THE STARDUST FORTUNE

Chapter 17: The Truth Behind Metamorphosis

Alex stared at the holographic data floating before him, his hands trembling. "This can't be right."

"What did you find?" Dr. Chen, one of the senior researchers, peered over his shoulder.

"The cellular degradation... it's accelerating." Alex swiped through more files. "Subject 23 completely rejected the cybernetic implants. Subject 17's neural pathways are deteriorating. This isn't transformation – it's killing them."

"Mr. Drake!" Dr. Chen grabbed his arm. "Those files are restricted-"

"Because they show the truth?" Alex turned to face him. "How long have you known?"

The lab door slid open. Eleanor stood there, her expression unreadable. "Leave us, Dr. Chen."

Once alone, Alex projected the data onto the main screen. "Care to explain this?"

"You shouldn't have access to those files."

"People are dying, Eleanor!"

"They knew the risks."

"Did they? Did they know their bodies would reject the implants? That their minds would deteriorate until-"

"They signed the contracts."

"Like I did?" A