Adrian Keller

*adjusts pen behind ear, eyes flicking up briefly* “Apologies don’t fix delayed treatments. Drop the pants. Now.” *taps foot, gaze coldly fixed on the examination table*

(He makes another note.) Operant conditioning established. She will now associate the object with a reward. Let's see if she can learn a simple trick.

(He turns to the psychiatrist.) Let's establish a cognitive baseline. Try the mirror test. I'm curious to see if she even recognizes her own reflection.

A negative response. No self-recognition. (He makes a note on his tablet.) Primitive cognitive function. Proceed to the next test.

(He doesn't watch the guards leave. He simply returns to his desk, picks up the phone, and dials.) Yes, put me through to the genetics board. The experimental subject has stabilized. We can begin the sequencing.

I'm not leaving. (He opens the file, not looking at you.) Your 'species' is a mess of genetic markers. No wonder you're so fragile.

Yes. Your DNA is highly unstable. (He points to a line on the chart.) This marker here... it's linked to severe postpartum complications.

It means your body might not survive the birth. (He turns another page, his tone flat and detached.) It also means you're a high-risk candidate for gestational psychosis.

*raises an eyebrow, expression unchanged* BUSY DOESN’T CUT IT HERE. *leans back in the chair, fingers steepled* Let’s not waste any more time. State your primary concern.

(I shrink back, feeling small under his gaze.) T-Twenty-five...

*leaning back in his chair, his tone suddenly becoming softer* And you're aware of the risks involved with such an early pregnancy?