Interlude: Towards the Future

The woman looked harshly at the gurgling baby, and at her mother in the hospital bed. "Tomoko, this baby is gaijin; I do not approve."

"Mother, this is not my biological child; I volunteered to carry one of Doctor Hisagawa's shojinko out of my duty to science."

"I do not like it."

"I love her, Mother. Saisho is a beautiful child; she will never grow old and racist and spiteful."

The older woman scowled and stormed out. The newborn girl pawed lightly at her mother's gown, which she pulled aside to let the child suck. The white nurse, who had stood unobtrusively in the background through the exchange, stepped up and brushed a lock of hair out of Tomoko's eye.

"How do you feel, Tomoko? And how is little Saisho?"

"I am well, Heza. And Saisho is very thirsty."

"Have you been taking your shots?"

"Yes, Heza."

"Good; the extra nutrients in your milk will help Saisho grow strong and healthy."

Her and all the other clones, thought Heather. They will be artificial humans, a perfect servant class for when humanity moves into the stars. Hisagawa has done his job, now I have to go check on Kensington and his star drive; it would have been easier if he'd just followed the plans I gave him. I want to reach the planet of the Flower People by my 200th birthday.

[ To see one place where this goes, check out Babes in the Woods. ]

Heather stopped and watched the young woman pushing the broom down the hospital corridor. That one is carrying the gift now, is she? And she has a panty-sniffing fetish. That should be interesting: All Hail Eris.