Prologue – A Break to Remember

(During the break)

JB: You know, Chiyo, Miyuki, I want to know how exactly you two actually came to this research, because of all the (Air quotes), "moral implications," involved with this field. You know how the conservatives feel about stuff like this.

Chiyo: Oh yes, I know perfectly well how the conservatives feel. They've literally tried to raid my property because of my research.

JB: Really now? What happened?

Miyuki: Yes, I'm interested now, Chiyo-san, because I've had some backlash, but not as bad as this.

Chiyo: Well, one day, I was in my personal lab, working on the chromosomal isolation process, and then, I hear something banging, so I come out, and I see a mob trying to bust through the gate to my house with a battering ram!

JB: A battering ram?! Damn, that was some strong gate if it was still standing.

Chiyo: I know… Anyways, when I see this, I call the police, and they came and arrested a lot of people for attempted breaking and entering. I told them, though, to make sure this didn't release to the press, due to the sensitive nature of the incident, and that was that.

JB: Wow… And I'd thought you'd never think of using your family's influence to remain clear of the press… Anyways, how did you two get to this research?

Miyuki: Well, a while ago, once I got my medical masters degree, I began working in obstetrics and natal care. So, with that, I began thinking of how many people weren't able to enjoy the feeling of having children of their own because of situations like being of the same sex. So, I was determined to help them have their own children, and this research is the product of that determination. (Aside) Not to mention I also dedicated this for a couple I'm very close to…

Chiyo: Interesting… It's actually very similar to my story, but this was only after I got my doctorates in bioengineering and obstetrics.

JB: Two doctorates? Chiyo, how much time did you have for school?

Chiyo: Quite a bit. I was even able to earn some of my degrees much earlier than most.

JB: Well, that certainly proves your smarts are still spot-on. And now, onto the theories, ladies. So, Chiyo, what have you observed so far?

Chiyo: Well, I decided to look at the reason why cloning works as a reference and I'm beginning to see the reason why it accelerates the aging process early, as well as discovering how to prevent it.

JB: That's interesting. Do you think you will have that solution soon?

Chiyo: Yes. I've been going through the Human Genome Project and determining which genes I need to make sure are included in order to preserve the aging process so that it normalizes.

JB: Good. And Miyuki, what about you?

Miyuki: So far, I've been able to convert one gamete into the other. The problem is whether the egg will accept it, because of the fact it was artificially produced.

JB: And this is the part where I can say that I have your solution, even though I am not a doctor. Chiyo, as you've said, it is possible to prevent accelerated aging, which is the main concern with this procedure, and Miyuki, you've mentioned that you figured out how to take a normal gamete and convert it into the format of its opposite sex cell. Well, if you think about it, all you would need to do then is an in vitro procedure and cross your fingers for luck.

Chiyo: (Thinks for a minute) …Yes! That's it! In vitro fertilization is a perfectly reasonable goal, and it's been done before, even when the embryo or sperm has had to be preserved cryogenically! Miyuki, we're going to do it!

Miyuki: Really?! I can't believe it! We're going to do it! We don't even require the use of a surrogate for female couples!

JB: I know! Of course, with two males, we'll still need a surrogate, but this is great! Lord knows that millions will be glad to know of this. We can even make this cheap enough for the lower classes!

Miyuki: Very good. So, we can begin to present the procedure to the final authorities under all three of us?

JB: Yes, but wouldn't it be voided since I don't even have a medical degree?

Chiyo: Actually, no, because look at all of those students who do medical-based projects for the Intel and Simeon competitions.

JB: Kinda true there. So, are you going to tell me when you guys present?

Chiyo: Of course. Your theory did help complete the planning, so we'll expect you to be there.

JB: Good. Anyways, we'll be back on in about ten, so let's get moving.

(Meanwhile, with Konata and Kaorin)

Konata: OK, Kaorin, considering you were with Tomo and the other two when I mentioned what I did, you know that I'm specialized to deal in situations like this.

Kaorin: Of course, Konata-san. I will admit, even though I am older, I think I should be calling you sempai.

Konata: Well, you don't need to, considering I don't like formalities. So, Kaorin, you remember when you admitted that you over exaggerated on a lot of counts?

Kaorin: Of course I do. So, what's the problem?

Konata: The thing is, as far as I can tell, my predictions are best when I have accurate details about what both parties involved are like. And since you over exaggerated quite a bit, I wasn't able to get a good answer.

Kaorin: So, Konata, what's the solution?

Konata: Unfortunately, you need to realize that what you have for Sakaki-san is NOT true love, but instead of it, admiration. That's the same problem that occurred with another one of my friends who wanted to be with me, and had already tried to early on.

Kaorin: Really? It's involved with you, too?

Konata: Well, once I began the site, she actually was one of my first clients under the name, "Megane-joutai." She in fact considered me her sempai. So, she answered as honestly as she could, and then I realized something once she did reveal who she was; she was confusing her image of me with the real me, so she became disillusioned. However, I helped her gather herself back together, and now, she has a new girlfriend all her own.

Kaorin: So… You think I have the same problem?

Konata: Yes… And I'm sorry, but I really do care for all of my clients, Kaorin, and you really have earned my sympathy. Yet, you're just bringing yourself on a path of eventual self-destruction that no one can save you from except yourself.

Kaorin: (Sniffles, then takes a deep breath) But… What if there is no one else?

Konata: There always will be someone else, Kaorin, and in fact, I've seen enough to figure out whom that someone else is.

Kaorin: Really? Could you tell me?

Konata: You know, I would, except that I think you could tell by yourself.

Kaorin: What do you mean?

Konata: (Sighs in frustration) Really, who have you been blushing around recently?

Kaorin: Blushing? That would be… (Thinks for a second) Wait. You're serious with this?

Konata: Of course I'm serious in terms of this.

Kaorin: But really, Chiyo-chan? I mean, I felt really sorry for her when she mentioned she became Kimura bait-

Konata: And that sympathy led to a hug, which led to a blush, and then you blushed again when she complimented you. Not to mention that you sounded very sweet when you talked with her. All the signs are there showing that you at least like her a bit more than the others, Kaorin.

Kaorin: You know what, you're right, Konata. Age shouldn't matter, but what you feel should.

Konata: Exactly! So, do you have a plan on how to confess?

Kaorin: Well, I'll use that spa day to my advantage and see if it'll be OK from there.

Konata: Nice plan, Kaorin! So, to say so before you do anything, good luck!

Kaorin: Thanks, although I think you deserve a real, "thank you," signal. (Glomps Konata and holds a kiss for about ten seconds) There! Thanks again! (Skips away towards the recording room)

Konata: …Why does this always happen? Someone always seems to kiss me for a thank you.

(Kagami walks in from behind)

Kagami: Well, maybe it's because you're too sweet for people to resist. (Tosses an arm over Konata's shoulder)

Konata: Maybe so, Kagami, but I don't want to appear as a polygamous woman.

Kagami: Don't worry about it, Konata, because it isn't like you initiate it. Then, you'd be in trouble with God knows who.

Konata: I know… Thanks for the confidence booster, though, Kagami.

Kagami: You're very welcome, Konata.

Konata: You know, she was exactly like Hiyori.

Kagami: I could already tell. Same solution as last time?

Konata: Yep.

Kagami: Good. Let's head for the rec room.

(The two girls walk together to the recording room, talking about random topics)

(Meanwhile, following Kaorin)

Kaorin: Miyuki-san! You there?!

Miyuki: Yes, I'm here, Aida-san. Do you need me for a second?

Kaorin: Yes, actually. Could you come with me outside the rec room for a minute or two?

Miyuki: I'll walk with you, Aida-san.

Kaorin: Call me Kaorin, like everyone else.

Miyuki: Sure, Kaorin.

(Outside the rec room)

Kaorin: OK, Miyuki, Konata and Kagami, not to mention Tomo, told me the entire thing about-

Miyuki: Say no more, Kaorin. So, did she help you?

Kaorin: Immensely. Now, I would have approached Chiyo-chan for this, but considering the current situation, I thought you were the best person to approach.

Miyuki: About what?

Kaorin: Funding for your clinical trials.

Miyuki: You mean that-

Kaorin: Yes, I am, and I want to make sure this plan goes through, not only for their benefit, but for mine, too, when I do eventually get together with someone for life.

Miyuki: So, how much do you plan to contribute?

Kaorin: I have a secret fund I've been keeping untapped for years that not even the U.S. and Japan likely know about. It's right now valued at about… a few ten million U.S. dollars right now, considering the high-yield interest and tax protections.

Miyuki: (Gulps in trepidation) That much?

Kaorin: Yep, and all dedicated to such a cause.

Miyuki: And-

Kaorin: It's all yours. If you do this, I'll thank you for helping me. For helping them.

Miyuki: Thank you for the donation, and I don't need a thank you. Seeing my friend happy about it is all I need to get through the day.

Kaorin: You mean-

Miyuki: I've been working on this project for years, in the hope that one day, they could finally have their own child, and now, our work is complete. We finally finished the conceptual planning with the help of John-san.

Kaorin: (Tearing up) Well, they'll finally be able to do so, Miyuki, and I would personally love it if they would be the first to test it and succeed.

Miyuki: (Tearing up also) I know what you mean, Kaorin. I swore on my blood, during my first year in college, that I would make sure they had a biological child, and with this donation, you've made it much easier.

Kaorin: Yes, I have. And hopefully, I can do the same with Chiyo-chan, too.

Miyuki: Wait! Izumi-san told you-

Kaorin: Yes. And I have to agree with her. After all, I've been rather skittish around her, haven't I?

Miyuki: Then I have no reason to begrudge you. I hope you do your best and succeed.

Kaorin: Thank you. After all, admitting it is a good part of the battle.

Miyuki: Indeed. In fact, you remind me of Konata's old friend, Hiyori, just as she rebounded.

Kaorin: So that's who she was talking about?

Miyuki: Yes. In fact, you would probably make a good subject for one of her works. She is a mangaka after all.

Kaorin: A mangaka? Well, I can see why she would have liked Konata.

Miyuki: (Giggles in mirth) Oh, how true, especially since last I heard, she works for CLAMP.

Kaorin: (Jaw drops) CLAMP? Oh yeah, that explains QUITE a lot. Anyways, we should head in the rec room.

Miyuki: Correct, Kaorin. Let's go.

(The two walk back to the rec room, talking amicably)

That part may be a bit shorter than the others, but I'll definitely make up for it with these next two. In essence, prepare to be BLOWN OUT OF YOUR MIND!