed with precision and clarity no clutter, no wasted motion. In the center sat a containment cradle holding stabilized nanites, biological samples, and a carefully sealed fragment of the Philosopher's Stone. Holographic overlays displayed the structure of the stone in layered detail: molecular composition, magical frequency, and soul-binding harmonics.
Nicholas approached the display slowly. His expression shifted from curiosity into something close to reverence or perhaps recognition.
"You've mapped what alchemists only theorized," he murmured. "Not metaphor, not symbolism the actual mechanism."
Zack adjusted the display, revealing the next layer: the relationship between biological decay and soul tether stability.
"The Stone does not create immortality," Zack explained. "It preserves alignment. When the body begins to weaken, the Stone keeps the soul anchored, preventing separation. The biological form repairs itself to match the tether rather than the other way around."
Perenelle traced a line along the hologram.
"So the soul becomes the blueprint."
> "Exactly."
Her eyes lifted to Zack with something new respect, not awe.
"And you want our help refining this process."
> "Yes. Your practical experience extends far beyond theoretical understanding. Together, we can stabilize and refine this mechanism for broader use."
Nicholas raised a brow, intrigued.
"Broader use? For whom?"
> "Those who choose life with purpose. Not power for its own sake, nor unending existence without meaning."
Nicholas's expression softened unusually earnest.
"That is… a philosophy I can support."
THE AGREEMENT
Zack activated a new model. A humanoid projection appeared not a clone, not a construct, but a layered representation of biological form, neural architecture, and soul resonance.
"This is the long-term research objective," Zack stated. "A fully compatible vessel model capable of sustaining a soul without degradation or fragmentation."
Perenelle studied the projection with quiet fascination.
"A perfected form," she murmured.
Nicholas finished the thought:
"Not escape from death but continuity."
Zack inclined his head.
> "Correct."
The couple shared another silent look the kind built on centuries of partnership.
Then Nicholas extended his hand.
"We would be honored to work with you."
Zack accepted the handshake deliberate, steady.
Perenelle rested her hand lightly on Zack's wrist, a gesture that carried trust rather than formality.
"If we are truly at the beginning of a new era," she said softly, "then let's build it with intention."
Zack met her gaze.
> "We will."
The laboratory activated its research systems, screens lighting up with active models and synchronized datasets.
Three minds two ancient and one engineered began shaping the future of life itself.