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subjects for the next week before we attempt any other testing. So far, no adverse side effects have surfaced other than slight loss of appetite and low-grade fever. The fever lasted less than two hours in each mouse, and their interest in food is beginning to increase, albeit slower than what we’d like to see. However, I am confident the formula will not suffer any major chemical changes no matter what form is used to administer it.”
    “Agreed. Since we used transgenic bacteria as the basis, the method of delivery should not change the effectiveness of the formula,” Dr. Riverside added.
    Everett gave the kid a slight grin, appreciative for the support. “Exactly. Once the bacteria enter the brain, specifically, the nucleus accumbens, they attach to the neurotransmitters. Basically, when necessary, the bacteria release enzymes to regulate the dopamine levels in the brain, thus maintaining steady levels.”
    Dr. Thomas furrowed his brow, the look of disbelief evident to Everett. “What happens when something stimulates the cells to produce extra dopamine? Like when an orgasm is reached, or if more drugs are introduced into the body? How will this formula of yours stop the flood of dopamine?”
    “May I answer this, Dr. Berning?”
    Everett nodded at Dr. Flint, who’d been standing next to Dr. Thomas the entire time, and seemed eager to contribute. “Be my guest.”
    Dr. Flint turned and addressed Dr. Thomas. “Great question and one the three of us discussed numerous times. Dr. Berning is the genius who came up with the idea to use transgenic bacteria. He tweaked the DNA to detect high levels of dopamine. Orgasmic release is not affected since the intensity of dopamine isn’t near the amounts triggered when narcotics enter the brain. When levels are normal, the bacteria remain dormant: an invisible coating overlaying the cells. However, when a particular level is reached, the bacteria then reanimates and forms a protective barrier around the neurotransmitters. Then enzymes are released to attack and destroy the excess dopamine, which is then eliminated from the body. When levels dip below a certain threshold, the bacteria returns to dormancy.”
    “Fascinating,” Dr. Thomas remarked. “How long do you project the bacteria will remain adhered to the cells?”
    Everett blinked twice, shocked by the question. As a physician, Dr. Thomas should already know the answer. “As with all bacteria introduced into the body, as long as the T-cells don’t create antibodies to destroy the bacteria—and no external antibiotics are administered—they will remain inside the host cells forever.”
    Dr. Thomas handed the binder containing Everett’s notes to him. He’d been studying them ever since his arrival, focusing on the research before viewing the full results. “So, you’re saying this discovery is a permanent cure for addiction? What happens when the addict is confronted with drugs? Will the enhanced bacteria keep them from succumbing to temptation and ingesting them?”
    Everett smiled, the question he’d been waiting for Dr. Thomas to ask finally on the table. “Allow me to demonstrate.”
    Reaching inside Ultima’s cage, Everett deposited a fresh pile of pure heroin in the food dish. The mouse didn’t seem to notice. For dramatic effect, Everett grabbed the mouse by the tail and picked it up. He dropped Ultima on top of the heroin. The mouse scurried away to the opposite end of the cage without even a second glance at the drugs.
    “See? No interest at all. Our hypothesis is the bacteria acts as a shield even when dormant, making the host uninterested in the drug.”
    Dr. Thomas moved past Everett and snatched up the mouse. “I would like to see what happens when accidental ingestion occurs.”
    Nodding in agreement, Everett picked up a syringe loaded with heroin. Taking Ultima from Dr. Thomas, he gave the mouse a small injection. The reaction was immediate. Ultima jerked, his tiny body rigid. Before