by Allison Goh
THE GENETIC LOTTERY
by Allison Goh
© 2014 Allison Goh
All Rights Reserved.
Contact: [email protected]
Heartfelt thanks to my family, my sister for pushing me to write this, my brother for all his creative input & my boyfriend for all his support.
Table of Contents
THE GENETIC LOTTERY by Allison Goh
Chapter 1: Winning the Genetic Lottery
Chapter 2: The Alpha5
Chapter 3: The Infinity Chip
Chapter 4: When Brian met Lyxa
Chapter 5: The White Room
Chapter 6: A Chip off the Old Block
Chapter 7: The Mole and his Motive
Chapter 8: Burying Your Head in the Sand
Chapter 9: The Infinity Chipped
Chapter 10: Checkmate?
Chapter 11: Oedipus Complex
Chapter 12: The Beginning
Chapter 13: Revelation
Epilogue
Chapter 1: Winning the Genetic Lottery
The thousands who commuted daily from work back home via POD were surprised when a Special News Alert appeared on the tiny screens in their POD transport capsules. These egg-shaped domes had revolutionized transport in the past decade. They were made for one and after you keyed in your destination, they whizzed through the air and land, in the quickest way possible to your destination, entirely on auto pilot. As such, commuters usually completed mundane tasks like ordering groceries online or paying their bills during their commute but today, as tiny screens across thousands of PODs switched on, commuters everywhere looked up and paid attention:
“Special News Alert: Breaking News, Children of Alpha5 - the top 5 companies in Egalia, found to have cheated The Genetic Lottery and are products of deliberate genetic selection. Workers of OrionWan-Nutrienas, the largest conglomerate in Egalia, are leaving work in protest. Mayor Wayne will issue a statement later today.”
The robotic voice faded away to reveal a video image of workers filing out of the OrionWan factory. This silent but resolute walk-out was the biggest protest Egalia had seen in years. Every single member of Egalia wanted nothing more than to move up the corporate ladder and cherished their work (or rather paycheck) with a burning passion. Walking out would mean losing half a day’s pay. A huge loss in the mind of the calculative Egalian. No doubt however, the workers had weighed the pros and cons of their decision and felt that their anger had to be showcased suitably.
The Special News Alert fresh in their minds, Egalians everywhere started to think. How many children were there exactly and what did their genetic selection really entail? What would be their next step? Should they rally for a step-down from the CEOs of Alpha5?
They knew Ren Wan, heir to OrionWan which sustained Egalia’s power consumption through nuclear power; and Paris Aculle, eldest daughter of Nutrienas, the largest food conglomerate in Egalia which manufactured the pills that Egalians took daily to fuel their body. Ren and Paris were fresh in the minds of every Egalian because they were the star couple of the season. From their engagement 2 years ago, to their extravagant and magnificent wedding a year later, these grandiose moments were captured and broadcasted in entertainment news throughout the nation.
Though many were wary of the ensuing merger of OrionWan and Nutrienas, both companies had kept their word, promising to operate exactly the same way they were before and particularly, pledging no redundancies. Thus, the star couple remained the darling of the media and Egalians everywhere envied their stunning visual compatibility and luxurious lifestyle.
Not only were they a beautiful couple, Ren and Paris were fiercely intelligent. Ren was already Vice President in the 5 short years he had started working at OrionWan. Paris too, after graduating EgaliaU at 18, was Chief Executive Director at Nutrienas and even introduced a new wildly popular line of placenta-based Nutrienas Pills that targeted women, promising better skin and hair.
Looking back at this star couple and their successes, the people’s feelings of adoration and envy turned into disgust and contempt. Gossip forums online immediately exploded with snarky comments. Of course they would succeed, they were genetically selected. It’s not mere coincidence that they are all so beautiful and successful. They rigged the system! They can’t do this just because they are rich! They should be punished!
Thousands remained engrossed in these internet forums as they entered their apartment blocks. There was blind speculation as to who, what, how, where, when these genetically enhanced children happened. Unfortunately, the recurring consensus amongst the people was an overwhelming feeling of bitterness.
Egalia prided itself on equal opportunity for all and everyone worked hard to improve their positions. Most Egalians were actually employed by Alpha5 and within the companies, merit-based hierarchies were maintained through stringent promotions. While harsh, the employees thought the system fair. Now with the knowledge that the heirs to these companies had a genetic edge up, the people couldn’t help but be resentful as they realized the limits of their upward mobility.
The timely beep of their integrated calendar watches reminded Egalians to take their dinner pill. As Egalians everywhere swallowed their Nutrienas pills, albeit with a tinge of resentment, they watched their screens, anticipating the 9pm evening news where Mayor Wayne was to make his statement.
Millions of eyes stayed glued to their screen of choice as the image of Mayor Wayne appeared on screens throughout the nation. After clearing his throat, he began his speech:
“Good Evening Egalians. I know that many of you are deeply concerned about the news released earlier today, and understandably so. Egalia is founded on the principles of equality and progress, toward the common goal of creating the best future for mankind. What our forefathers did for mankind during Enlightenment II, their choice of sterilization for a better future, cannot be overstated. That historic milestone gave birth to The Genetic Lottery we all know today.
The Genetic Lottery is a fair and complete system for our reproductive needs. With a fixed and select pool of desirable and healthy genes, every citizen is ensured a healthy child who will grow up to be a serving member of society. What Alpha5 did, in genetically selecting and creating their children outside The Genetic Lottery, is a betrayal of the fundamental tenets of our society and an insult to the sacrifice of our forefathers. We will see that they are suitably punished and rest assured, there will be increased checks and balances in our system to ensure no further foul play. We urge all Egalians to continue their lives as normal and we thank you for your productivity. To Equality & Progress!”
The speech ended with the national anthem, Prōgressus, and thousands of Egalians went to bed. Reminded of the bedrock principles of Egalian society, no more did they entertain thoughts of striking. They would go back to work tomorrow.
Chapter 2: The Alpha5
Back at the OrionWan-Nutrienas Headquarters, Ren and Paris had just gotten wind of the news leak. The news leak of their genetic selection was deeply unsettling and the company’s stock prices was already starting to slide. It wasn’t that this was news to them. They had known since they were ten. But what were they to do? They couldn’t empathize with what it would be like if they weren’t genetically selected. Although they did try not to rest on their laurels and work hard, knowing they were more blessed than most. But not too hard, else other people got suspicious.
They tried their best but their secret sometimes proved overwhelming to bear as their talents and natural gifts were difficult to conceal. As such, the 7 of them had always been close. Ren of OrionWan, Paris an
d Pamela of Nutrienas, Evian and Ethan of Dezine Transport, Lucian of Titus and Maximillion of Molten Industries. They all grew up together, played together, studied together and their parents were all friends. While they had other friends outside this elite circle, their shared secret bonded them in ways that was reminiscent of family.
Paris and Pamela Aculle both possessed an ethereal sort of beauty. But while both had strawberry blonde hair, fair skin and long legs, their personalities were night and day. Paris was soft spoken and gentle, though very strong-willed if tested. Pamela was mischievous and loud, with bursting enthusiasm for life and all things fun.
Evian and Ethan Zine were startling to look at, with their white hair and icy blue eyes. Good thing that they were both so personable and kind, otherwise their chilly appearance would ward off most people. They were the most adventurous of the group, always planning the next daredevil outdoorsy stunt the group should try, much to the chagrin of Paris and to the glee of Pamela.
Lucian Titus was the politician of the group, tall dark and handsome, girls swooned wherever he went and he made use of that, charming everyone and everything for his benefit.
Last but not least, Maximillion Molten, whose boy next door charm made him the affable mascot of the group. Friends with everyone and enemies with no one, he was usually the one you approached if you wanted to cosy up to the group. With the heirs of Alpha5 being rich, beautiful and smart to boot, star struck admirers wanting to get to know them better was something the group never lacked.
Ren and Paris paced aimlessly in their office. Both were frantic about the current situation what with the news leak and the workers’ strike, but their parents were the chairmen and women of the company, and they had the real power. The Alpha5 CEOs had already planned a dinner tonight to discuss matters, so for now, they could only wait.
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The sumptuous dinner served at the Wan’s sprawling mansion was barely touched by the guests. This was surprising as dinners were a huge deal in Egalia as only the ultra-rich could afford them. After Nutrienas pills out-phased the need for actual eating, ‘dinners’ became an affair for the rich to socialize. Getting an invite meant acknowledgement of your social position and being rich enough to hold dinner parties became the ultimate status symbol. The ‘food’ they ate could almost be deemed artistic creations. They awed visually and inspired your taste buds with flavours so tantalizing that one inevitably sighed with pleasure with each bite. Of course, the food had no actual mass that would disrupt the body. The ‘food’ simply dissolved as if you had ingested water. Tonight, it seemed that the news leak had affected everyone’s mood so terribly that the fanciful creations engineered by the chefs went to waste.
Observing the situation, Orion Wan decided to cut short the dinner party and get down to business. He gathered everyone in his study to discuss the news leak.
“I’ll speak first and candidly,” Orion Wan said, scanning the room and making eye contact with the faces of his long time friends and business partners. They exchanged worried glances and he mentally noted that everyone was accounted for.
Orion squared his shoulders and addressed the room, “The news leak is serious and I think we have already seen our businesses being affected. The government is of no problem, given our amicable relationship. The problem is public sentiment.”
Orion paused to let his words sink in. “I propose that we keep the children out of the public eye and contain the situation as much as we can. Personally, I’m going to start with issuing a bonus to our employees to keep morale up and distract them from this news. It appears that the specific details of the genetic selection haven’t been made public. We should all try our best to suppress any more information from coming out. Call all your friends in the media,” Orion said.
Everyone nodded and started noting down things in their calendar watches or voice controlling their PDAs. Orion continued, “Let’s all remember why we begun this in the first place. This is for our children, and we will protect them and our companies at all costs.”
The meeting was as quickly over as it began as no one had time to waste. The CEOs of Alpha5 filed out quickly from Orion’s Mansion, as they hastened to control the PR nightmare that this news leak was for their companies’ image.
After seeing everyone out, Orion called Ren to his study. “Son, don’t worry about the company, I will take care of it. You and Paris just keep a low profile,” he said.
“But there is one thing I want you to investigate”. Orion’s eyes narrowed and he pulled his son in closer. “The real problem here is the source of this leak. No one knew except for us, and it is in nobody’s interest here for this information to get out. We need to investigate this thoroughly. Trust no one.”
Ren nodded, startled at the suggestion that this might actually be an inside job. But his father was right! The who was more important that the what. Who leaked this information in the first place? Who could have access to such secret information and to whom was this leak most beneficial? Ren walked slowly out of the study, his mind swirling with possibilities.
Chapter 3: The Infinity Chip
The next two weeks were extremely trying. As much as the CEOs of Alpha5 tried to contain matters, only more and more incriminating evidence regarding their genetically selected children surfaced.
While mainstream news remained uncharacteristically silent, this only fuelled the rumours even more. Look at how they are using their power and influence to silence the media! Thousands cried out with anger. With mainstream news refusing to add to the rumour mill, much of the speculation lay on the internet where forums and vigilante news sites popped up faster than the government could control. Some even backed their claims with what looked to be laboratory documentation as well as supposed interviews from the scientists who worked on the gene selection project.
One popular area of speculation that kept popping up was regarding the type of genes the Alpha5 had selected for their offspring. Apparently, the Alpha5 had used their money, power and connections to not only cheat The Genetic Lottery system but go far beyond that. The genes they used for their children went beyond the assigned pool that made up The Genetic Lottery which guaranteed against any precursor of genetic disease. In fact, reports stated that the Alpha5 harvested replicated genes of renowned people, dead and alive. These replicated genes included that of famous scientists, Olympic athletes and movie stars and these were used to genetically engineer the Alpha5 children.
One online article began, ‘The extent of the vanity and greed of the Alpha5 knows no limits. According to reliable sources, the Alpha5 picked and chose every inane detail right down to the thickness of hair they desired for their children.’
People were shocked at the extent of the manipulation of the Alpha5 children’s genetic make-up and understandably so. As to the authentication of these claims, people simply did not care. They wanted a reason to hate, a reason to point fingers and a person to blame. This took form in the amorphous figure of the genetic monsters that the Alpha5 children had become in the minds of the common people and their greedy, diabolical parents who had engineered their creation.
As online news sites struggled to top each other with newly unearthed ‘facts’, one news site managed to capture the minds of the people with a new angle. The salacious headline read ‘Alpha5’s Eugenics: Creating a superior race to surpass us all’. The report that followed then claimed that the Alpha5 had experimented on hundreds of embryos and discarded them like lab rats in their quest to perfect the technology used to create the Alpha5 children. This was oddly believable to many people as it was a mystery as to how the Alpha5 managed to perfect such genetic technology, so far beyond the capabilities of The Genetic Lottery which only ensured that children of Egalia would not suffer from debilitating genetic diseases.
As this crime against humanity angle spread, the backlash was swift and vicious. Murderers! Cruel! Playing God! These comments were repeated by the thousands as the rumour mill swirled and the people
got increasingly irate.
With the plunge of popular sentiment, the shares of Alpha5 and their businesses took a nosedive. Other competitors soon took advantage of the situation and Alpha5’s unwavering monopoly on Egalia’s industry began to quake.
One new competitor that emerged above the others was Etak Inc., owned by Alex Etak. Alex’s charming smile appeared in news articles everywhere, and the advertisements for his rapidly increasing line of products seemed to be the first and last thing many Egalians saw to and fro their commute from home to work.
In particular, Etak Inc.’s new line of meal pills severely cut into the profits of Nutrienas. By switching out their regular meal pills with that of Etak Inc.’s, people found it the easiest and quickest way to stop showing support for the Alpha5.
Etak Inc. also started investing in prime real estate around the city, fuelling rumours that Etak Inc. was turning a steady profit and that he was on his way to becoming the next billionaire. Alex was also so often seen with the Mayor around town that not only did his trust factor skyrocket, many speculated that he was going to move into politics. But no one could anticipate his next move.
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In a televised broadcast which was repeated in video advertisements all over the city afterwards, Alex Etak announced his revolutionary new product in a speech that rivalled many a winning presidential candidate, with a smiling Mayor by his side.
“Egalians! The past few weeks have been tumultuous to say the least and I share your feelings of betrayal and anger toward the Alpha5. These genetically selected children are an abomination and their parents are a testament of the dangers of nepotism if we allow their monopoly to continue. The Alpha5 has betrayed our beliefs in equality and progress for all mankind. They have chosen to unilaterally advance their own selfish agendas and we cannot condone this any longer. We have to act now!