Mr. Winter brings Constance Sunderland the file on Project: Proteus. She's pleased the project is on track but displeased by his insider trading scheme, and "volunteers" him to be the test subject! In Terrebonne Parish, Abby is afraid of Anton Arcane, who escaped Hell, and extracts a promise from Swamp Thing that he will remain with the family. At Sunderland, Proteus technicians have produced a monster by injecting Winter with a virus! Technical lead Dr. Binwey believes they can produce a specimen with a greater intellect in three generations or so. Swamp Thing discusses the Parliament of Trees with Lady Jane, learning that while there are advantages to rooting, there is no love. She avers that his "domestic life" is an illusion. In Jupiter, New Jersey, Sunderland turns Proteus loose on a "superfund" site where it begins to consume the toxic waste there. But... its own waste is highly toxic, so is this a solution? Then Proteus decides it wants its freedom, kills Doctor Binwey and escapes! Swamp Thing doubles over from pain; something wounds the Green! To keep his promise to Abby and deal with the assault on the Green, he splits himself into two beings! Lady Jane does not believe this is wise...
