Set on planet Eamine within a genetically engineered colony, a young mother finds herself up against the colony’s central corporation when she discovers they want to exploit her baby’s remarkable DNA anomaly.
They’ve forgotten what makes us human.
Excerpt from Children of Alpheios:
Alina rolled the vial in between her fingertips, noting Mandin's blood sample contained a purplish undertone. They had never requested her permission for an experimental lab test. Dr. Olek would have informed her. Did Dr. Daxmen draw the sample himself when she had stepped away for a moment? She fumbled with the vial and wrapped her fist around it. "And if Mandin's body accepts the treatment, what's the outcome?"
"We should be able to preserve his very special talents while ridding him of his seizures."
Goosebumps rankled the nape of her neck at the sight of the purplish undertone. It looked vaguely familiar, but she couldn't place it. She wanted to dispose of the vial, but instead, passed it back. Ms. Silver placed the tubes in the refrigerator.
"Are you sure it's safe for infants?"
Ms. Silver brushed a piece of invisible lint off her lapel. "We believe so. Although we need some paperwork from you before you bring him in."
"What exactly?"
"We can dispense with the non-disclosure agreement we discussed earlier, provided you consent to Mandin's Phase Three treatment. The other item would be your agreement in allowing us to file a patent for Mandin's DNA." The director picked up the glass tablet and scrolled through the screen. "As a matter of fact, I have the forms right here."