INT. SUPERLAB — NIGHT

The machinery hums quietly. Gus stands beside a stainless-steel table, calmly reading a handwritten note. Walter watches him impatiently.

WALTER: You said you had the process documented.

GUS: I do.

Gus unfolds the paper and adjusts his glasses.

GUS: Step one. Establish the required purity specifications. Step two. Verify the integrity of the precursor analysis. Step three. Maintain strict environmental controls throughout the procedure.

WALTER: That's not a procedure. That's a quality-control checklist.

GUS: You wanted to know how to produce something consistently, Walter. Consistency is not achieved through improvisation.

WALTER: I'm a chemist, Gus. I understand chemistry.

GUS: Then you understand why undocumented variables are unacceptable.

Gus places the note on the table.

GUS: Your problem, Walter, is that you believe knowing the science makes you indispensable.

WALTER: Doesn't it?

GUS: No, Walter. Knowing when not to make a mistake does.

Silence.

GUS: Now, shall we discuss quality assurance?

Walter stares at him.

WALTER: You're enjoying this.

GUS: I enjoy professionalism.