Athena's Wrath: A Science Thriller by W. Michael Gear

Author:W. Michael Gear [Gear, W. Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
Published: 2024-03-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

At the knock on the door, Sheela was surprised to find Mary Abernathy standing there. Something seemed to have changed. The woman studied Sheela with a strange new intensity as if seeing her for the first time. “May I come in?”

Sheela wore her shy Jennifer smile and nodded, stepping back.

Abernathy entered with the self-assurance of an M1 battle tank. In a clipped voice, she said, “Our Mr. Gray is providing orientation for your security. I thought we should have a little chat.”

As Abernathy took a seat, Sheela settled herself on the overstuffed chair just opposite her. “Okay.”

“How are your quarters here?” Where did the hostile tone in her voice come from?

“Just fine. I was expecting, oh, I don’t know. Like hammocks and little round portholes. Not like a real hotel.”

“Had anything to eat?”

“No. And I’m starved.”

Abernathy leaned forward, her smile oddly forced. “Outside of starvation, how are you feeling?”

Sheela took a moment to fidget, then let her glance slide sideways. “I’m fine.”

“You’re sure?”

Sheela managed a trite Jennifer nod. “Who were the pregnant women? You know, this morning on the launch…there were two pregnant women.”

Abernathy hesitated. “Not all of our clients are young and healthy like you are. And some, believe it or not, are actually male. For a fee Genesis Athena will provide a surrogate mother. It’s expensive, but for many people it’s the only option.”

“I see.” She made it plain that she didn’t.

“All right.” Abernathy pressed her hands together. “What if you’re a single father and your son dies suddenly? What if that bereaved man feels like you do, Jennifer? Or a gay or transgender couple? What if you want another child? What if someone wants a specific child? Should we deny him or her or them when we can help?”

“Well, I, uh⁠—”

“No!” Abernathy waved it away as if it were an irritation. “And it’s not just men and LGBTQ people. We know of women, who for reasons of age, or biology, cannot have children. Maybe they’ve had cancer or had a hysterectomy. Perhaps they’re female corporate executives who can’t take time out for a pregnancy. Do we deny them but only help people like the Smith couple you met this morning?”

“Well, I don’t know.”

Abernathy leaned back, one eyebrow lifted. “Jennifer, do you believe in equality?”

“Sure.”

“Then why is it, when it comes to reproductive biology, only some people are allowed to reproduce and others aren’t?”

Sheela frowned, actually disturbed by the way Mary Abernathy had phrased the question. “It’s not a matter of being allowed, is it?”

“Can a man have a child without a female partner?”

“No.”

“Is it right?”

“Well…it’s how God made us.”

“Ah! Of course. God. But, Jennifer, we’ve been interfering with the way God made us for centuries now. In most cases a baby born prematurely will die without medical intervention. With modern technology, we can save it, and it will grow up to have a normal and happy life. Or would you let it die?”

“Of course I’d save it.”

“What if it has a perforated septum in its heart? What’s your choice? Do you operate to save it, or let it die?”

“Operate.

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