A Possible Cure

They may have done it!!  Dr. Emia and Dr. Anders are ecstatic and puzzled all at the same time at the outcome of the experiment.  It seems, as of right now, that they have achieved Phase 3 of the 'Luke Experiment,' and found the cure they were looking for.  However, something is wrong with the outcome.  Luke is still alive.  When he was created, Luke's cells were human and cancerous.  There was no way to kill one part of those cells without killing the other part.  Luke, though changes drastically in appearance, is not dead.  Still, it seems as though it worked, but only the blood tests will tell for sure, and that may take a while.

Meanwhile, Luke, still weak from the test that nearly killed him, is still locked in his cold, white living quarters and still getting no more attention that he did before.  His skin is now flesh colored and hair is starting to grow all over his body; especially thick on his head.  He looks human, yet he is still treated like scum.  His father has a new happiness about him though.  He talks about Luke finally being able to leave the lab and go out and see the world.  Luke's excitement grows each time he hears that.  He longs, more than anything else, to see other people and play with other children and see his nation's capitol, which he has learned so much about from the television.

As they await the results from the blood work, Dr. Emia and Luke spend countless hours together.  Dr. Emia teaches Luke as much as he can about the outside world and Luke asks so many questions about- well- everything.  For once, Luke is happy and excited about something.  Dr. Emia's shame in keeping him locked up like a lab rat is starting to fade at the thought of being able to make it up to him.  He decides he will retire when Luke is finally freed and spend the rest of his days with his son; showing him every part of the world that he can.

Then, Luke wakes up one morning and rushes to the mirror like a child rushes to the tree on Christmas morning.  He examines his face closely and his dreams and hopes of escaping this place all but vanish.  On the right side of his neck, a large pale patch of skin has appeared...