Thomas delves into the fundamental research underlying his ambitious Staircase Project, aiming to send a human into the unknown. As he explores the possibilities, a scientist reveals a chilling sight: an ape encased in a hibernation rig, suspended in a state neither of life nor death. Thomas' eyes gleam with the hope of harnessing this technology to steer his groundbreaking project to fruition as swiftly as possible.
However, Auggie stands firmly opposed to his vision. Her heart is set on utilizing her expertise to alleviate the suffering of those who have endured hardships in the past. Nevertheless, Jin sees a worthwhile endeavor in Thomas' endeavor and remains supportive.
Facing the limitations posed by the rig's weight capacity, Thomas puts forth a daring suggestion: to send a human brain alone, essentially a detached head, allowing San-Ti to reconstruct the remainder of the body. Auggie, horrified by the prospect of murdering someone to fulfill this mission, voices her vehement opposition.
Yet, Thomas remains resolute and selects Will as the ideal candidate, knowing his fate is imminent. Upon hearing this news, Auggie resigns from their project in disgust. Shortly after, Denys terminates her employment, but Auggie isn't defeated. She makes her research freely available to the public, ensuring that others can benefit from her hard work. She remains steadfast in her original purpose, prioritizing societal welfare over personal gain. She also ensures that Denys cannot pursue legal action against those who utilize her research.
Thomas drafts an agreement for Will to sign, professing his allegiance to the human race. But Will refuses to put his name on it, a defiance that Thomas interprets as a testament to his suitability for the dangerous task ahead.
