A Story of Synthesis: Part 1

 Somewhere in a future scientific laboratory.....

Dr. Michelle Vex gazed into the chamber of incubation. She gazed onto the evolving form within. There was a soft blue glow surrounding and sophisticated drill of machinery. The form was coming to life, slowly but surely. 

It has been years since she started with this research to create a new species of her own. She had longed for the day when she would create an organism which would somewhat resemble humans in morphology but are more fragile and soft. 

As the genetic code encoded on nanocrystals uncoded, the form began to shape. She had named it 'Vera' remembering her long lost daughter. At first, Vera was simply an amorphous form, a gelatinous mass. Slowly her limbs evolved, torso and face took definition, covered in soft translucent skin.

She watched with admiration as Vera's facial features developing. Those opal eyes, almond lips were safely encoded from her own daughter's DNA. "Neurological Integration Underway." The AI announced. Vera flickered and inhaled, thus the first artificial organism was developed in Dr. Vex's laboratory. "Can you hear me Vera?" she asked. " Yes. I can.... hear you.", came a melodious reply.

"Welcome to the world, dear Vera!" Michelle smiled tears welling up in her eyes.

"Dr. Michelle Vex, renowned geneticist, unveiled her groundbreaking discovery : Vera - The first artificially created humanoid form" 

This spread across the media. Michelle proudly presented Vera highlighting her abilities and intellect. She was showcased at prestigious science fairs and exhibitions, mesmerizing all of her spectators.

More than anything, Michelle's motivations were scarcely held to scientific curiosities. She saw Vera as a replacement of her daughter, lost in a tragic accident years ago. Vera stayed at her house, was given her daughters clothes and was fed with her own hands.

As days passed, Michelle struggled to reconcile her dual roles. She wrestled with guilt wondering if she was crossing the ethical boundaries. Yet she couldn't resist her love for Vera.

Still, even though Vera called her mother, she was after all a research material. Michelle had to take her to laboratory, let other scientists study her characters and behaviors. Michelle did not enjoyed this either. But she had to as that was the protocol. The only right she had to vera was that she was patented in her name. 

This did not last long. As Vera's awareness expanded, she started questioning her existence. "Who am I?" she asked Michelle gazing right into her eyes. " You are my daughter, my creation, my everything." she replied. This simple conversation however led to Vera's journey of self-discovery.

Vera simply didn't like the way scientists swarmed around her, conducting tests and observations. "Why are they studying me?" she asked her mother. Michelle hesitated. " Because... you are special." Vera hated that response.

 Why can't she be just someone normal? What was her point of existence? Who did she have in her life? She didn't have any friends, love or anyone! All she had was this woman whom she called 'Mother' , someone who took care of her but at the same time gave her away to be examined by strangers and interviewed by the scavenging media. 

How could she trust her? At the same time how could she not?

She felt dizzy thinking all of this. Suddenly, an answer popped up in her mind.....

To be continued.....

Part 2

Picture sources

• https://pics.craiyon.com/2024-09-21/jvOYkaktT1W8efoWqlJStQ.webp
• Freepik