A Semblance of Normality

As embarrassing as it was Aaron enjoyed the attention but not for the reason you would expect. It made him feel normal. The people were so appreciative and grateful that they even overlooked the fact that he is a Blanco. For those of you who don't know. In The 22nd Century Caucasians are The Minority and have been for more than a hundred years. Blanco is The 22nd Century's Most Abrasive Racial Slur. Aaron was lucky to be born in New Beverly Hills, One of The Most Progressive Cities in all of The Union. I mean, New Beverly not only has a Mayor who is White but Male at that... Something virtually unheard of in the rest of The Union.

Surrounded by all these smiling faces, people wanting to shake his hand and pat him on the back made him feel normal... accepted even if just for a moment. It was a dream come true for any Blanco and especially for Aaron who was beyond pale even for a Caucasian. Aaron was lucky to live in a predominantly white neighborhood but at school and even at Omen when he first started working there he was the subject of racial intolerance and prejudice. Aaron simply chocked it up to Human Nature. After all he'd studied in school about the time before the domes when Caucasians were the majority, about how they lorded their supposed superiority over those with different skin colors. It seemed ridiculous to Aaron in today's society. If he were a Religious Man he might be inclined to think this was Karma but that's another matter entirely.

It was difficult for Aaron to just stand there with a bag in his arms while people congratulated him, thanking him for saving the lives of their children or other family members while handing him food and other tokens of thanks for what he'd done.

Finally Aaron couldn't take the praise anymore., "Please Everyone..." Everyone fell silent as Aaron spoke., "... I appreciate all of You coming all the way here to Omen to meet me and Thank Me but I really don't deserve it."

Many of the people Aaron could see were looking at him with strange expressions.

Aaron's tone was solemn and his expression downcast., "I am of course overjoyed that my work has helped all of you and that it has saved many lives but I can't take sole credit because it would have never been possible if not for the foundations already laid down by the true pioneers of genetic research. I know it has been a miracle for all of you but as much as I am happy that I could save so many lives there were thousands that I couldn't save. With every smiling face I see here in front of me I can't help but imagine another face crying and demanding answers to why their neighbors loved ones were saved but not theirs. Not a day goes by that I am not Thankful for all the lives that were saved but in equal measure... Not a day goes by that I am not saddened by all the lives that were lost and when I think of all those lost lives I fell anger... Anger toward those who who would so cavalierly meddle with things so clearly out of their depth but most of all I feel anger towards myself... If only I could have made the breakthrough sooner or..."

Aaron didn't have a chance to finish as a stern and rather gruff looking Man of about 60 with dark weathered features stepped up to him and put a hand on his shoulder., "Don't blame yourself Young Man you did all you could. You did your best and that's all anyone has a right to expect from anyone else. I for one am grateful... because of you I've been able to see my grandchildren get a chance at life... A chance they never would have gotten if not for you."

Everyone cheered and after some more Thank Yous, Aaron was able to head inside.

Before heading into The Omen Enterprises Building Aaron turned back toward everyone who were still watching him., "Thank You Everyone. I can't tell you how much it means to me that I was able to help you and I promise that I will continue to help as many people as I can."

With that said Aaron entered the building to the sounds of cheering an applause.

"Glad That's Over.,"Aaron thought as he finally made it inside but his jaw practically hit the floor when he saw there waiting at the front desk a utterly ridiculous amount of gifts, all with his name on them. As he approached, Aaron could see cards, food, wine and no shortage of phone numbers and photos of Young Women hoping to go on a date with him.

"Wow Some of These Women Are Really Beautiful... And This One...," Aaron thought holding up one of the photos., "... There's No Way That's Legal, The Human Spine Isn't Meant To Bend That Way." Aaron fanned himself with one of the other photos causing one of The Receptionists to cock an eyebrow and comment impishly., "Oh, Have you found a Young Woman who makes you hot under the collar."

Aaron instantly stopped fanning himself and looked at the picture, a bright blush instantly crossing his face as he saw a Woman dressed in frilly black lace lingerie sitting on a bed with a leash in her mouth and a pair of handcuffs dangling from her finger. Aaron immediately put the picture face down on Receptions Desk and looked away.

"N-No-Not at all. You know I have a Girlfriend Lenna."

"Suuuure.," The brunette and very stacked Receptionist named Lenna said teasingly as she bit her lip.

The color quickly faded from Aaron's cheeks and his expression returned to one of neutral disinterest., "Please have all these things sent to me at the usual place and time, and I will look through them."

"You Got It."

"Wow, She's Light and Day To When I First Started Working Here. I Much Rather Prefer Her Flirty, Smiling Manner To The Shrew That Greeted Me With Contempt and Scorn Every Time I Came To Work.," Aaron thought as he remembered his early experiences when he first came to work for Omen. Aaron still couldn't believe how lucky he was to get this job. He still thanked his lucky stars that Omen's Upper Management still decided to employ him even after finding out that he was not only a Minority but a Guy. Chock it up to being born in the most progressive city in The Union.