“The same guard who had spoken stepped forward, blocking Dr. Reyes’s path. “Sir, I think you should step away from the baby.”
“This is insubordination,” Dr. Reyes gasped. “The research protocols—”
“The research protocols are flawed,” Dr. Kellner interrupted, continuing her work with the infant. “You’ve lost seven pregnancies already because you’re prioritizing data collection over basic medical care. At this rate, you’ll have no living subjects to study at all.”
She gently tested the baby’s grip reflex, smiling slightly when tiny fingers wrapped around her own. “Lord Valerius, this infant is showing hybrid characteristics already. Enhanced grip strength, accelerated neural responses, advanced awareness for her gestational age. But only because she’s alive and stable enough to demonstrat
