The Cost of Perfection
Stacy Melchora Taura Mendez later known as Urania, was born from the union of science and necessity. The daughter of a biochemist and a neuroscientist, she was one of the first genetically-enhanced babies, conceived with Gene R (robust) to be a supersoldier. Her parents, who had lost their ability to feel emotions due to their experiments on themselves, saw Stacy as little more than a successful experiment. She, however, was not devoid of feelings; in fact, she often felt too much. (Read Part 1: The Cost of Duty)
Stacy Mendez, born to renowned scientists who engineered her to be the pinnacle of human potential, was raised in a sterile, loveless environment. One evening at dinner, she made a bold announcement.
"I’m enlisting in the army."
Aunt Betsy, sneering, questioned her ability to qualify. Stacy, knowing they didn’t want her to leave, replied firmly, "It’s what I was born to do."
Her parents remained stoic, their indifference more cutting than any words. "I’m leaving tonight," Stacy added. They simply nodded and continued eating, a bitter reminder of her true origins.
Betsy, now fuming, slammed her fists on the table. "You’re letting her go just like that? After what she did?!"
Stacy’s mother finally spoke, her tone icy. "She only defended herself against your little lab rat, Betsy. People can only handle so much before they crack."
Betsy shot back, "She just wants to escape! Who knows if she’ll even serve the country or just run off with some randos who’ll reject her when they find out what she is!"
Stacy, her face flushed with rage, shouted, "I don’t care what you think, Betsy! I need to get away from you all—manipulative, controlling freaks!" She stormed out, vowing never to return.
After her military service, Stacy’s path crossed with Kenrick Kemp, a fellow genetically-enhanced individual, during a Space Administration internship. They bonded over their shared origins and began collaborating on redeveloping the abandoned supersoldier serum. However, as the project progressed, tensions grew, and Stacy began to question the moral implications of their work and Kenrick’s increasingly radical vision.
About the Creator
Karina Thyra
Fangirl of sorts.
Twitter: @ArianaGsparks
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The Cost of Duty
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Comments (4)
nice story.
Stacy's self-determination and desire for freedom drive her to escape her toxic environment!!💗
A nice spin on rebellion, 😊 and the moral struggles of those whose parents programmed/ engineered them to be great.
The topic is powerful. Like it.