Since the completion of our new underground lab, we had seen much progress in our research. We had isolated the newer genes that separated homo sapiens sapiens from homo sapiens provectus, and we had a surprising number of willing test subjects. You'd be surprised what a person will do in the name of science and progress. Sadly, people tend to think too much of themselves... and we were only able to procure four provecti genome-positive specimens.
The new lab was prodigious. Glass walls separated the different sections. The living quarters for test subjects was enviable. They had areas to exercise, an Olympic-sized pool, luxurious dwelling and recreation areas, and the finest healthy cafeteria the government's money could buy. Our end of the lab was less extravagant. We really only need the equipment and utilities to advance our research. We scientists need no frills to convince us, after all.
Getting ahead of myself, though, aren't I?
For the most part, the general population of Earth knows nothing about the more advanced super race of humans called homo sapiens provectus. They live among us, usually as unaware of their superior genetic structure as those around them. Some don't even know the extent of their advanced intellect. A provectus human will be able to learn any skill set in a quarter of the time a normal human could, and retain seven times the knowledge and muscle memory. They are capable of just about anything. We have yet to find their limits.
Recruiting provectus humans is somewhat difficult, mainly because they don't usually perceive themselves as anything special. We have to keep a wary eye out. Luckily, though, we happened to have two good specimens for our reproductive program. Always difficult explaining this to the subjects in question.
That day, I had my hair tied in a tighter bun than usual. I remember being nervous about the whole ordeal, that's probably why I did such a thing. The test subjects were finishing breakfast (all four of them) and I had pulled the two aside to explain the next set of tests.
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"It's awesome living here," our young male, Jaden, observed. He was a little over eighteen, the minimum age requirement for this area of testing. I don't think I have to explain why. The female, Olivia, was somewhat vacant. Totally uncharacteristic of a provectus, but I supposed it wouldn't matter. She had the correct genetic makeup, she would do. She listened with an indifferent gaze at my clipboard and fidgeted with the white regulatory clothes provided to all our provecti.
"Yes, we hoped you'd like it here." I flipped through my stack of papers, finding the pre-typed sheet I'd use to carefully explain this awkward request.
"And it's great not having to pay taxes or rent or anything. I just started having to deal with that. I don't like it all that much," the boy's country accent made him sound a bit simple, but we knew he was not unintelligent. Just uneducated. His advanced brain would catch up quickly, once we gave him the chance.
Olivia, on the other hand...
"Yeah, sure, it's great. Get to the point, lady."
She wasn't simple, just apathetic. To me, a waste of special ability. I didn't think we'd get very far with her. Her uterus would have the most value to us, it seemed.
"We need younger specimens, but the laws we adhere to won't allow us to recruit children or infants. Not to mention, we'd like to see a purebred provectus human. There are also some very important observations we'd like to make throughout the entire process of conception, in-utero development,"
Jaden's head snapped around to look at Olivia. The girl only blinked blandly at him.
"You want me to... us to..."
"You don't have to marry her or anything drastic like that," I explained. "But we've had difficulties with artificial insemination. You're not like regular people. We're still learning all there is to know about you. That's why we're asking you to-"
"I don't know... I'm not old enough to have kids," Poor Jaden was raking both hands through his short dirty-blonde hair, his noble brow creasing.
"We would care for the baby. It would not be either of your responsibility. You don't even have to see it."
Olivia turned her indifferent brown-gray gaze to me and lifted one eyebrow aloft. "Do I get paid or something? I won't do it unless I get paid."
"Absolutely. You will be compensated tremendously."
She shrugged. "I'm in."
Jaden looked at his knees, then at Olivia, then at me. Then he frowned desperately at his clasped hands. "Yeah. Alright. It's for the best."
I smiled warmly at both of them. "You two are going to go down in scientific history. You won't regret this."
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