Grace Stilton straightened her white Gucci suit as she watched the auditorium chairs fill up. Influential men and women, worldwide distributors, all after her newest advances in cosmetic adult gene modification.

Her company, Stilgen, had broken the code to DNA enhancement in adults. The proof would soon be on the stage, and corporations wanted it. Sales for eye change alone had pushed Stilgen into the top 500 corporations. Everyone wants to be beautiful, she thought.

The auditorium had grown quiet as the opening speaker took the small stage. A beautiful young man, someone everyone wanted to listen to, or more than likely, be. His creation was based on focus groups. The perfect male height, six-foot, slender, yet powerful build with broad shoulders and a small waist. Grace liked his eyes the best, long black eyelashes framing liquid pools of brilliant blue. The enhanced voice melted every man and woman in the room. His before and after images came up on the screens as he spoke. The transformation was stunning.

Precisely ten minutes into the presentation, he introduced his female co-host, five-foot-eight inches, a strong, healthy look. Her long black hair fell like fine silk. A perfect smile, with just the right plumpness to her lips, she dove into the science of cosmetic enhancement. The presenters were perfect, genetically modified perfection.

"Doctor Stilton," a voice whispered.

A touch to her elbow broke her concentration. Grace turned to see who it was, immediately recognizing the distinct uniform of the Space Marines. She was surprised when he took her laptop case. It had been a long time since a boy offered to carry her books. He was handsome, in a natural way that she admired. She liked imperfection, handing him the case, they quietly left.

"My name is Major Talgate, Aide to General Deck," he said, the auditorium door closing behind them. "A small meeting room has been reserved. I will need your cell phone."

Grace handed her phone to him and followed. It took only a few minutes to reach the room, the major holding the door for her to enter.

"General Deck, thank you for setting this up," she held out her hand.

The general stood, greeting her with a firm handshake. "Doctor Stilton, I appreciate your coming on short notice."

"I know your schedule is full," she said.

"That was quite the cryptic email you sent. Can I fix you a drink, Whisky, isn't it?" He motioned to the major to take care of refreshments and directed Grace to a sitting area with comfortable chairs and a small couch. Her laptop sitting on the coffee table turned on, her cell phone next to it, off. The effect was not lost on her. This was a private meeting, highly confidential.

"Whiskey would be appreciated." She said, taking the offered seat, queuing files she thought would be interesting and quick for him to digest.

General Deck took a seat across from her on the couch. Major Talgate placed the drinks on the table and took a seat to her left.

"Thank you," she said, turning the screen towards her audience. A graph appeared identifying genetic markers in a cross-section titled Human DNA Age Seventeen to Eighteen.

"A little background. The scientific community had an assumption that genetic modification in subjects over the age of ten, post-puberty would not be effective. The belief was DNA does not replicate once we reach adulthood. Significant physical enhancements were impossible in older candidates. We challenged this assumption and proved it false." She paused a minute, giving them a moment to look at the graph, and continued.

"The business of cosmetic DNA was legalized ten years ago, for anyone twenty-one or older. Three years ago, the cosmetic genetics age requirement lowered to eighteen, seventeen with parent permission.

Focusing on this new age group, we discovered a molecule identified as Methyl (CH3A) within the chains. This molecule is still modifying the function of the genes and the expression of the strand. It is most active in individuals between seventeen and eighteen years of age," she said.

"Based on the population in your graph, that marker is less than one percent," Major Talgate asked.

"Yes, using available specimens from cosmetic modification, approximately one hundred thousand, in the prime age bracket. There is no definitive statistic on how often the markers appear. My team has been able to create testing to identify who carries the markers."

"Doctor, can you be more specific on what they are candidates for?" Major Talgate asked, noticing the general beginning to lose patience with the science.

Grace quickly filled in the gaps. "The markers allow us to enhance physical characteristics in mature individuals, young adults, to be specific."

"Do you mean, enhanced balance, agility, strength, improvements to sight, such as night vision?" Major Talgate detailed, clarifying for the general than himself.

"Exactly, sensorimotor synchrony, and my personal favorite, APCP, or Accelerated Probability Causality Perception. We have a team that is looking into echolocation, but nothing viable yet," Grace said.

"So, you are saying you can take adults and give them above-average abilities?" General Deck summed up.

"That is simplistic, but yes," she said.

General Deck leaned forward, "So we can offer it to recruits."

"We can certainly test all new enlistees, but statistically, the odds are against locating even one. Finding individuals with the marker, in the age bracket, is the difficulty."

"If not available in the recruits, then there are no candidates. Parents are not going to want a super kid in the military. With a war going on, it's not the most popular choice. College ball, hell pro ball, they won't need college." He was ready to leave, a dead-end, case closed.

"You are right, General. Unless the young adults choose military service over college." She watched his interest return. "We can make that happen."

"How are you going to convince them to join?"

Grace took a breath, "A small brain implant located in the striatum, part of the basal ganglia. The implant is designed to direct decision making. Initial development was for use on drug addicts."

"Major, were you aware of this? Is this why you encouraged the meeting?" His muscles tense in anger.

"Yes, it is. The implant is successful." The major waited, unsure if the general would let discussions continue.

The general paused, controlling his anger. "Let me be clear. I do not like using kids as lab rats. I do not like it at all."

"General, SecDef has already approved the trial. We are only implementing." Major Talgate said. He turned to Grace, "What is the implementation plan?"

Grace spent the next hour going over the proposed rollout and budget. The winners would receive a free cosmetic enhancement and a substantial cash award. Requirements were a simple essay, generic background information, and a DNA test.

"How long after installation will it take to see results?" General Deck asked.

"Three months, fully functional, six months. The training program will need to be restructured. The enhanced subjects will not require three weeks to learn how to shoot, more like three hours. Trainers will need to help them accept their new abilities. Convince them these abilities are something they have had all along, just never used." She finished her whiskey.

General Deck stared into his drink. Genetics had been on the table for a decade, and now some politician had figured out how to make it happen and leave him the fall guy if it failed. He knew Grace well enough to know the science was real, morally wrong or not, it was real. He quickly contemplated his options. Follow orders or be relieved of command.

"Major Talgate will be the contact for the project. He will have complete access. Twenty-five million to start, the balance on delivery of the initial five candidates. Major Talgate, you will see to testing for all recruits. No exceptions. I don't like using kids like this."

He stood up, ending the meeting. "Doctor Stilton, don't let me find out I went to bed with the devil, and nine months later, I have created a monster," his voice deadly serious.

The tiniest smile appeared on her face, "The implant has a kill switch. A safety, just in case the subjects change in unexpected ways."

#

Grace soon discovered Major Leo Talgate was much more than just another grunt. A biological engineer, a scientist with exceptional credentials. Trading in his uniform for a lab coat, Leo became a welcomed familiar face in the lab.

Once familiar with the Stilgen testing process, Leo forced the inclusion of DNA testing at Military Entrance Processing Stations. Additionally, orders were released for all active duty in the age bracket to complete the testing.

Grace was becoming envious of how much time Leo was spending in the lab. She would much prefer to be looking at test samples and challenging hypotheses than dealing with the business. Budgets she could handle, even marketing, was tolerable, but she detested legal. Someone always either looking for a buck or simply against science.

Pro-nature groups had attacked the company for years. Their argument always "God's image or intention." Based on that logic, he gave us brains, she mused, so isn't it god's intention we use them? The Stilgen lawyers spent hundreds of hours squashing each annoying, vexatious lawsuits and conspiracy theories. Legal recommended increasing winners from five to fifteen, with an additional fifty runners up, making possible accusations more difficult. Grace agreed.

In the first week, the website had over two million views. By the end of the second month, two hundred thousand DNA samples were in for testing. When the contest closed at six months, nearly one million mail-in tests were had been processed.

Twenty-Seven thousand samples, almost three percent, were identified with potential. Additional testing reduced the number to

The essays were fascinating. Even Grace was drawn into the reading. Labeled 'Optimism' reading, the papers reminded the staff of being eighteen, full of hope for humanity and the future. The entire lab voted on the two hundred essays. Their votes would select the fifteen winners and fifty runners-up. The selection of the five candidates for enhancement would be from the winners.

Leo leaned in the doorway to her office door.

"Grace, do you have a minute?"

"Leo, come in. You certainly are spending a lot of time in the lab. I was reading a contest essay, very inspiring." He sat down across the desk from her.

"Yes. I have been watching the medical teams choreograph the surgery. The virtual simulators are amazing. The surgeons, Jerry, and Theo, have everyone in the team practicing. I even tried it a few times." Leo shifted in his seat and continued,

"I wanted to talk with you about the selection of the five."

"We sent teams out to complete additional testing on the two hundred. The tests are complete, and I believe the target date is March tenth to determine the five. All fifteen winners have the markers. The five selected will have the least aversion to joining the military. At that point, marketing will contact all sixty-five winners."

"Sixty-five?" Leo asked.

"Legal recommendation. The numbers joining the military will be less noticeable. Fifteen grand prize winners, fifty runners up. The Grand prize winners will be brought here for a ridiculous dinner and ceremony. The following day, on April twenty-fifth, implantations will be completed. Twenty-four hours of observation and they return home. We will continue to monitor for the next three months."

"Something special about April twenty-fifth?"

"National DNA Day. Discovery of the Double helix, the Human Genome Project, and now, Human Upgrade 1.0, even if it is just us celebrating."

"That will work," he chuckled. "By the way, I think we may have test subject six. One recruit has tested positive for the markers."

"Why are you here? Get on a plane and get him. He will be our primary, Subject One," Grace said.

"He isn't a Marine yet. He has already accepted the military; we will treat him differently. Let's stay focused on the kids."

"Alright, he will be a nice comparison. Are you going to ask him to agree or implant him like the kids?"

"The enhancements will be discussed with him. He will get a choice on them. Per General Deck, no one gets enhanced without an implant. No one." Leo said, his tone left no room for discussion. "Nature has a nasty habit of finding ways to adapt, and things could go very wrong. We need that safety switch."

#

Over the next two months, the east wing of the Stilgen facility had been remodeled to accommodate the group of fifteen teenagers and a guardian for their three-day stay. The functional grey lab and offices elegantly redecorated. Light maroon walls with ochre trim and touches of onyx stone mixed with overstuffed couches and chairs to make the space inviting and comfortable. The open lounge area looked out a wall of windows to a small courtyard with a garden. The latest in video entertainment and a full snack bar placed off to the side leading to the guest rooms.

The marketing department had created a celebration worthy of the Academy Awards. The winners were treated like celebrities, posing for photographs, interviewing with press groups, universities, and influencers. Grace played her part as the gracious business owner, donating one million dollars in cash awards to this talented group of young people, to help them achieve their goals. Few who knew her believed there was no ulterior motive. Try as they might, they left that evening empty-handed.

Grace maintained her gracious disposition all evening, reminding herself not to be annoyed by the teens and their infuriating questions. The following day, they would all receive their money and enhancement.

Ten would have prettier eye color or plumper lips, and five would receive unique gifts. The two gamers would get Sensorimotor Synchrony, and three would acquire Accelerated Probability Causality Perception. All five would receive enhancements for strength, speed, balance, agility, night vision, hearing, and the mandatory safety switch.

The evening went off with only a few adults having one too many drinks. Her surgeons and medical teams had all left before ten, and Grace saw the last guest out around midnight. It had been a long night, and she was glad to retire to her on-site suite.

Grace woke early and spent the morning reviewing the preparations for the Winner Enhancement Implementation again. Chuckling at the glossy, trifold marketing tool created for the fifteen. She glanced at the clock and headed downstairs to the main lounge, the final meeting in progress.

The candidates and guardians were all seated, watching a video, again, of the process when she arrived. A few minutes later, the anesthesiologist said a few words, followed by one of the surgeons. They kept their comments brief. The process and procedures were reviewed in detail with the candidates yesterday.

"When will we be up and around?" One of the girls in front asked. A few rolled their eyes; the question asked and answered a dozen times already.

"The average is a few hours; some are up earlier. You will all be tired today. We will observe you for twenty-four hours before releasing you." The surgeon paused, looking over the audience, and continued, "If there are no more questions, we will get started."

The winners were separated and escorted to waiting rooms for final interviews, change and prepare for the procedures. The Process Director walked with Grace through the two cosmetic only groups. Stopping to chat with several teens. Finally, heading to the five unique winners.

"I want to do some of the final interviews," Grace said to the director. "Those two, subjects three and four. I'll take them together," she told him.

"Subjects three and four, you mean Jon and Laura." He said, reminding her they had names. "Use room Six. Do you want an assistant?"

She shook her head. "Just the technician for vitals, I can handle two teenagers."

"Good luck," he said, her lack of patience with humans legendary.

She walked over to the kids. "You two are up, follow me. Room six." Presenting her best version of a caring, nurturing persona, all the time, counting the seconds for them to stand up and take the direction. She was anticipating questions, blabbering, relieved when they were both quiet.

Grace pointed to the chairs, "make yourselves comfortable. We just need to check blood pressure and a few other things. I'll answer any questions you have, as well as ask a few." Grace said, taking a seat as technicians took pre-operation vital signs. They talked about the procedure, the kids already clear on the details and ready to do it. They spoke with ease and confidence as Grace prodded them with questions, coming around to the enhancements they chose.

"Laura, I see you chose green eyes. Can you tell me why?" Grace agreed it was an excellent choice to change them to anything other than the drab brown they were naturally.

"I think the color will make them appear more intelligent and interesting."

"Why interesting and not attractive?" Grace asked, curious at the choice of words.

"I need to look smart. As a female in a male-dominated industry, pretty won't get me anywhere," Laura said.

"Very true, even today." Grace turned to Jon, asking why he chose cardio enhancement. Again, solid reasoning and long-term benefit, the reason for the choice. She enjoyed listening to Jon's explanation of genes as a significant contributor to his family's tendency to being overweight. He believed it would offset the hereditary factor.

The three continued talking for another half hour. Grace was fascinated by their view of the world. Realizing her own had become dystopian. There was a knock at the door, and two assistants waited just outside.

"Still ready?" Grace asked. Jon and Laura nodded in unison.

"Follow the assistants; they will administer the anesthesia drugs. If you think of additional questions, please ask. I'll see you after the procedures." She shook their hands, ushering them to the door.

Grace walked over to the operating theater, looking through the glass partition. She saw the medical teams prepped and waiting to start. Jerry and Theo discussed the final details with her. Their enthusiasm was contagious as they went through the final details.

"You are going to be the first surgeons to complete nine gene manipulations and a brain implant in one surgery. I am so proud of you; I know it will be perfect." Looking at the rest of the assembled team, she asked. "Are you ready to do this?"

"We are all set," the lead anesthesiologist answered, the assembled nurses and doctors all nodding agreement.

"I will observe from the gallery monitors, Good Luck." Grace walked up the stairs and into the gallery, Leo already present. Sitting on the edge of his seat, she could tell he was excited as well. She tried to rein in her excitement. After all these years, real human enhancement.

Grace and Leo watched as attendants rolled Jon into the room. The assistants quickly moved him into place and attached the monitoring equipment. Moments later, the anesthesiologist verified the subject was ready; all monitoring equipment was running; all readings were normal. "Good to go," she announced.

in the gallery, watching closely as the surgeon Jerry made the first tiny incisions. A robotic arm extended, he held the joysticks, manipulating the tiny filament needle into the spinal cord. One by one, she watched as the microscopic nanites attached, latching on to specific DNA groups. The enhancement molecules would search for the fluorescent nanite flags. Unnecessary nucleotides sliced out, as new, improved versions were attached to the strand. Over the coming months, the new groups would rapidly repeat as the new DNA strands were replicated.

Jerry's surgery technique was flawless, the pace perfect. The robotic arm withdrew, the physical enhancements complete. An assistant moved the equipment away from the table. Jerry used skin glue to close the small hole. Satisfied, he put his hands up, signaling the team to back away from the table.

Assistants repositioned Jon for brain implant surgery. The Neuro team took their places around him.

"Subject three is aligned, frame-secured," an assistant stated. Theo began to work on the boy. Setting the markers on his scalp and opening a small burr hole in the skull. Deftly, the surgeon moved a Stereotactic needle past the opening in the brain cover, watching the neuronavigation system closely.

"Grace, how does he guide the electrodes?" Leo asked.

"Real-time MRI guides the lead location at the site. There," she pointed to the monitor, "the electrodes are in place. He is connecting to the power cell implanted just below the collarbone."

"I see the extension wire. Amazing how Theo can tunnel behind the ear and through the neck to the power cell. Beautifully done." Leo said.

The implant proved effective with individuals who knew it was there and wanted it. This was the first time the implant was being used without the subject's knowledge or consent. The imperceptible pulses would flash a new purpose and idea into the brain - join the military. The results would be interesting.

Theo closed the opening in Jon's brain, as his assistant glued the small incision shut over the power cell in his chest. Grace breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the surgeon raise his hands and take a step back. Assistants quickly disconnecting Jon from the equipment and monitors, wheeling him to recovery.

The doors were still swinging when they rolled Laura in. The Genetic modification machine already reloaded for her needs. The monitors plugged in, the anesthesiologist, once again clearing them to perform surgery.

Jerry's confidence had grown with the first surgery. He moved through the military selected enhancements, and the one she chose, green eyes, quickly. The surgeon put his hands up, and the enhancement team backed away from the table.

Assistants repositioned Laura, and the Neuro team gathered around.

"Subject four is aligned, frame-secured," an assistant stated. The Neurosurgeons repeated the process of completing the brain implant and attaching the power cell. Closing the openings they had made. Theo raised his hands, and the neuro team stepped away from the table.

Assistants carefully disconnected Laura and took her to the recovery room. Her bed was neatly slid into the designated spot, next to Jon. The assistants verified her number as they attached the monitoring equipment.

The first two full-body enhancements were complete. For months they had staged and practiced each movement, and it had paid off. The procedures had been flawless, the process seamless. The teams prepped for the last three subjects.

Leo and Grace watched the last subjects have their genes enhanced and brains implanted. The last to undergo the process, Subject one, was on his way to the recovery room. The operating room erupted in a collective cheer, the teams congratulating each other. In six hours, they had successfully completed the enhancements on all five subjects. They had done what no one else had.

Leo stood up, feeling the blood flowing in his legs after sitting for so long. He looked down on the operating theater watching the teams file out.

"Grace, I can't believe we did it," Leo said.

"Now, we wait. The next three months will be crucial. There is always a chance the body will reject the new genes, despite our efforts," she said. "I'm going down to recovery; are you coming?" She started walking to the door.

"You go ahead. I'll catch up later." He said, looking down at the empty theater. His mind wrapped around what they had done, what they may have created. He had been caught up in the breakthrough science. Never considered anything other than success, and now it was done. There was no going back. He shook off the chill that ran up his spine and went to find the surgeons.

Grace stepped into the recovery room, monitors above each bed, humming quietly, keeping watch on each subject. Vital information displayed, returning an announcement of normal for each, a large "S" and a numeral above each bed matching the one on their plastic ID wristbands. Assistants walked silently around the room, constantly checking each patient's vitals.

The subjects appeared comfortable and in a happy dream state. She walked over to Subjects three and four, Laura and Jon. She had grown fond of them in the short time she had spent with them. More than test subjects, she had shared their dreams and hopes, even a few fears. They had triggered reminders of her dreams. Stolen from her, forever cast aside, another life, a different Grace. She took one last look before leaving the recovery room.

"Sorry, kids."