GenEdits: The Human Company

Day Three: The Auction

As the lights grew brighter in the specimen room, the space began to fill with well-dressed and genetically pristine people. This was delivery day, the day all 25 specimens would be chosen, moved, and thrust into their purpose fulfillment program. Each pod was labeled with the malfunction category and corresponding traits of the specimen inside, and each displayed a holo-image of what the specimen would become physically at maturity. Along with all of these informational details, each pod was equipped with a number corresponding to the specimens survival quotient. The well-dressed, well-mannered people were here to select only the best for their uses; and for those who used this process as entertainment to lose or make significant sums of units. Many of them were centered around specimen 13, whose malfunction was extreme athleticism. The athletic malfunctions almost always complete the program, and are the specimens who most often sell before maturity. Considering that there is no return on a lost specimen, this becomes risky in the event of a program failure. Each of the potential buyers walked carefully around each specimen, taking note of everything on display, before taking an assigned seat in the center of the room. The two desks and workspaces had vanished, along with any trace of the two women, replaced by a tight square of around 50 white chairs placed in front of a slightly raised podium. A man took position at the podium, as if prepared to give a begrudgingly winded speech

“Good afternoon, and good delivery day! GenEdits welcomes you to this cycles’ selection process and would have me remind you all of GenEdits policies and procedures during this process.” He took a deep breath and paused. It was clear he had given this speech many cycles over by his demeanor. Tall and hefty, he wore a snappy black suit and bright silver tie, complete with a GenEdits tie clip. As he began to recite the policies to the investors, it was clear they had all heard this as many times as he had spoken it, as many were actively tuning out. He continued regardless, with a noticeable bored tone.

“In the event that your specimen does not complete the program, you are not entitled to reimbursement of any kind. Each specimen will have a carefully designed program and matching traits. If at any point the specimen has artificial genetic manipulation or attempts to circumvent the program, they will immediately be harvested for usable genetic material and you will not be entitled to reimbursement of any kind. Tampering with GenEdits property is a felony and may result in you or your loved ones being harvested for genetic material at the expense and benefit of GenEdits. Any debt you accrue in this process will be transferred to GenEdits. GenEdits is entitled to 40% of any monetary gain you receive as a result of purchasing a specimen” As he neared the end of the speech, the buyers sat closer to the edge of their seats. This was the moment they were here for, the chance to have an exclusive GenEdits product and all of the unique genes to merchandise.

“Thank you for choosing GenEdits. We will now take a cursory look at all specimens and their malfunctions. If you would like to place a bid on a specimen, please wait until all specimens have been viewed.” He gestured to his left and pod 1 came zooming in on a suspended track, gently hissing to a stop. As it did, oversized projections of the information screens cover the room, and at the center stood a true to life holo-model of the mature specimen. It was the visage of a tall, thin, dark-skinned woman; with deep honey eyes and long natural hair. He began the description with her malfunction category.

“Here we have specimen 1, malfunction category “DESIGNER”. Mature and harvest ready at 50 cycles. 5 million units.” The group of buyers chatted amongst each other about price and quality, unable to bid until all specimens were shown. The people in this room were nothing more than cordial with one another in the best of circumstances. Outside of this situation, you might find these people at a party together, mingling and trading the newest thing. Many of them favored casinos and gene splicing deathmatches, where they often lost more than they made. This was an even more brutal arena, where the most ruthless tacticians came out the victor. Many of the buyers in this room were indebted to GenEdits, or even to each other, and would underhand anyone who placed them closer to harvest.

“Specimen 2”, another pod whizzed to his side “Malfunction category “DANCER”. Mature and harvest ready at 35 cycles. 3 million units.” This specimen was a small, pale, man. His features were not as defined as the first specimen, short brown hair and dark green eyes were his most prominent features. He continued “Specimen 3, malfunction category “CHEF”. Mature and harvest ready at 70 cycles. 8 million units.” This specimen was unique; its malfunction had better taste genes and overall sensory genetics, which made it valuable. Again a white man, but nothing like the last. This specimen was tall and round, with a bushy red beard and hair. The holo-model itself radiated joy, and the bright blue eyes seemed to subtly sparkle. The room was buzzing with conversation as the next pod approached. “Specimen 4, malfunction category “FLORAL ARRANGEMENT”. He continued through the next few pods as the buyers’ interest turned to other things. He managed to regain their attention at pod 11, much to his relief. “Specimen 11, malfunction category, “MUSIC”. Mature and harvest ready at-” he paused for a brief moment, as if he doubted the data sheet. No, it was correct, GenEdits doesn’t make mistakes. He continued “Mature and harvest ready at 18 cycles. 15 million units.” There were scattered gasps and murmurs throughout the crowd as the holo-model appeared. Before them stood a tall, well-built, tan skinned woman. GenEdits had designed her to appear as the founders did, with long, raven black hair and piercing dark eyes. She had wisdom imbued on her face, a knowing that only comes from GenEdits founder genetics. “Moving on,” said the orator. “Specimen 12, malfunction category “ILLUSTRATION”. Mature and harvest ready at 35 cycles. 6 million units.” Their interest had waned again, but he soldiered on through the next two. “Specimen 13, malfunction category “ATHLETICS”. Mature and harvest ready at 28 cycles. 10 million units. Specimen 14, malfunction category “JOURNALIST”. Mature and harvest ready at 30 cycles. 8 million units. Specimen 15, malfunction category “WRITER”. Mature and harvest ready at 80 cycles. 2 million units.” He continued to recite the information, each holo-model starkly different than the last. As he neared the end of the list, the crowd became restless. This is what they had really come to see, the mysterious pod 25. “Specimen 24, malfunction category “SCULPTOR”. Mature and harvest ready at 40 cycles. 9 million units.” The holo-model appeared and disappeared within an instant as 25 was pulled up. “Specimen 25” he took a short pause to read the sheet. “Malfunction category, “PAINTER”. Mature and harvest ready at 40 cycles. 25 million units.” A collective groan erupted from the room; 25 million units was more than GenEdits had ever charged for a specimen. After the unsettled buyers had calmed down, the man continued. “Please place your bids at each corresponding specimen pod. The highest bid will be awarded genetic rights to the property in accordance with GenEdits policy. If a competing bid arises, you will have 24 hours to respond. Thank you for choosing GenEdits.” And with that statement, as soon as they appeared, they all vanished. The bright lights once again dimmed to a barely lit grey, and only the sounds of the humming pods filled the room.