10 Minute Tales, Part 2

Sep 27 - Geneticist

(Prompt inspired - " Genetic enhancement is now a cultural norm. But it's very expensive and not everyone can afford it. The high class are genetically perfect beings, while the lower class have very little, sometimes even no genetic enhancements. You are a high-class member that didn't inherit any perfect traits.")

He drummed his fingers impatiently on the desk in front of him. He glanced over to his child. She was very young, not even a year old, and she was asleep. Kept safe by a bubble of sorts, that kept her warm, comfy and generally happy. His ire softened slightly at the sight, but he soon returned his attention to the monitor before him. He was attempting to reach the family geneticist, Gensyn, to discuss the state of said daughter. He had already been waiting almost half an hour, and he wasn't willing to wait much longer. Mercifully, he didn't have to.

"Good morning, afternoon, or evening! You've reached the customer service desk of the Earth branch of Gensyn genetic medication offices! You're speaking to Sharon today; how may I help you?"

"Good day." he replied, gritting his teeth. Usually, he didn't mind Sharon's voice, but this time it grated him for some reason. "I need to speak to Doctor Althacer, if you please."

"Oh, you're a previous client? My apologies, I wasn't aware. Doctor Althacer isn't in at the moment, unfortunately, he's en route to Venus regarding a special-interest case. Can I take a message for you?"

"To Venus? Ugh, very well, if you must take a message... tell him that the daughter of David Coppersmith is anomalous."

"Anomalous?"

"I doubt you have the access rights to see that information."

"O-of course, sir, my apologies. I'll get him to contact you as soon as he's available."

"It had best not be long. My daughter is at risk."

"I-I'll do what I can, sir, promise." She nodded, reaching to end the call but pausing. "Is there... is there anything else I can offer?"

"No, thank you, just contact the doctor." David sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"O-of course, sir. Thank you for contacting us today." she nodded and closed the call. David rose from his seat and swam over to his daughter, the murky liquid offering no resistance to his specialised body. He rested a webbed hand against her cradle, sighing quietly.

"One day, my lovely." he said to her sleeping self, almost apologetically. "One day, I will be able to hold you."