A silver Chrysler pulled into the campus of Stony Brook University, where both Sean and Harry were enrolled...
Nestled in the suburban Long Island, this prestigious public research university was renowned worldwide for its academic excellence, often referred to as a "Public Ivy"...
The car wound its way through the tree-lined paths before stopping in front of an older white building.
Originally a university laboratory, this facility had produced numerous distinguished scientists, including several Nobel laureates. Later, it was purchased by Norman Osborn and handed over to Dr. Connors for research.
Now, after changing hands once more, it belonged to Dr. Curt Connors, and was funded by a businessman from Hell's Kitchen.
Stepping out of the car, Harry was unaware of these behind-the-scenes dealings. He took a deep breath as his nerves tingled with anticipation.
After his conversation with Sean, he had reviewed the research data and sent it to Oscorp's scientific team for evaluation. The results were clear... this new drug had staggering profit potential.
Still harboring some doubts, Harry decided to see for himself. If the results matched the claims, saving Oscorp might no longer be an impossible task.
"Harry, you're earlier than I expected." Sean and Dr. Connors stood at the entrance as they welcomed their guest with warm smiles, "Would you like a tour first, or should we go straight to Caesar?"
"Let's walk. I've never been here before." Harry forced a casual smile, not wanting to appear too eager.
Sean nodded, "Dr. Connors, would you mind preparing Caesar? Just be careful... he's been a bit temperamental lately."
The reserved one-armed scientist agreed silently. He had never been one for small talk, and Oscorp's past abandonment still left a bitter taste.
Still, he trusted Sean completely. After all, it was this young man who had pulled him from the depths of despair.
As Dr. Connors left, Sean led Harry through the aging laboratory, "Our core project remains Dr. Connors' cross-species genetics research. Limb regeneration has enormous medical potential. I foresee many opportunities for collaboration with Oscorp."
Harry listened quietly and observed the dated facilities. Oscorp had its own well-funded R&D division, which pursued projects like the glider and the super-soldier serum... both being attempts to secure military contracts.
But scientific breakthroughs were unpredictable. As Oscorp's new CEO, Harry knew all too well how many "promising" projects turned into money pits with no return.
Harry studied his friend, 'If Sean really is a genius...'
Though they were same age, Sean carried himself with a confidence that commanded trust...
'Maybe he is like Tony Stark or Reed Richards, the kind of mind that could revolutionize industries...'
"Hey, Harry? What are you doing here?" Gwen's surprised voice interrupted his thoughts.
She balanced a stack of files, her eyes wide. Given Oscorp's turmoil and Harry's leave of absence, his presence here was unexpected.
"Sean's got something amazing that might just save the company..." Harry shot Sean a knowing look, easily picking up on Gwen's obvious interest in his friend.
Sean chuckled, exchanging brief pleasantries before guiding Harry to the lab's central chamber. Dr. Connors stood ready, waiting beside a glass enclosure.
"Meet Caesar. A chimpanzee from the South African rainforest." Sean gestured to the small primate sitting inside, "Chimpanzee DNA is nearly identical to humans with less than 1% difference. That's why we chose him for trials."
"And what's he doing?" Harry pressed closer to the glass.
The young chimp sat attentively at a table, facing a tower of stacked disks. A researcher entered with a tray of fruit.
"The Towers of Hanoi puzzle. Move the disks from one peg to another without placing a larger disk atop a smaller one. The optimal solution takes fifteen moves. Caesar here averages sixteen now, a huge improvement from last week's twenty."
Harry's jaw dropped as the chimp deftly rearranged the disks and completed the puzzle with startling efficiency before happily accepting his fruit reward.
"This... is incredible!"
Sean smirked at Harry's reaction. Dr. Connors had been just as stunned.
"Initially, Caesar couldn't solve it no matter how much we trained him. Then we administered ALZ-112, a gene therapy drug that stimulates neurogenesis, essentially repairing and regenerating brain cells..."
"...Or, to put it simply, a miracle cure for Alzheimer's."
The mesmerized Harry watched as Caesar moved on to identifying simple words and pictures...
The implications were staggering. This drug could redefine medicine... and Oscorp's future...
"Any side effects?" Harry's excitement dimmed slightly.
He hadn't forgotten how the super-soldier serum's flaws had doomed Oscorp.
"A minor one." Sean shrugged, "In chimps, ALZ-112 sometimes causes green pigmentation in the irises. But we don't expect this to manifest in humans."
"So?" Sean met Harry's gaze squarely, "Ready to partner up? This drug isn't just for Alzheimer's, it could treat countless neurological disorders. The profit potential is limitless..."
Harry stared at Caesar... the chimp's human-like intelligence was undeniable. Oscorp's resources could fast-track this drug to market.
"We'll need human trials first," Harry finally said, "If the results hold up, Oscorp is in."
Sean grinned and clapped Harry's shoulder, "You remember what I said?"
"The future belongs to us..."
The two young men stood side by side, one filled with hope, the other with quiet certainty.
The game had just begun...