11: Laying the Groundwork

With the lab fully set up and ready for test runs, Ethan felt a sense of accomplishment. The warehouse had transformed into a cutting-edge research facility, a testament to the hard work and dedication of his team. But their journey was far from over. To sustain their progress and protect their mission, Ethan knew they needed to expand their operations.

Sitting at his desk, surrounded by blueprints and organizational charts, Ethan began drafting a comprehensive recruitment plan. The team needed to fill several critical roles to ensure the smooth functioning of the project. They required experts in security, administration, and finance to bolster their efforts and safeguard their research.

For security, Ethan sought individuals with a background in cybersecurity and physical security measures. Protecting their lab from potential threats, especially from someone as dangerous as Vance, was paramount. He reached out to trusted contacts and put out discreet feelers in relevant circles.

In terms of administration, Ethan needed professionals who could handle logistics, procurement, and general office management. Efficient administrative support was essential for keeping the day-to-day operations running smoothly, allowing the scientists to focus on their research.

For finance, Ethan aimed to hire a skilled financial manager who could oversee budgets, manage funds, and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements. With the inheritance providing initial funding, it was crucial to manage resources wisely and plan for long-term sustainability.

While Ethan worked on the recruitment plan, an unsettling piece of news reached Vance. Reports indicated that someone was buying medical supplies and equipment on a large scale. Initially, Vance didn't take it too seriously. In the competitive world of pharmaceuticals, bulk purchases were not uncommon. He decided to monitor the situation discreetly, allowing the buyers to operate freely for the time being.

However, Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that there might be more to these purchases. He knew that Vance, with his vast network and ruthless tactics, could be behind it. Allowing them to establish themselves before suppressing their efforts as the number one industry tyrant strike heart or anyone who crosses his part ,

One evening, Ethan called a meeting with his core team—Anya, Marcus, and Kai. They gathered in the lab's conference room, a sense of anticipation hanging in the air.

"We've made incredible progress," Ethan began, addressing his team. "But we need to expand our operations to sustain and protect our work. I've started drafting a recruitment plan to bring in experts for security, administration, and finance."

Anya nodded thoughtfully. "Security is crucial, especially given Vance's reach. We need to ensure our research is protected from any potential threats."

Marcus added, "And efficient administration and finance will allow us to focus on the science without getting bogged down in logistics and budget issues."

Ethan smiled, grateful for his team's support and expertise. "Exactly. We'll proceed cautiously, gather more information, and be ready to act if necessary. For now, let's focus on building our extended team and getting the lab fully operational."

As they delved into the details of the recruitment plan, Ethan felt a renewed sense of purpose. The dream of curing Morterra was becoming more tangible with each passing day. With their lab running smoothly and a strong team in place, they were well-equipped to face the challenges ahead.

But beneath the surface, Ethan remained vigilant. Vance was a formidable opponent, and any misstep could jeopardize their mission. As they forged ahead, Ethan knew that the real battle was yet to come. The stakes were high, but with his father's legacy as their guiding light and a team of brilliant minds by his side, Ethan was determined to see Project Lazarus through to the end.