Memory awake or the girl who fell out of heaven (Part 15)

22 years ago

"The simplest answer, no matter how outrageous, is usually the correct one."

"Indeed, but this is impossible, Randolph."

"It is within the confines of our knowledge, but we aren't the only research facility experimenting with genetics and fertilization, Evie."

"We are the only one in the world to achieve the level of success we have."

"As far as you know."

"Don't be absurd. Do you really think some facility figured out human parthenogenesis?"

"I don't know what to believe. What I do know is that our little Luna has a diploid embryo that is basically a clone of the mother. Oh, and we've had a further development."

"What now?"

"There are two,"

"Embryos?"

"Yes."

"God."

"Maybe."

"Expletive, not explanation."

"I don't know. I'm not a practicing anything, but this harkens back to..."

"Don't even go there. She may have come from the convent, but that's the extent of her connection to any Bible stories."

"How do you explain this pregnant virgin then who is not one of ours?"

"I don't. And neither do you."

"We don't create twins here. That is not how we work."

"We'll call it an experiment. No one else is to deal with her examinations. Just you. I'll assist. No other personnel are to be in the loop."

"But I don't..."

"You do now. And when she gives birth, only you and I will be present. If you deem the infants worthy of the Elysian Fields stamp, we'll just fulfill the dreams of two parents for the price of one host."

"But this is beyond incredible. One might even say miraculous. If they actually survive the gestation period, we need to keep them here for close study. This would be the first successful case of parthenogenesis in a mammal, never mind in a human. You can't just sell them."

"Randolph, that's my business. Yours is developing the best product possible."

They both look through the glass at Luna, still lying calmly on the examination table.

"This could be the biggest advancement in reproductive science in history."

"It could be if it is successful, and if we figure out how it happened so that we can replicate it."

"Details."

"Science." Dr. Randolph pauses. "What if..." He shakes his head without continuing.

Mrs. Mortimer turns to him. "What if...?"

He takes a deep breath then says slowly, "What if it isn't science? What if it is a miracle of the Bible-sort?"

"As I said to Luna, I am willing to accept that in the vast universe there are powers at work of which I have no knowledge. However, I do not think this situation is steeped in things supernatural. Unnatural, perhaps. Inexplicable, definitely. For now. I have faith in your scientific prowess, Dr. Randolph." She turns her gaze back to Luna. "Keep me abreast of any new developments."

Dr. Randolph is silent as Mrs. Mortimer exits the viewing room. He stares through the glass at the young woman who has thrown his life's work into chaos. In that moment, she looks towards him, the overhead light making her golden brown eyes seem to glow. Although it is a two-way mirror through which she cannot possibly see, he feels as if she is staring directly into his eyes.