The Resistance

process that ended more often than not in disease and then death. Eighty years was considered a good lifespan. At sixty, humans were considered too old to work, too old to contribute to society. But no longer.’
    The shot switched to a film of some men playing a game of football in the park. ‘Where once humans had collapse, they now have Renewal. Where once humans accepted decay, they now enjoy an enhanced lifestyle. On that momentous day when natural scientist Dr Albert Fern discovered the true potential of stem cells, he changed the course of history.’
    There was another pause, as Peter’s on-screen grandfather surveyed the room, his eyes shining, then his face took on a slightly more humble expression as a new voice took over the story. ‘Sadly, Dr Fern didn’t live long enough to develop Renewal further, but Richard Pincent, his son-in-law and founder of Pincent Pharma, worked tirelessly after his death to extend the benefits of stem cells to people worldwide . . .’
    Peter’s eyes widened. So Albert Fern was Richard Pincent’s father-in-law? That meant he was Peter’s great-grandfather. He was related to the guy responsible for all of this. The thought made him shiver slightly.
    The screen returned to Pincent Pharma, to the original open-plan laboratory shot. Peter’s grandfather was now walking amongst the scientists, whilst the voice-over continued: ‘. . . ever since then, this noble company has been working for humanity to deliver Longevity, the drug that made history. That has superseded history. Scientists the world over have tried to replicate it, have tried to discover the formula, but to no avail. And now, Pincent Pharma’s scientists continue to innovate, to deliver improvements to the formula; to discover even more ways to improve the quality of the human life. From tooth decay to limb regrowth, Pincent Pharma is at the forefront of human science, and we’ll never stop looking for a better world for everyone.’
    The camera panned back through several corridors, through the front doors until the entire building could be seen on screen, although not the white perimeter wall, the gates or the security guards.
    ‘Pincent Pharma is science,’ a voice said. ‘Pincent Pharma is the future. Your future, and everyone on the planet’s future. Thank you for taking the time to be with us. We hope that you enjoy your visit.’
    The screen went black, then white words appeared: Longevity and Renewal are the trademarks of Pincent Pharma Incorporated. Any attempt to copy, imitate or infringe intellectual copyright will result in prosecution . The words gradually faded away until Peter found himself staring at a blank screen. And then the lights came on. Peter turned to see his grandfather was standing at the end of his row of seats.
    ‘So, what did you think?’
    Peter was thinking about his ring. His ring with ‘AF’ engraved on it.
    ‘Very . . . interesting,’ he said.
    ‘Isn’t it!’ His grandfather’s voice sounded excited, but his eyes suggested that he was distracted, thinking of something else. ‘You know, Peter,’ he said thoughtfully, ‘there’s so much for you to discover here.’
    Peter smiled to himself. He hoped for Pip’s sake that he’d be able to discover it all.
    ‘So tell me, Peter. Why, now, have you decided to take me up on my offer of work?’
    The question came from nowhere and took Peter by surprise.
    ‘I . . .’ he started to say, calling up the speech he’d prepared just for this purpose. But his grandfather waved his hand to silence him.
    ‘It’s all right, I already know,’ he said dismissively.
    ‘At least I know what you wrote in your letter and I know what you told your counsellor. But we shouldn’t always believe what we’re told, should we, Peter?’
    Peter looked at him uncertainly. ‘No?’
    ‘No.’ His grandfather smiled. ‘I like to keep an open mind. So let me say this one thing. I am confident that you will enjoy your time here, that you’ll make the most of the opportunity you’ve been presented with. But step out of line, do anything that causes me any concern at all, and I can promise you, you’ll wish that you hadn’t.’
    ‘OK,’ Peter said. ‘That’s pretty clear.’
    Richard laughed. ‘Yes, Peter, it is.’ Then his face turned serious. ‘And there is one more thing.’
    ‘Yes?’ Peter asked.
    ‘Longevity is here to stay, Peter. Everyone is here to stay. That’s the way of the world now, and nothing is going