The red opaque shell peeled open with a flourish, revealing a curved dome constructed of glass and shiny silver metal. The words "Stek Industries" were emblazoned on the top. A small group stood on a platform raised above the red Martian sand, gazing at the new building, and applauded politely.

"Stek Industries." Iain Stek said the words with satisfaction. "I like it, Drexler," he told the elderly man next to him. "Sounds like a strong, dynamic company that is going places."

"Yes, sir," agreed Drexler. "Your father would be proud of you."

A shadow crossed Stek's face for a second. "I hope so. I know he wants me to take over the Earth business, but there isn't room for two of us at the top. Pop will never let go as long as he can draw breath, and I want my own company."

Drexler nodded.

"What do you intend to build here? Electronic components like your father?"

"I don't think so." Stek took a deep breath. "I want to do something new. A new planet, a new building—time for a new direction."

He glanced at Drexler. Unable to leave his business on Earth, his father had sent Drexler, one of his most trusted advisors as his representative. Ostensibly he was there to offer advice and to be present at the opening ceremony but in reality, Stek knew, and Drexler knew that he knew, he was there to report back to his father.

"A new direction?" queried Drexler.

"No young man believes he shall ever die," said Stek, who had turned forty the week before. "But we both know that's not true, don't we? Just think of all that we could achieve if we didn't grow old and die just as we are getting started!"

"What are you talking about?" Drexler asked, mystified.

"Immortality."

"What? You've got to be joking. You know there's no such thing, don't you? Not in the real world. Even those odd creatures that seem to live indefinitely are still subject to death, by disease or trauma."

Stek smiled defiantly. "I know it sounds crazy, but research has moved on from a couple of centuries ago, when people played around with cryogenics and made up stories about gods and super heroes. There are a couple of scientists today making real headway with nanotechnology and I want to be in on the ground floor."

"But—"

"Just imagine the market for such a product!" He turned to look at Drexler. "What about you, Drex? Wouldn't you like to live another fifty years?"

"Huh!" snorted Drexler. "Not with this arthritis, I wouldn't! Millions long for immortality who don't know what to do with themselves on a Sunday afternoon. If people could live forever, what would they do with themselves?"

But Stek wasn't listening.

Thirty years later

Jon Marlan had no inkling of the disasters ahead when he woke that morning. He got out of bed, stood under the spray shower for all of the two minutes the device allowed, dressed in a gray singlesuit, ate his breakfast in front of the dispenser and caught the tunnel train to work, all as usual.

He greeted Moira at the Reception desk, then went into his office and brought up today's schedule on his console unit. He smiled. Mr Drexler was coming in this morning for his bi-monthly visit. Although he was no longer part of the Administration team, he still loved to keep an eye on what was happening. He would be quite happy wandering around the facility, chatting to old friends before he'd pop in to see Jon around lunchtime. Jon made a note to have a bottle of Red Crater brandy brought up with a couple of glasses. He'd have a mouthful or two to keep the old man company

Jon read down further and his mouth twisted as he saw the appointment at 14.00 in the Bio Lab with Doctor Jenner. Twelve months he'd been working at Stek Industries and he still couldn't overcome that shiver of revulsion when he went into the Bio Lab. All those specimens in glass containers, lined up on benches as if Jenner couldn't bear to be separated from them.

Jon dealt with correspondence for an hour and then decided it was time for a cup of coffee in the lunchroom. He always made a point of taking his break along with the rest of the staff. He thought it was important to be seen as approachable. After all, as Deputy Manager he wanted to hear about any problems as early as possible and he found it gave him a good feel for things, listening to the general chat and watching the interaction between staff.

"Good morning, Sali," he greeted the young woman sitting at a table with a baby on her knee. The baby was drinking gustily, eyes closed and tiny fists batting at the bottle. "How is Adam today?"

Sali smiled up at him. "He's fine, Jon. Slept through, with only one feed at around 2:00."

"No change I suppose?" Jon asked, as a matter of course.

"No. Not yet," Sali answered as she always did.

Jon nodded and moved across to the food dispenser. He programmed a coffee and then sat to drink it at a table filled with technicians from maintenance.

A young woman entered and sat next to Sali. "I can take him for a bit if you like, Sal," she offered.

"Thanks, Chynna," said Sali, handing the baby over. Adam opened his eyes for a moment, looked at Chynna, then closed them again, and continued sucking on his bottle.

Everything seemed to be progressing normally and Jon returned to his office, eager to get back to work.

But just as he sat down, a handsome young man wearing a three piece suit, the absolute latest in modern design, strode into the Reception foyer.

"Boom! Boom! Shake that room! Are y'all ready for me?" he called out cheerfully. He went up to the Receptionist who was looking startled, uncertain whether to return his smile or call for the manager. He took the matter out of her hands.

"Hi there, Moira," he said, peering at her holobadge. "You're new here, aren't you? I'm Jeri Stek. Let Marlan know I'm here, will you?" he asked.

"Certainly, sir. Is Mr Marlan expecting you, Mr Stek?" she asked, vainly searching her schedule for the day.

"I hope not," answered Jeri. "It wouldn't be a surprise visit if he was expecting me, would it?"

He turned to beam at a couple of technicians who had poked their heads around the door, curious to see who was making all the noise.

"Boss in the building!" the word spread like wildfire amongst the staff. Jeri Stek didn't visit very often but when he did, everyone jumped to attention. Hastily, people tidied their work areas and many of them, men as well as women, took a few moments to straighten their hair. The few people still grabbing a coffee in the lunchroom hurried back to their stations.

In the crèche, Henk picked up baby Adam from his cot and tucked him into the carrysak on his back, before going back to work.

All through the facility, people mentally summarised the status of their current projects, and prepared themselves to answer questions.

Jon hurried into the foyer, wishing fruitlessly that his boss had been there today of all days to take over. Jeri, with his expensive rich-boy looks and total self-confidence, always made him feel inadequate.

Jeri was laughing with one of the younger, and prettier, female technicians when Jon arrived.

"Excuse me, Mr Stek?" Jon interrupted. "How can I help you today?"

"Oh hullo, Marlan," Jeri turned away from the young woman with some reluctance. "Just thought I'd pop in and see what you were all up to. That's all right with you, isn't it?" He turned back to smile at the young woman who was blushing faintly. "I'll call you later, Bela," he added.

Jeri continued talking as he led the way into the depths of the research centre, Jon trotting behind like a reluctant acolyte. "What can I say? Women love me!"

Jeri laughed, amused by the disapproving expression on the younger man's face. Jon had looked so serious and worried when he'd entered the foyer, he hadn't been able to resist teasing him.

"So, back to business then. What's happening here that I don't know about?"

Jon gaped at him.

Jeri bit down on a surge of impatience. Had he hired the wrong man here? Couldn't Jon take a joke? He shrugged and continued.

"I want to hear the latest on the nanotech project. Sales tells me that Youth Drops are doing well, better than the Anti Aging Spray. Probably to do with the marketing, as they are basically the same product," he smiled wryly, "but I'd better talk to Doctor Hawkins myself. Maybe we should rebrand the mature age product as an 'Elixir.' And since I'm here, I'd like a word with Jenner in the Bio Lab. Has he had any success with the Turritopsis trials yet?"

"No, sir. Not to the best of my knowledge, but I'm certain Doctor Jenner will be able to provide you with an update. Who would you like to see first, Mr Stek? Doctor Hawkins or Doctor Jenner?"

"I'll have a word with Doctor Hawkins if she's free."

Despite the phrasing, Jon knew it wasn't a request. He sent Doctor Hawkins an urgent message via his wristcom and then sent a second message to Doctor Jenner.

Doctor Hawkins was waiting for them when they reached her laboratory. "Mr Stek," she said, peeling off a plastic glove to shake hands. "How are you, sir?"

"I'm good, Doctor. How is the anti-aging project coming along?"

"Making progress, sir. We want to live forever, and we're getting there. Our trials of the latest batch of modified nanobots, version NB12, are showing very positive results, so far." Doctor Hawkins ventured a small smile.

"As you know, our current commercial products allow the average person to extend their lifespan up to 110 years. The next batch—if it continues to trial successfully—should bring that up to 120! And most of those years will be at the equivalent of the pre-nanobot age of 50. I have a small team working on improving that further. If we can maintain a level of health comparative to 40 instead of 50 for the last 60 to 70 years of life... just imagine the extra benefits that would bring. More energy for one!"

Doctor Hawkins' grey eyes were bright with excitement. At age 47, she had a vested interest in the success of the new product.

"That's excellent news, Doctor. What time frame are we looking at here?"

A cautious expression crossed the doctor's face. "If all goes well, we should be able to begin clinical trials within the year. After that... we'll have to wait and see. I don't like to pre-empt the results, but I will say it's looking promising. Very promising."

"Excellent," Jeri repeated. He shook her hand again. "Thank you, Doctor."

"Right, let's see what news Doctor Jenner has for me," he continued, turning to address Jon.

"Yes, sir, if you'll follow me." Jon led the way through the corridors and down the ramp to the floor below. Both men entered the airlock which separated the Bio Lab from the rest of the facility and then stood still as the decontamination chamber performed its function, ensuring they didn't bring contaminating substances into the lab, whether by accident or not.

Doctor Jenner greeted them in person, his fluffy white hair and protuberant blue eyes giving him the image of the typical mad scientist beloved by holovids. Jon found himself wondering all too frequently how far that was from the actual truth. There were certainly some containers in the storage lab that he didn't want to study too closely and there were rumours that the Doctor didn't always wait quite long enough before testing his inventions on humans.

"Ah! Mr Stek!" exclaimed Doctor Jenner, eagerly. "There you are. I'm afraid we're having only limited success with my jellyfish—the Turritopsis—research. I've had some promising results with other species of Cnidaria, but those results don't transfer well to creatures with a skeleton."

Both Jeri and Jon must have looked a little blank. "If I give them a dose of my formula big enough to have an effect, they tend to rupture. Put simply, they burst," Doctor Jenner explained. "Let me show you what I mean." He began to walk across the laboratory to a bench filled with glass containers.

"No, that's quite all right, Doctor Jenner," Jeri assured him. A glimpse of red smeared inside the closest container had him averting his eyes hastily.

"What about that anti-aging enzyme, Telo- something? Have we ever studied that?" Jeri sought to distract Jenner from the grisly containers.

An odd look crossed Doctor Jenner's face. "Telomerase? I researched that when I first moved here, 30 years ago. Once again, we had some promising early results but unfortunately the side effects were too catastrophic. The same level of enzyme required to affect aging—that is, enough to allow cells to continually replace themselves—also resulted in the creation of virulent cancer cells. Pity." His eyes glazed over for a moment, reliving the past. "I thought I was really onto something there, but... it wasn't to be."

He shook his head. "Now what I can tell you about, is this new project I'm working on. Biological nanobots. Of course there's still some way to go, but..." Jon tuned out at that point. Despite his best efforts the technical scientific jargon went completely over his head.

Brrrr! A jarring sound on his wristcom, jolted him back to the present. Medic Braun's worried face filled the tiny screen. "Sir! It's Mr Drexler, he's collapsed. We're in the Infirmary."

"On my way, Braun," said Jon, turning to go. "I'm sorry, Mr Stek, but I'm needed in the Infirmary. Mr Drexler."

"I'll come too," said Jeri, hard on his heels. "I've known Drex all my life. Did they say what's wrong with the old guy?"

"No, sir, just that he's collapsed." They waited impatiently as the decontamination chamber removed anything they'd picked up in the lab, and then hurried up the ramp to the Infirmary.

"I guess he must be a fair age now," mused Jeri. "I know he's been using the Anti-Aging Spray the last few years but... he was already past seventy when I was born. That would make him over a hundred, now."

They went straight in to the Infirmary to find Drexler laid out on a gurney, looking grey and shrunken. His eyes were closed, his breath shallow in his chest.

"Medic, what—"

Before Jeri could finish the question, Drexler convulsed. Braun rushed to his side along with the aide, but they could only watch helplessly as he shrivelled up, skin drawing excruciatingly tight over his bones, pulling them into a caricature of a corpse. Then the next minute they were all staring open mouthed at a body length of grey dust on top of the sheet.

"What the fuck?" Jeri couldn't control his shock.

Medic Braun looked white faced but resolute. "I guess you can only keep someone alive for so long. That's what happens when the body has had enough."

"Well, there goes the aged care industry," said Jeri, still in shock. "Does this happen all the time?"

"Not quite so dramatically," answered Braun. "Normally there is about a week when the person feels really, really tired. But it's pretty quick after that."

"Do people know about this when they take our products? Jon?"

"Well, it is included in the information sheet which is issued with each purchase."

"Let me see," demanded Jeri.

Nervously, Jon brought the information up on his wristcom and showed his boss. "There, it's in that paragraph near the end."

"Warning: Please see your Medic immediately if you experience extreme fatigue. This could be an indication of approaching termination." Jeri read the words aloud. He glared at Jon in angry disbelief.

"I don't fucking believe it! 'Approaching termination?' Who authorised this crap?"

"Actually, your father did," said Braun. "He didn't want to frighten people off from using the product."

There was a small pause.

"All right," Jeri was nodding his head, absorbing the blow. "That was then. But I think we've moved on from that. Let's tell people the truth in plain English. Jon?" He gave Jon a challenging look.

"I agree, sir." Jon replied firmly. "I believe the majority of people will still prefer to use the drugs—after all, most would be quite happy with a quick death compared to a long one—but they need to able to make an informed decision."

Jeri was still wound up. "Right, see to it would you? And send me a copy before you finalise it. Please."

"Yes, sir."

"You'll see to proper disposal of the remains?" he asked Braun.

"Of course, sir."

"Charge any costs to me, personally. I don't think he had any family here on Mars but I'll let Dad know what's happened. He can see that the appropriate people on Earth are informed."

Jeri rolled his shoulders. "Right. Now, what's next on the agenda for today?"

Jon accompanied his boss throughout the rest of the facility. Jeri poked his nose inside every room, spending a few moments to chat to anyone who was available.

"I really need to visit more often," he confided to Jon. "Now Dad's moved to take over the family company on Earth, this one is mine. I know I have your reports, but it's not the same as being here and seeing for myself."

"No, sir," Jon reluctantly agreed. He couldn't help his heart sinking at the thought of Jeri being here every day, inevitably taking over the best bits of his—Jon's—job.

Jeri even took Adam for a few moments while he chatted to Henk. "Cute baby," said Jeri as Adam smiled and gurgled happily in his arms. "Is he the only baby on site?"

"Yes sir," said Henk. "That's why we take it in turns to have him with us at our stations, those of us where it's suitable of course. It's too lonely for the little chap to be in the crèche by himself all day."

"You're not his father, then?" asked Jeri.

"Oh no!" laughed Henk. "I'm just helping out. I like babies."

"Good of you. His mother must appreciate the break," Jeri smiled. "Which section does she work in?"

There was a deathly pause. Henk turned an anguished face to Jon, who cleared his throat. Fuck! This was going to be over to him. He couldn't believe this. How could Jeri not know?

"Your father didn't tell you?"

Jeri looked from one frozen face to the other and gritted his teeth. "What? What didn't my father tell me?"

"About Adam." Jon paused a moment hoping Jeri would somehow smile and say "Oh that! Of course he did."

"Would. Someone. Please. Tell. Me. Now." Jeri's patience was wearing very thin.

"Um... Adam is the result of an experiment. He was conceived in the laboratory from donated egg and sperm. After he was born he was cared for here, in the crèche, by a foster mother for the first six months of his life." Jon paused for a second to gather his thoughts, then appeared to go off at a tangent. "Did you know that a baby grows a further 30 per cent from birth weight in the first five months? And up to 50 per cent by the time it is twelve months old?"

"No, I didn't... but what's that got to do with Adam?"

"Adam was given a treatment—an experimental drug based on the enzyme, Telomerase, at age six months. That was the time Doctor Jenner calculated the enzyme would have most chance of success without also triggering the cancer cells which it does when applied to an adult."

Jeri was staring with growing horror at Adam, who was gurgling happily.

"You're telling me Jenner experimented on a human baby?" He glared at Jon.

Jon took an involuntary step back. "Don't space the messenger, Stek. It was nothing to do with me."

"But what happened? He looks normal enough," Jeri stared at Adam. "Was he hurt? Is he in pain?"

"Oh no, he's fine. As fine as a healthy six month old can be."

"So the experiment didn't work then."

"But it did. Too well, I'm afraid. Adam's cells are constantly regenerating, keeping him alive and healthy. They just don't let him change."

"What?" Jeri didn't understand.

"He doesn't grow. Adam has been six months old for the past twenty seven years. Doctor Jenner is worried he might be immortal."