Destiny's Serendipity

Episode Two: Women?

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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Just as Marcus raised the recording device with a triumphant sneer, the barrier behind Bart pulsed with an unprecedented surge of energy. The mysterious figure on the other side pressed what appeared to be a crystalline object against the barrier, sending ripples of iridescent light cascading through the force field.

Marcus stumbled backward, momentarily blinded by the flash, and his recording device clattered to the ground. In that split second of chaos, Bart made his choice. He snatched up the fallen device and sprinted away from both Marcus and the beckoning figure, his heart beating with the knowledge that he had only delayed the inevitable confrontation.

 Later that evening, safely back in his quarters, Bart's mind raced with questions about the figure he'd glimpsed - its strange proportions and flowing garments unlike anything in Regalia. But he knew he had to focus on the more immediate threat: Marcus had seen enough to destroy everything, and Bart had mere hours to devise a plan before his rival recovered from his shock and reported to the authorities.

 Back in the safety of his room, Bart concentrated on the forbidden texts he had smuggled from his hidden collection. His fingers trembled slightly as he turned the delicate pages, each one revealing more about the mysterious beings known as "women."

According to ancient writings, women were not the monstrous mutants Regalian society had led him to believe. They were described as equals to men, possessing their own strengths, intellects, and vital roles in society. The texts spoke of their ability to bear children – a concept so foreign to Bart that he struggled to comprehend it.

One passage particularly caught his attention: "In the world beyond, the union of man and woman brings forth new life, a natural process that has sustained humanity for millennia."

Bart's brow furrowed in confusion and wonder. The idea of reproduction without incubators, of two beings coming together to create life, seemed simultaneously primitive and miraculous.

As he read on, he found descriptions of women's appearances, their societal roles, and even their emotional capacities. The texts painted a picture of a more diverse, complex society than anything Bart had ever known in Regalia.

"How can this be?" Bart muttered to himself, his mind racing. "Why would Regalia hide the existence of half of humanity? What purpose does it serve?"

He knew these questions were dangerous, bordering on seditious. But the more he learned, the more he felt compelled to uncover the truth. The existence of women challenged everything he had been taught about biology, society, and the very nature of human existence.

Bart closes the book, his head spinning with new knowledge and countless questions. He realized that his quest for understanding was only beginning, and that the truth about women – and the world beyond Regalia – might be more revolutionary than he could have ever imagined.

Unable to sleep after his discovery, Bart spends the rest of the night formulating a plan to learn more about Regalia's reproductive system. The existence of women raised fundamental questions about how and why this society had developed its clinical approach to creating new citizens. His father's new position as First Scientist provided an unprecedented opportunity to access restricted facilities, and Bart intended to use that access to compare the reality of Regalian reproduction with what he had learned from the forbidden texts.  As dawn broke over the city's pristine towers, he made his way to the Scientific District, his mind carefully constructing the persona of an eager son simply interested in his father's work.

The next day, Bart found himself in one of Regalia's most restricted areas – a government-run incubator facility. As the son of the newly appointed First Scientist, he had been granted special access to observe the process that sustained their population.

The facility was a marvel of technology, its stark white halls lined with rows upon rows of sleek, cylindrical incubators. Each one hummed with energy, nurturing the next generation of Regalian citizens.

A senior scientist, Dr. Elaron, led Bart through the facility. "As you know, Bartholomew," he explained, his voice clinical and detached, "natural reproduction is inefficient and unpredictable. Here, we ensure that only the best genetic material is used to create our future citizens."

Bart nodded, maintaining a facade of calm interest while his mind raced with comparisons to the natural reproduction methods he had read about in the forbidden texts.

Dr. Elaron continued, gesturing to a large screen displaying complex genetic sequences. "The government carefully selects citizens based on their physical and intellectual prowess. Their genetic material is then combined and optimized in our labs before being placed in the incubators."

As they walked, Bart observed scientists meticulously monitoring each incubator, adjusting nutrient levels and environmental conditions. The process was a testament to Regalia's technological achievements, but Bart couldn't shake a feeling of unease.

"And how are the, um, contributors selected?" Bart asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Dr. Elaron's expression remained impassive. "A committee of our top scientists and government officials evaluates each citizen's potential contribution to the gene pool. It's a great honor to be selected, a recognition of one's superior qualities."

Bart absorbed this information, his mind grappling with the ethical implications. The system ensures a population of strong, intelligent citizens, but at what cost? The diversity, the element of chance, the emotional connection of natural reproduction – all of it sacrificed in the name of controlled perfection. As they completed the tour, Bart thanked Dr. Elaron for his time, his head swirling with new information and troubling questions. He left the facility more certain than ever that there was much more to discover about the true nature of life and reproduction, both within Regalia and beyond.

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the pristine streets as Bart made his way home, each step echoing with the weight of his thoughts. His mind kept returning to the strange equipment he'd seen in the restricted areas, the carefully worded explanations that seemed to hide as much as they revealed. The pristine halls of the reproduction facility had always represented the pinnacle of Regalian achievement, but now they felt more like a façade concealing deeper mysteries. As twilight settled over the city, he found himself questioning everything he'd been taught about their society's most fundamental system.

That night, Bart stood at his bedroom window, his gaze fixed on the distant shimmer of the barrier. The city of Regalia sprawled before him, a testament to order and scientific progress. Yet, for the first time in his young life, Bart felt a profound sense of unease about the world he called home. His mind raced with the knowledge he had accumulated – the forbidden texts speaking of women and natural reproduction, the clinical efficiency of the incubator facilities, the rigid control exerted over every aspect of Regalian life. The contrast between what he had been taught and what he had discovered was stark and unsettling. "There has to be more than this," Bart whispered to himself, his breath fogging the glass. He placed his hand against the cool surface, as if trying to reach out and touch the world beyond.

He thought about his family – his father's pride in his new position, his brothers' constant striving to excel, Alenace's quiet efficiency. They all fit so perfectly into the Regalian ideal. But Bart was beginning to realize that he didn't. His curiosity, his thirst for knowledge that went beyond approved topics, his growing skepticism of Regalian dogma – all of it set him apart in ways that both excited and terrified him.

Bart's reflection stared back at him from the window, and he saw in his own eyes a spark of something that he had never noticed before – a hunger for truth, no matter the cost. He knew that pursuing this path could be dangerous, potentially even treasonous. But the pull of the unknown was too strong to resist.

"I'll find out the truth," Bart vowed to his reflection. "About women, about the world beyond the barrier, about why Regalia is the way it is. No matter what it takes." As he turned away from the window, Bart felt a mix of determination and apprehension settle in his chest. He was embarking on a journey that would challenge everything he had ever known, and he had no idea where it might lead him.

Bart moved through his evening routine mechanically, his mind still churning with questions about his visit to the reproduction facility. The familiar comfort of his home now felt strangely artificial, each perfectly arranged item and scheduled activity a reminder of Regalia's rigid control. As the dinner hour approached, he straightened his clothing and checked his reflection, ensuring he showed no outward signs of his inner turmoil. His father expected nothing less than perfect composure, especially during family meals. With practiced precision, Bart made his way downstairs, each step carrying him closer to the carefully orchestrated performance that was a Copernicus family dinner.

The Copernicus family gathered around the dining table, a model of Regalian efficiency and decorum. The meal, precisely portioned for optimal nutrition, was served by Alenace. Raymond sat at the head of the table, his posture impeccable. Bruce and Robert flanked one side, with Bart seated alone on the other.

"Bartholomew," Raymond began, his tone measured, "I've received a report from your instructors. Your performance continues to exceed expectations." Bart nodded, careful to keep his expression neutral. "Thank you, Father. I strive to honor our family and Regalia with my efforts." Alenace interjected, his voice soft but firm. "While your academic achievements are commendable, we must ensure you're maintaining balance. Physical fitness is equally important in Regalian society." "Of course," Bart replied, suppressing a flicker of irritation. "I've increased my training regimen to compensate for the additional study time."

Bruce and Robert exchanged glances, a mixture of pride and resentment evident in their eyes. The unspoken competition between the siblings hung in the air like a tangible presence. As the meal progressed, the conversation turned to Raymond's new position as First Scientist. "The ruling elite has tasked me with optimizing our reproduction protocols," he announced. "We must ensure that each new generation surpasses the last in strength and intellect."

Bart's fork paused halfway to his mouth. "Father," he ventured cautiously, "have there ever been... alternative methods of reproduction considered?"

A heavy silence fell over the table. Raymond's eyes narrowed slightly. "Alternative methods? Explain your meaning, Bartholomew." Realizing his mistake, Bart quickly backtracked. "I merely wondered if there were historical precedents or theoretical models that differed from our current system. For comparative study, of course."

Raymond's expression relaxed marginally. "Our current method is the culmination of centuries of scientific progress, Bartholomew. It is perfect in its efficiency and results. There is no need to consider alternatives." The subject was closed, but Bart could feel his father's gaze lingering on him, a new wariness in his eyes. As the family resumed eating, Bart knew he would have to be more careful in the future. His quest for knowledge had already begun to set him apart, and in Regalia, being different was dangerous.

The rest of dinner passed in a blur of stilted conversation and careful movements. As soon as the meal concluded, Bart excused himself with appropriate politeness and retreated to his room, his father's scrutinizing look following him up the stairs. The sanctuary of his personal space offered little relief tonight - even these four walls seemed to watch and wait, monitoring his every move through the countless sensors that ensured the well-being of Regalia's citizens. His mind raced with the day's revelations, but he couldn't afford the luxury of silent contemplation. In Regalia, even silence could be suspicious.

What Bart needed was some time to think, but instead he realized that if he did not fill his room with sound Alenace would arrive. A quiet time was picked as conducive to performing the weekly psych exam. Bart randomly picked a documentary so that he would not have to endure that test that evening.

The gleaming spires of Regalia pierced the sky, their polished surfaces reflecting the setting sun in a dazzling display of technological prowess. From the air, the city appeared as a perfectly ordered grid, each building and street meticulously planned and executed. This was a nation built on the pillars of strength, facts, and political control.

As the camera panned across the city, a narrator's voice filled the air, rich with pride and conviction. "Regalia, a beacon of human achievement, where the pursuit of knowledge and the cultivation of strength have elevated our society beyond all others. Here, we have harnessed the power of science to create a perfect order, free from the chaos and weakness that plague lesser nations."

The view zoomed in on a massive complex at the heart of the city, its architecture a blend of imposing grandeur and clinical efficiency. "At the center of our great nation stands the Institute of Scientific Governance, where the brightest minds work tirelessly to ensure Regalia's continued dominance and progress."

Citizens moved through the streets with purpose, their attire uniform and practical. There was no room for frivolity or individualism in their dress or demeanor. Each person seemed to know their place and function within the greater machine of Regalian society.

The narrator continued, "In Regalia, every citizen has a role to play, a contribution to make to our collective strength. From the First Scientist to the newest incubator-born child, we are all united in our commitment to the advancement of our nation and the pursuit of absolute truth."

The humdrum attempt at teaching at least obtained the result Bart wanted. The psyche exam was delayed for another day.

After dismissing the documentary with a practiced gesture, Bart spent the remaining evening hours methodically completing his assigned studies, maintaining the appearance of a dedicated Regalian student. The soft hum of the room's environmental systems and the occasional whir of Alenace passing by his door provided a comforting backdrop of normalcy. As night settled over the city, the artificial lighting outside his window dimmed according to schedule, signaling the approach of mandatory rest hours. Yet despite the familiar routine, Bart's mind refused to settle into its usual patterns of analytical thought and systematic processing.

Long after the rest of the family had retired for the night, Bart lay awake in his bed, staring at the ceiling. The events of the day played through his mind on an endless loop – the tour of the incubator facility, the family dinner, the constant reminders of Regalia's rigid expectations.

He turned his head to look out the window, where the faint glow of the barrier was visible on the horizon. Beyond that shimmering wall lay a world he had only read about in forbidden texts – a world of women, of natural reproduction, of ideas and ways of life that challenged everything Regalia stood for.

Bart's hand unconsciously moved to his chest, where a small key hung on a chain beneath his nightshirt. It was the key to the hidden compartment in his study, where he kept his secret collection of banned books and contraband information. That key represented a door to knowledge, to truth – and potentially to danger.

As he lay there, Bart made a decision. He would continue his research, delve deeper into the mysteries that Regalia sought to hide. But he would have to be smarter, more cautious. He couldn't risk arousing suspicion, not when the stakes were so high.

"I'll find a way," Bart whispered into the darkness. "I'll discover the truth about our world, about the people beyond the barrier. And someday, somehow, I'll see that world for myself."

Just as sleep began to overtake him, a soft mechanical whir caught his attention. His eyes snapped open to see Alenace standing in his doorway, its optical sensors glowing an unusual shade of red. And then, for the first time in Bart's memory, the household android spoke without being prompted:

"Citizen Copernicus, you have been flagged for immediate psychological evaluation."