Meeting at the pool

You found yourself lounging by the pool, somewhat in thought about what the program was meant to do. On the one hand, it was already known that the affliction didn't cause a genetic restructuring of a person's genetics and body structure. It impacted their body's ability to produce the necessary hormones and chemicals needed to sustain daily bodily function. In a way, you supposed that the affliction altered key parts of the person's brain that made them needy of external sources of proteins and elements that were found in semen, especially a donor badge holder. That's why the system was created with badge numbers and holders who were carefully screened for impurities, imperfection, susceptibility to infection, and being a dormant carrier of the disease. It made you wonder exactly how it would be spread, especially if someone who had the disease became pregnant. Would it pass down to the infant in the woman? Would the child be born with it as an afflicted person or would it only manifest at a certain age?

You leaned back and looked at the people walking and milling about. How many of these people were keenly aware of their surroundings? How many were infected? It was not easy to figure out who had it and who didn't, though you also knew that it was an open secret that there was someone unique at the resort. There was enough rumors and people talking that caused you to perk up at the mention of a unique holder, slang for a badge holder, and a very high level one at that.

"Another Gin and tonic, sir?"

You nodded at the pool servant before you glanced over at the other end of the pool where there was a couple who obviously were not in the brightest of moods. Far be it for you to get involved in other people's shit, considering you had shit of your own to deal with, but there was something unique about this couple. First, the man was much older than you would've expected would come to a resort like this. Second, the woman he was with was also out of place. It only took you a moment to realize what was going on and you smiled as the server returned with your drink. "That couple over there. When did they check in?"

"About 5 days ago, sir. They've been disruptive this entire trip."

You nodded and continued to glance at the man who let out an exasperated yell before he picked up his towel and stormed off. You thanked the waiter with a stiff three bills and after he walked away, you picked up your glass and made your way around the pool. The problem with people like you, your mother used to say, was that you cared too much. Perhaps that was true. Perhaps you did care too much.

Perhaps you spotted another bitch to add to your fucking list.

"Excuse me, I didn't mean to overhear, but I thought you could use a friend..."