He wants her to go undercover.

"Here is what is expected from you here, should you accept your assignment." Dr. Drexler reached into his breast pocket, and pulled out a wallet. He opened the wallet, and pulled out an old, faded picture, that appeared to be from the late 70s. "Ms. Wallace, do you recognize the individuals in this picture?"

Lucy immediately recognized the figure on the right as Dr. Drexler himself. The handsome, confident young man in the photograph matched his distinctive facial features. The picture featured two other people as well, a man and a woman, and all three were grouped together outside of what appeared to be an academic building. "I recognize you... And from what I already know about Hycondrex Labs, I'm guessing the other two are Drs. Sally Hyung and Steven Conway, your fellow co-founders."

"That is absolutely correct!" Dr. Drexler formed a tired smile as he retreated the wallet back into his pocket, impressed by Lucy's knowledge. "Yes, this photo is from our commencement ceremony, graduating from college. I keep it on me at all times as a reminder of what this organization used to be... What it was founded on. We were more than merely colleagues, we were the best of friends. When working on projects, we could anticipate each other's thoughts. Our work and research came so effortlessly when we collaborated, we thought it natural to start our own research lab immediately. Other academics thought we would surely fail, but as you are well aware, time has shown otherwise." Dr. Drexler paused for a moment and formed an ambient gaze across the room, as if he was reminiscing.

"But enough about that. Hycondrex has achieved many great things, and we still strive to. At least I do. However, over the last year, something has... Changed." Dr. Drexler furrowed his brow, an expression combining anger and disappointment. "Dr. Conway has always been a bit... different and reclusive, which incidentally is how I became the de facto spokesman for the organization. It's understandable, I can appreciate a man that desires privacy. Surely in your research into our lab, you had difficulty finding much information on him." Lucy nodded in agreement. "Yes, well... Your assignment to building C-5 is no coincidence. That building has always been designated for some of our, shall I say... More controversial experiments, pushing the boundaries of biology as it is known today. Previously, the three of us all worked in whatever departments we desired, collaborating on the projects we deemed most interesting to ourselves. I never took a special interest in the controversial experiments contained to building C-5, but we three agreed that we shouldn't slow the advancement of science due to stockholder questions, or the outcry of the public. C-5 is our haven away from protest and controversy, and Dr. Conway has always been the unofficial main liaison for that department. As I said, I've noticed over the past year or so that something seems amiss. Dr. Hyung has been travelling overseas at various conferences and branches, and while it's not unusual for her to be our remote correspondent, she's never been gone for a single trip nearly this long. I've only corresponded with her in very brief sessions and emails. I first became a bit alarmed when I mentioned this abnormality to Dr. Conway. He became seemingly defensive and chastised me for my concern. I've seen less and less of him as well, he seems to be focusing all of his time in that blasted building."

This was a lot of information for Lucy to take in. "So where do I come into this?" She grabbed a bottle of water from the center of the table and downed half the bottle in one go. She was beginning to feel more back-to-normal.

"Yes, well. To get to the point, I need eyes and ears in building C-5. A few months ago, I attempted to access the building myself, to have a look around and calm my suspicions that something's afoot. My security access had been revoked. All 3 of us founders were meant to have unrestricted access to the entire compound, so this only further stoked the flames of concern. Dr. Conway insisted it was an ID system error, but I still have no access. Now he's been increasingly dodgy, avoiding communications and being vague. The security department said my access is unrestricted, and suggested that perhaps the restriction was coming from within the building itself."

"Okay, so... Something mysterious or shady is going on in your experimental lab, and you want ME to investigate? You don't have anyone more appropriate for the job? Maybe hire a private investigator? Anyone that already works in the department?" Lucy was starting to wonder if she was on some kind of reality show or something, but what kind of prank involved being physically molested by a machine? This was all too real.

"I can't trust anyone already involved in what's going on. We screen our C-5 employees most thoroughly to not discuss what goes on behind those walls. My own permission may have been revoked, but there are still other new individuals being allowed inside the compound. I've seen them with my own eyes, as I walked around the security fence. If I didn't know better, I'd think more people are going in than leaving..." Drexler paused on this thought, as if he hadn't previously considered it. "...but I haven't had much time to watch, I haven't wanted to look suspicious hanging around. Sure, I could follow one of them in, use my executive power to barge through security, but I'm afraid whoever is behind all this has a plan to cover this up if I made my suspicions known. No, it has to be part of the typical comings-and-goings of the compound. Janitorial staff is already locked in. Supply deliveries as well. The only personnel file I was able to access was our intern file for the upcoming quarter. I intercepted the letter you were supposed to receive in regards to your internship, and personally sent my own. You took the place of a one Nancy Yeardley, if I recall correctly."

Lucy knew Nancy. She went to the same school. She was an airheaded, busty blonde, and everyone automatically assumed she was blowing (at the very least) all her professors for grades. "She was accepted to the program... And I... I... Wasn't?!"

"Lucy, don't get tied down in particulars. We don't have time. I need an answer from you now." The man rounded the table, pulled out Lucy's chair, and reached out to her hands, gesturing to help her to her feet. Once she had risen, he moved his hands to her shoulders, looking directly into her eyes. "If you aid me, I'll personally see that you get whatever it is you desire. A position here will certainly available for you if you help me, or a recommendation to any lab in the world. Please, I need your help."

Lucy was finally beginning to feel normal, and this was all just too much. If Dr. Drexler was giving her a chance to leave, maybe she should consider it.