Scene V
The constant buzz of flourescent lights
bit its way into Max's tired mind. She
stood in the office of a woman who she at first didn't know, then hated, and
now obeyed with all her mind. Renfro
was new in the offices, but she commanded more respect than Lydecker ever could
have. She had called Max into her
office today, probably because of the sudden run to the doctor Max had
exercised.
"Well," Renfro sighed with
obvioue agitation, "the doctor's report is here, and you're deffinitely
not pregnant. However, I don't know how
exactly you knew of this particular experiment. It was done in extreme secrecy."
"I wasn't aware of any
experiment," Max said in her most disciplined voice. "I merely felt a severe pain in my
abdomen, and felt I should have it checked out. By the time I had gotten to the medic's, the pain was gone. At that point, the doctor who saw me
suggested I have a prenancy test done. It wasn't even my idea. I'm
sorry if I let my concern for my physical performance cloud my thoughts."
"No, my dear, you did fine. Now we know that X5's can only become
pregnant during heat. You will be glad
to know that we will now be stopping those experiments and you no longer have
to worry about motherhood. However, you
may be called on in the future for that duty."
"Understood, ma'am. I am happy to do my duty."
"Good enough for now. You may report to your post for the rest of
the day."
"Yes, ma'am."
Max turned sharply on her heel and headed
out the door. For some reason it didn't
anger her that she could have been pregnant without her consent. How odd that was. It seemed like the old Max would have been furious. She put that feeling out of her mind,
though, and went on with her duties.