English Version: Sands & Sparrow

16

"I'm glad you're here, Miss Sinclair," Dr. Victor Howard greeted Margo warmly. As a dedicated neurosurgeon and psychologist in his sixties, Dr. Howard possessed a plump physique and a resonating voice tinged with a strong Irish accent. His hair, white and somewhat disheveled, contrasted with the penetrating coldness of his blue eyes, though his personality exuded warmth. Twenty years ago, his wife's death from cancer shifted his focus entirely to modern research and development.

"It's been a while, Victor. I'm eager to see the progress," Margo responded with a cordial smile.

Dr. Howard, whose father had also collaborated with Margo Sinclair, was kept in the dark about her immortality. Margo appreciated Victor's discretion; he never probed into her personal life, maintaining a professional relationship centered on their shared goals.

He led Margo to the research laboratory, a testament to futuristic design and heavily funded by her. The pristine white walls and marble floors complemented the sophisticated equipment, all overseen by a centralized computer system designed to advance human intelligence.

Opting to develop the laboratory in a third-world country presented fewer obstacles for Margo, where bribery and document forgery facilitated operations without the hindrance of legal scrutiny.

Dr. Howard accessed the lab by scanning his fingerprint.

"Area 31 Westside door, open," announced the computer's automated female voice as they entered a room filled with cutting-edge machinery. A twelve-year-old girl lay asleep on a bed, electrodes affixed to her head and wires connecting her to the surrounding plasma screens. Dr. Howard gestured for Margo to take a seat while his assistant silently handed him the patient's chart before exiting.

"The recent survivors had their memories successfully erased. The last patient, from Bosnia, was a victim of the Russian Mafia," Dr. Howard briefed Margo as they observed the girl. "She was traumatized to the point of muteness and deteriorating health, ultimately entering an unconscious state. We're now erasing the recesses of her subconscious."

As they monitored the colorful lines on the screen indicating the girl's brain activity, Dr. Howard manipulated the holographic computer display with gestures, bypassing the need for physical buttons.

"Her amygdala harbors numerous fear-related memories. Both the parietal and frontal lobes are accessible," Margo noted, analyzing the data.

"Patient 346 will awaken in exactly 5 hours, 20 minutes, and 15 seconds," the computer informed.

Dr. Howard elaborated, "While her memories are being erased, the patient remains aware of her surroundings. This allows us to access and release the hidden memories in her subconscious. Upon waking, she will have no recollection of her past."

Impressed, Margo suggested, "That's remarkable work, Doctor Howard. Shall we proceed to your office now?"

Acknowledging her interest, Dr. Howard agreed, "Very well, Miss Sinclair." He was well aware of the purpose behind her visit as they made their way to his office, where she comfortably settled onto the couch.

"Is there a new way to erase some parts of my memory?" Margo didn't hesitate with her question. Victor looked at her, sadness evident in his eyes. He sighed, shoving his hands into the pockets of his white coat. "Yours is a challenging case, Miss Sinclair. It regenerates. Erasing your memory isn't possible."

Disappointed, Margo exhaled slowly, trying to control her frustration. Despite her growing irritation, Dr. Howard remained composed. "Well, you should try harder!" Margo stood abruptly. "How much more do you need? I can provide it!" Desperation tinged her voice. Immortal yet seeking hope, she paced the room, rubbing her forehead to soothe her agitation.