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dctezcan

Memory Awake or The girl who fell out of heaven (Part 11)

"Engineer?"

"Yes. Our team of geneticists along with our bio and reproductive technologists have perfected artificial insemination. The short version is we have developed biotechnology that allows us to ensure genetically perfect semen and ovum..."

"Genetically perfect?"

"Yes, Mr. Guyton. Our babies will never suffer from any genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell, Huntington's disease, hemophilia, Down syndrome. Nor will they ever get any diseases associated with vaccines - polio, mumps, rubella, for example. They will not be susceptible to the common cold, the flu or any of the coronaviruses. They will be above average in intelligence without being geniuses since that leads to an imbalance. Similarly, they will be attractive but not, let's say, gorgeous since that also brings with it its own issues. And they will be both artistic and athletic but without any extremes that might cause any kind of..."

"Imbalance," Frankie says, interrupting. "Seems a tall order. What's your rate of success?"

"We started placing our babies with couples five years ago. Thus far, we have a 100% success rate."

"And before that?"

"My father and his team began their research some 30 years ago. We have several wings that, in addition to our research labs, include a: private hospital; K-16 school; library with an extensive collection for both study and recreation; maternity ward; orphanage; and, psychiatric wing. We are always working to ensure the best outcomes."

"Not sure you answered my question."

"There are no failures, Mr. Guyton, simply unexpected outcomes. And we deal with them accordingly. In-house. It wasn't until five years ago that we felt our results were consistent enough that we could introduce our product, that is, our babies, to the world.

"I see."

"Let's discuss how this works, shall we? We take the sperm from you - a painless procedure - and analyze the DNA in order to remove any red flags, while fine-tuning code as needed and giving you certain choices - eye and hair color, for example. Next, we inject this into an equally genetically perfect egg - again, one of yours which we analyze and perfect. Then we implant the fertilized egg inside a healthy young woman who we thoroughly vet to ensure excellent health and virginity."

"You have got to be kidding. Virginity?"

"Yes, Mr. Guyton. We ensure perfection from conception to delivery."

Frankie looks at Rose who is still smiling at Mrs. Mortimer. "A moment, Rose?" He touches her hand to get her attention. "In the hall?"

"Oh, okay. Sure. Please excuse us, Mrs. Mortimer. I mean, Evie."

"Not at all, Rose. Becoming a parent is a big step and should not be taken lightly. Especially not with one of our perfect angels. If you are not on the same page, you should probably reconsider."

"Oh, we're on the same page."

There's a knock on the door.

"Yes?"

The door opens and a tall, black-haired man steps into the room. "Mrs. Mortimer, a moment of your time, please."

"Dr. Randolph, Rose and Frank Guyton. Dr. Randolph is our lead physician and an integral member of our research team over the last decade. He ensures our clients receive the healthiest babies possible."

Dr. Randolph nods at the couple, clearly preoccupied. "Mrs. Mortimer?"

"Yes, of course. Mr. and Mrs. Guyton, would you like coffee or tea? I'll have some sent in while I take care of this. I shouldn't be long."

"No, thank you. We'll be fine," Frankie responds before Rose can say otherwise.

"Yes, Randolph? What couldn't wait until I finished speaking with our prospective parents?"

"The new girl, Luna? She's pregnant."

"That's what we do here, Randolph. Is there a problem with the embryo?"

"Not that we know of...except that we had not yet implanted the embryo."

"What? That's impossible. She was thoroughly tested: She's a virgin."

"She is a virgin. She is also pregnant. More importantly, it is not one of ours."

Mrs. Mortimer stares down the hall a long moment before responding. "Give me half an hour. I'll be there as soon as I finish with the Guytons."

"The red room?"

"Half an hour."

"Right."

Meanwhile

"I don't think we should do this, Rose."

"What do you mean? This is our chance, Frankie! Finally, I'll be a Mommy."

"It just seems unnatural what they're doing here. I don't know. I don't feel right."

"Please, Frankie. Please let me have this," Rose says, eyes filling.

Frankie is silent. As Mrs. Mortimer opens the door to re-enter the office, she hears, "Okay Rose." He takes a deep breath, shaking his head. "I just hope you, we, don't live to regret this."