The recipe for the Keltarian flu vaccine relied on precise chemical reactions, executed in a specific order. Dr. Bhatt arranged the ingredients in a line. Third time’s a charm! she thought.
Combine Compound DX45 with enzyme 4B. Stir twice clockwise. Sprinkle amino acid flakes on top. Wait for them to melt 5–9 mm into the mixture. Cover the flask. Wait.
Dr. Bhatt tensed with anticipation. A fleck of fuchsia appeared in the mixture, blooming upward. She bounced on her toes. The bloom reached halfway up the glass, congealed, and sunk. Dr. Bhatt deflated.