“Children Are the Future”

A crib in a sterile lab. Inside, two babies asleep, fingers entwined. Siblings.
“These are the kids, huh, Stan? They’re cute.”
“Good genes.” He chuckled dryly. “Don’t get too attached, Bob. Bio says they’re well ahead of schedule: teenagers in a week, battle-ready in two.”
A low whistle. “Psych?”
“So far, so good. A little stress when they’re plugged into the training routines but no cracks.”
“Good. I’m tired of throwing away the failures.”
The girl awoke, saw them, cooed and smiled.
The corner of Bob’s mouth twitched in response. He tapped the hand-lettered tag that read JENNY-108.
“Really tired.”

——

Did you miss me? I’m sorry I was away for so long. If events allow this weekend, we’ll get caught up on the last couple weeks’ worth of stories. Events may not allow, though, because I’m working on a couple projects away from JimORama that I think you’ll really love, including a new home for Friday Fiction. Either way, there’ll be something new for you to see here very soon!

Darleen writes of a life-long devotion.

BigGator5 went with a different inspiration. Check the post-story commentary to see it!

Smitty’s story shares triumph and tragedy.