“I knew gene therapy was the answer,” exults Alexandrei. “The rats are ignoring the laced pellets entirely! We’ve done it, Susan. We’ve cured addiction!”

“And still no side effects?” she says, a little stunned.

“None!” says Alexandrei. “I mean, they do experience a serotonin surge, but that’s hardly a negative. I imagine they just feel excited for a while.”

“And it’s a one-time treatment, or…”

“Well, no,” he frowns. “The body rejects the foreign matter, so they need another dose every day or–”

“Will it,” says Susan slowly, “at least be cheaper than an eight-ball?”

Alexandrei bites his lip.