Darling in the FranXX: Insurrection

Chapter 35- Reparation

After the door closes and Ichigo disappears from sight, the anger that had so suddenly taken hold of you dissipates without a trace. It's immediately replaced by crushing sorrow and regret as you sink into the couch.

I shouldn't have said that... but, why can't she just understand where I'm coming from? I only want her to be safe. I don't want to control her.

You sigh and rest your head in your hands. A picture falls from your pocket to the floor below. In it Ichigo smiles brightly, wearing the traditional Japanese kimono she'd found in your room. You pick it up gingerly.

"I only worry because I love you. You know that, right?" you ask the photo.

The girl in the image continues to smile at you but doesn't reply. You stare at the still for several minutes before the door opens. Adopting your commander persona, you quickly return the photograph to your pocket and turn to greet the newcomer.

Kana stands in the doorway. "It's time for our meeting with the doctor over the Maternal Ward," she says. You hadn't been quick enough to gather yourself it seems, as she adds, "If you aren't up for it, I can take care of things."

"No," you groan as you stand up. "I still have a job to do. And do me a favor–" Before you can complete the request Kana cuts you off, speaking in a manner unlike her. "I didn't see anything. Not you talking to a picture, or Ichigo storming off."

"Thanks," you say with a nod, and follow her out of the room.

Ten minutes later the two of you, along with Kokoro and a heavily pregnant girl named Shouko, find yourselves in one of the Garden's conference rooms. You're all seated across from a woman who appears to be in her early thirties, with blonde hair tied back in a bun, wide-rimmed black glasses, and a white lab coat over a beige turtleneck. She wears black stockings to go with her skirt and small heels. You could recognize the woman anywhere, but to those who couldn't, her identity is made clear by the tag on her coat pocket: Doctor H. Levesque.

"Doctor Levesque," you say to bring the meeting to a start. "As you are aware, this Garden is now under our custody. We've asked you here to discuss your future."

The woman looks particularly unphased considering she is basically on trial. She sips from her coffee before putting it back on its saucer. Staring directly at you, she says, "I recognize you. You were a product of my ward, yes?"

"I was raised at this Garden," you reply. "Interesting," Levesque narrates. "Could that be what caused you to return?"

"Please try to stay on topic, doctor," Kana turns the conversation back in the intended direction. "You were responsible for the operation of the Maternal Ward and its Nurseries until two days ago, is that correct?"

"I was," she agrees. "And I would very much appreciate it if you were to return me to my work. All this fighting is beyond me. My true intention is to see humanity reach its peak. The Maternal Ward and Nurseries are merely a means to that end."

Doctor Levesque pauses and looks at Kokoro. "Take you, for instance, my dear. The father of the child in your womb was chosen from thousands of candidates because of the expected outcome. By picking and choosing with this method of selective breeding, all traces of disease and birth defects can be eradicated in several generations. You will carry to term in only seven months, an improvement of 22% over natural means."

Kokoro looks as though she wants to be sick as the doctor continues. "Not only is your term shorter, but the child will have the best possible genetics. They will grow up to be stronger and faster than any traditionally conceived human could ever dream to be. Surely you see the potential of this. Why allow nature to dictate humanity's future when we can mold it with our own hands?"