"The most promising combination we've discovered." Her eyes lit with scientific fervor. "Your genetic markers, combinedwith his, could produce offspring with unprecedented abilities. Immunity to radiation, accelerated healing, enhanced sensory perception, potentially even telepathic capabilities."
My blood ran cold. "You've been planning this for years."
"Since before the Conjunction." She nodded to an assistant who began setting up monitoring equipment. "We identified compatible genetic sequences decades ago, but needed the right subjects. When we found you during routine screening of terramares populations, we knew we had our female candidate. Commander Razak's genetic profile was already in our database as exceptional."
"So you forced us together and expected us to produce your super-children on command?" I laughed bitterly. "How's that working out for you?"
Her expression hardened. "Your resistance has been noted. As has your growing attachment to your mate, despite your initial hostility. An interesting psychological development we're studying closely."
I felt naked under her clinical gaze, as if she could see every private moment between Redmon and me, every touch, every kiss, every whispered confession in the dark.
"Where is he?" I demanded. "What have you done with him?"
"Commander Razak is being held separately while we determine the extent of his sedition. His actions in helping your sister violated numerous protocols." She checked her tablet. "However, his genetic value to the program may mitigate his punishment."
"You can't keep us here. People will notice we're missing."
"Will they?" She smiled thinly. "Your sister has been detained as an accomplice. The few who might inquire about your whereabouts will be told you're in quarantine for a contagious condition. Standard procedure, quite believable."
My last hope crumbled. Selene captured. No one looking for us. No one even knowing where to look.
"Now," Dr. Mercer continued, "we have two options. You can cooperate willingly, understanding the importance of your contribution to humanity's future. Or we can proceed without your cooperation, which is considerably less pleasant but equally effective for our purposes."
"What exactly are you asking me to do?" I kept my voice steady, buying time, searching for any advantage.
"Initially, provide genetic material for our research. Later, when compatibility is confirmed, carry a carefully engineered embryo combining your genetic material with Commander Razak's, enhanced with specific modifications."
Not even natural conception. They wanted to create their perfect hybrid in a lab, using us as mere components.
"And if I refuse?"
"Then we harvest what we need regardless." Her clinical detachment was more terrifying than any threat. "Though the process is more invasive and the recovery more difficult."
I swallowed hard, mind racing through options that seemed increasingly limited. "I want to see Redmon first. Confirm he's alive and unharmed."
Dr. Mercer considered this. "A reasonable request. I'll arrange a brief meeting after your initial procedures are complete."
"And I want information. Everything you know about these hybrid children, their abilities, where they're being kept."
"Also reasonable, though with some limitations." She stood, straightening her immaculate lab coat. "We begin tomorrow morning. I suggest you rest. The procedures can be taxing."
After she left, I paced the small room, searching for weaknesses, escape routes, anything that might help. The door was solid metal with no interior handle. The ventilation gratewas barely large enough for my arm. They had bolted the bed to the floor.
They trapped me, leaving me completely at their mercy.
Hours later, a young woman in a technician's uniform brought a tray of food. Unlike the others, her expression held a hint of sympathy as she set it down.
"You should eat," she said quietly. "Keep your strength up."
I studied her, early twenties, dark hair pulled back in a severe bun, eyes that darted nervously to the camera. "What's your name?" I asked.
She hesitated. "Maya."
"Are you a prisoner too, Maya?"
"I'm staff. Research assistant."
"But not by choice," I guessed, noting the tension in her shoulders, the way she kept her gaze down.
