Destiny's Serendipity

Episode Three: The Science of Life

A Thriller - Romance - Transgender Serial

By Jo Dora Webster

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Will Bart's investigation of Regalia's mysteries bridge the gap to the region beyond the barrier and save all on their planet?

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Bart's heart raced as Alenace's red sensors pierced the darkness, but before the android could initiate the evaluation protocol, a sudden power fluctuation plunged the room into darkness. When the emergency systems restored minimal lighting seconds later, Alenace had reset to its standard operating mode, its memory banks showing no record of the incident. Bart lay perfectly still, his breath shallow, knowing he had just witnessed something unprecedented - someone or something had intervened to protect his secret.

The following morning, Bart moved through his preparations for the facility tour with meticulous care, ensuring his appearance and demeanor matched the expectations of a model Regalian citizen. The events of the previous night lingered in his thoughts, but he pushed them aside, focusing instead on the opportunity before him. As the transport pod carried him and his father toward the incubator facility, Bart maintained a carefully crafted expression of dutiful interest, all while his mind cataloged every detail that might help him understand the mysteries unfolding around him.

The gleaming white halls of Regalia's central incubator facility stretched as far as the eye could see. Rows upon rows of cylindrical pods hummed with life-sustaining energy, each one carefully monitored by white-coated scientists. Bart walked beside his father, Raymond Copernicus, a newly appointed First Scientist, as they toured the facility.

"This, Bartholomew, is the heart of Regalia's future," Raymond said, his voice filled with pride. "Here, we ensure the continuation of our society with scientific precision."

Bart nodded, his eyes taking in every detail. The sterile environment, the rhythmic beeping of monitoring equipment, the soft blue glow emanating from each incubator – it was all so familiar, yet suddenly strange.

As they passed by a particularly large incubator, Bart couldn't help but ask, "Father, how exactly does the process work?"

Raymond's eyes lit up at the question. "Ah, an excellent inquiry. Let me explain..."

Raymond led Bart to a holographic display at the center of the facility. With a wave of his hand, he brought up a detailed diagram of the incubation process.

"You see, Bartholomew, we start with carefully selected genetic material from our most exemplary citizens," Raymond began. "This material is then optimized in our labs, removing any potential weaknesses or flaws."

The hologram shifted, showing the development of a fetus within an incubator. "The optimized genetic material is placed in a nutrient-rich environment, carefully controlled to ensure optimal development. Every aspect – from temperature to hormone levels – is precisely managed."

Bart watched, fascinated and slightly unsettled, as the holographic fetus grew and developed at an accelerated rate. "And this is how all Regalians are born?" he asked.

Raymond nodded, beaming with pride. "Indeed. It's the pinnacle of reproductive science, ensuring each new generation is stronger and more capable than the last."

Bart absorbed this information in silence, his pulse quickening as the implications became clear. The sterile precision of the lab seemed to close in around him, each pristine surface and humming machine a testament to Regalia's relentless pursuit of perfection. As his father guided him toward their next destination, Bart carefully maintained his expression of dutiful interest, though his mind raced with questions he dared not voice. The elevator ride to the upper levels gave him precious moments to compose himself before they reached their final stop on the tour. In a dimly lit room, a group of stern-faced officials sat around a large table, holographic displays floating before each of them. Bart and his father observed from a viewing gallery above.

"This is the Selection Committee," Raymond explained in a hushed tone. "They are responsible for choosing which citizens will contribute genetic material for the next generation."

Bart watched as the committee members swiped through profile after profile, discussing in low voices the merits and drawbacks of each potential contributor.

"What criteria do they use?" Bart asked, his curiosity piqued.

Physical strength, intellectual capacity, emotional stability, loyalty to Regalia – all these factors and more are considered," Raymond replied. "Only the best are chosen, ensuring our population continues to improve with each generation."

Bart nodded, but a small frown creased his brow. The process seemed so cold, so impersonal. He couldn't help but wonder about those deemed unworthy to contribute.

Following the tour group through another set of pristine corridors, Bart's pulse quickened as his mind wrestled with the implications of the selection process. Each step echoed against the sterile floors as they made their way to the main research wing, where his father would be presenting the latest advancements in genetic optimization. The clinical atmosphere grew more pronounced, the air heavy with the weight of countless decisions that had shaped Regalia's carefully curated population. Raymond Copernicus stood at the head of a large laboratory, surrounded by Regalia's top scientists. Holographic displays filled the air, showing complex genetic sequences and statistical models."

As First Scientist, it is my duty to oversee and optimize our reproduction process," Raymond announced, his voice commanding attention. "We must push the boundaries of what's possible, to create a population that is not just strong, but invincible."

Bart, observing from a corner of the lab, watched as his father manipulated genetic codes with practiced ease. The other scientists nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with admiration and a hint of fear.

"Father," Bart spoke up, his voice hesitant, "what about genetic diversity? Doesn't narrowing the gene pool pose risks?"

Raymond turned to his son, a slight frown on his face. "Diversity is unpredictable, Bartholomew. In Regalia, we strive for perfection, not chance. Our methods ensure only the best traits are passed on."

Bart followed his father through another series of pristine corridors, his pulse quickening at the implications of Raymond's words. The sterile white walls seemed to close in around him as they walked in silence, each step echoing with the weight of unspoken questions. His father's certainty about Regalian superiority contrasted sharply with the growing doubts that threatened to show on Bart's carefully composed face. As they approached the education wing, he forced his breathing to steady, knowing he would need all his focus to maintain his facade of dutiful acceptance.

As he worked, Bart couldn't help but compare the official teachings with the forbidden knowledge he had gleaned from his secret readings. The discrepancies were subtle but significant.

A soft chime interrupted his thoughts. It was time for his daily report to his instructors. Bart took a deep breath, composing himself. He had to be careful not to reveal his doubts or the extent of his extracurricular studies.

"Instructor Ventor," he said, activating the communication panel. "I've completed the advanced genetics module. However, I have some questions about the long-term implications of our current reproductive methods.

"There was a pause on the other end. "Questions, Bartholomew? Our methods have been perfected over generations. What could possibly be unclear?"

Bart swallowed hard, choosing his words carefully. "I was merely wondering about the potential for unexpected mutations or the loss of beneficial recessive traits. Purely theoretical, of course."

Another pause. "I see. Perhaps we should schedule a meeting to discuss these... theories of yours."

As the communication ended, Bart leaned back in his chair, a mixture of excitement and apprehension coursing through him. He was treading dangerous ground, but the pursuit of knowledge was worth the risk.

Time slipped away as Bart methodically erased all traces of his illicit communication, his pulse quickening with each careful keystroke. The afternoon sun cast long shadows through his window, reminding him that the family dinner had approached - a daily ritual that had taken on new weight since his father's promotion. As he made his way downstairs, Bart worked to compose his features into a mask of dutiful attention, knowing that even the slightest hint of his earlier activities could draw unwanted scrutiny.

The Copernicus family sat around the dinner table. The usual silence was broken by Raymond's enthusiastic discussion of his work.

"The advancements we're making in genetic optimization are truly remarkable," he said, his eyes shining with pride. "Soon, we'll be able to predict and enhance specific traits with unprecedented accuracy."

Alenace nodded approvingly. "It's crucial work, sir. The future of Regalia depends on producing the strongest, most capable citizens possible."

Bart listened intently, his mind racing. Finally, he couldn't contain his questions any longer. "But what about natural variation? Doesn't genetic diversity play a role in a species' ability to adapt and survive?"

The table fell silent. Bruce and Robert exchanged uncomfortable glances, while Raymond fixed Bart with a stern gaze.

"Bartholomew," he said, his voice low and serious, "natural variation is unpredictable and often leads to weakness. Our methods ensure only the best traits are passed on. It's the cornerstone of our society's strength."

Bart nodded, but the doubt in his heart only grew. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story of human reproduction than Regalia was willing to admit.

The afternoon stretched into evening as Bart moved through his daily routines, his pulse quickening with each passing hour. The weight of unspoken questions pressed against his chest as he waited for the precise moment when the household monitoring systems would enter their nightly reduced surveillance mode. As darkness settled over Regalia, he watched the shadows lengthen across his room, counting the minutes until he could safely access his hidden collection of contraband knowledge. Late that night, Bart slipped into his secret study, carefully locking the door behind him. With trembling hands, he retrieved a worn book from its hiding place – a forbidden text on natural human reproduction.

As he read, his eyes widened in amazement. The book spoke of a process so different from Regalia's sterile incubators – a union between two beings, male and female, creating life through an act of intimacy and chance.

Bart's mind reeled with the implications. If this was true, then Regalia's entire system of reproduction was built on a lie. But why? What purpose did it serve to hide this knowledge?

He turned to his computer, fingers flying across the keyboard as he dug deeper into Regalia's scientific databases. There had to be some trace, some hint of the truth hidden within the official records.

As the night wore on, Bart's excitement grew. He was on the verge of uncovering something monumental – a truth that could shake the very foundations of Regalian society.

Dawn crept over Regalia's pristine skyline as Bart carefully concealed his research materials and prepared for the day ahead. His pulse quickened with each passing minute as he donned his formal attire, knowing that in mere hours he would stand among the city's elite, watching another carefully orchestrated celebration of their reproductive technology. The weight of his discoveries pressed against his chest as he made his way through the morning crowds, each step bringing him closer to a ceremony that now seemed like an elaborate facade.

The grand hall of Regalia's Civic Center was packed with citizens, all eyes fixed on the stage where Raymond Copernicus stood. Behind him, a line of young men – the latest "graduates" from the incubator program – waited to be introduced to society.

"Citizens of Regalia," Raymond's voice boomed through the hall, "I present to you the newest members of our great society. Each one represents the pinnacle of our scientific achievement, born of our most exemplary genetic stock."

One by one, the young men stepped forward as their names were called. They were the picture of Regalian perfection – strong, intelligent, and utterly loyal to the state.

From his place in the audience, Bart watched with mixed emotions. He could see the pride on his father's face, the approval in the eyes of the crowd. But all he could think about was the clinical process that had brought these "newborns" into existence, so different from the natural reproduction he had read about in secret.

As the ceremony concluded and the crowd began to disperse, Bart made a silent vow to himself. He would uncover the truth about reproduction, about the world beyond Regalia's barriers. No matter the cost, he would find out why his society had chosen this path – and what they might have lost along the way.

The grand hall emptied slowly as citizens filed out in their precisely ordered groups. Bart's pulse quickened as he made his way through the pristine corridors, each step echoing with purpose against the polished floors. The weight of his resolution pressed against his chest as he navigated toward the Academy's research wing, where he knew he might find answers to at least some of his growing questions. The familiar path to Dr. Elaron's office had never felt longer, nor more significant.

After the ceremony, Bart seeks out Dr. Elaron, one of his most trusted mentors at the Academy. He finds him in his office, surrounded by holographic displays of genetic sequences.

"Dr. Elaron," Bart began hesitantly, "I was hoping to discuss some... theoretical questions about our reproductive methods."

The older scientist looked up. His eyes were sharp behind his glasses. "Of course, Bartholomew. What's on your mind?"

Bart took a deep breath. "I've been wondering about the potential long-term effects of our current system. Are there any historical records of... alternative methods?"

Dr. Elaron's expression remained neutral, but Bart noticed a slight tension in his shoulders.

"Alternative methods? Bartholomew, our current system is the result of centuries of scientific progress. It's perfect in its efficiency."

"But surely there must have been other approaches in the past?" Bart pressed. "Before the incubators, how did humans reproduce?"

There was a long pause. Dr. Elaron's eyes seemed to search Bart's face. Finally, he spoke, his voice low. "Bartholomew, some questions are dangerous to ask. For your own sake, I suggest you focus on approved areas of study."

Bart left the office with more questions than answers, and a growing suspicion that there was far more to learn about the history of human reproduction than Regalia was willing to reveal.

The afternoon crawled by as Bart moved through his daily routines, his pulse quickening with each passing hour. Dr. Elaron's careful evasion only strengthened his resolve to uncover the truth. As night approached, he watched the household systems shift into their evening protocols, waiting for the precise moment when the monitoring would be at its lowest. His father's access card felt heavy in his pocket, a key to secrets that Regalia had buried deep within its pristine walls. Under the cover of darkness, Bart slipped out of his family's quarters, his heart beating with a mixture of fear and excitement. He had managed to "borrow" his father's access card, which would grant him entry to restricted areas of the incubator facility.

The halls were eerily quiet as Bart made his way through the facility, every shadow seeming to hide a potential guard or security camera. He finally reached a heavily secured door marked "Historical Archives."

With trembling hands, Bart swiped the access card. For a heart-stopping moment, nothing happened. Then, with a soft hiss, the door slid open.

Inside, Bart found rows upon rows of data storage units, each containing centuries of Regalia's scientific history. He quickly located the section on reproductive science and began to search.

As he delved deeper into the archives, Bart's eyes widened in shock. There, hidden among countless files of genetic research and incubator development, were fragments of information about natural human reproduction. References to "women," to "pregnancy," to a time before the incubators.

Bart's mind reeled with the implications. The forbidden texts he had read were true. Regalia had not just improved upon natural reproduction – they had completely replaced it, erasing all memory of what came before.

As he heard the sound of approaching footsteps, Bart quickly gathered what data he could and slipped out of the archives. He had found a piece of the puzzle, but he knew his journey to uncover the full truth was far from over.

Sleep eluded Bart that night as his pulse quickened with each review of the stolen data. The fragments of information about natural reproduction and the existence of women beyond the barrier consumed his thoughts until dawn painted Regalia's sky in artificial hues. When the morning notification chimed for the student tour, he carefully tucked away his illicit discoveries and donned the expected expression of academic curiosity. The walk to the facility felt different now - each pristine corridor holding secrets he was only beginning to understand.

The next day, Bart found himself back in the incubator facility, this time as part of an official tour for top students. As the group approached a active incubation chamber, Bart felt a mix of fascination and unease.

The chamber's transparent walls revealed a fully formed infant, floating peacefully in a nutrient-rich solution. Tubes and sensors monitored every aspect of its development.

"And here we have the final stage of incubation," the tour guide explained proudly. "In just a few hours, this new citizen will be ready to join Regalian society."

Bart stared at the infant, his mind racing. This was the reality of life in Regalia – a child born not of love or chance, but of careful scientific calculation. He thought of the hidden archives, of the lost knowledge of natural reproduction.

As if sensing his thoughts, the infant's eyes suddenly opened, meeting Bart's gaze. In that moment, Bart felt a profound connection to this new life, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility.

He knew then that his quest for truth was no longer just about satisfying his own curiosity. It was about uncovering a lost part of humanity, about giving future generations the choice that had been taken from them.

The afternoon light faded as Bart made his way home through Regalia's pristine streets, his pulse quickening with each step as the magnitude of his revelation settled over him. Every perfect building, every regulated interaction he witnessed now seemed like pieces of an elaborate facade, concealing truths that could reshape their society. The familiar path to his quarters had never felt more significant as he carried the weight of his newfound purpose, knowing that his actions could impact generations to come.

That night, Bart sat alone in his room, his mind still reeling from everything he had learned. The weight of his discoveries pressed heavily upon him.

He thought of the infant in the incubator, of the hidden archives, of the world beyond Regalia's barriers where women still existed and natural reproduction was the norm. He thought of his father's pride in the current system, and of the risks he would be taking by pursuing this forbidden knowledge.

But as he looked out his window at the shimmering barrier in the distance, Bart knew he couldn't turn back now. The truth – about reproduction, about women, about the world beyond Regalia – was out there, waiting to be uncovered.

With a deep breath, Bart made a silent vow. He would continue his research, no matter the cost. He would find a way to bridge the gap between Regalia and the outside world. And someday, somehow, he would help restore the balance that had been lost.

As his eyes grew heavy with sleep, a soft click echoed through his room. Bart froze, his pulse racing as his gaze fell on his computer terminal, where a message had appeared from an unknown sender:

"We know what you've discovered. Meet us tomorrow at midnight in Section 7B of the archives. Come alone, or everything you care about will be destroyed."