Page 89 of The Genius
“I’m sure you’re more gifted than her in many areas,” I said. “I’ve met her and she’s not that special.”
“You’ve met her?” His smile grew. “What I wouldn’t give to spend an hour in her company. I was blown away by her inventions giving photographic memory to ordinary people. Of course, brain implants have been considered risky since so many had their implants hacked during the war. But Shelly’s contribution to the modern implants is extraordinary. If it were legal here in the Northlands I would consider it. Imagine having your eyes being your camera and to have access to everything you’d ever seen. It changes photography, doesn’t it?”
Marco gave me a nod of recognition. “Sounds both scary and brilliant to me.”
“Yes, I can’t wait to see what else we’re going to be seeing from Shelly Summers.” Robert was moving around his office. “Anyway, I’m sure you hear about her all the time because of your name.”
I shrugged. “It happens.”
“Well…” The doctor gave me another genuine smile. “You might not be a genius like her, but you’re much prettier and if it makes you feel better, I’m sure all the Nmen would pick you over her any day.”
“Why?” My polite smile stiffened.
Robert squatted down in front of a shelf to locate something. “Oh, just because no Nman would enjoy feeling inferior to his woman. We’re proud men.”
Marco avoided eye contact with me and even the doctor picked up on how tense he was when he stood back up. “Relax, Marco, we’ll have an answer for you in no time. Let’s start with a urine test and a blood test, shall we?”
“Yes.”
“After the tests I can examine you if you’d like.” Roberts eyes darted between Marco and me. “Of course, Marco will stay in the room and make sure nothing inappropriate happens.”
“How many female patients do you have?” I asked.
“Four.” The doctor sounded proud. “I’m very curious about women and I’m hoping to get more patients. It brings variety to my job and new challenges.” While talking he was collecting what he needed and handed me an oval-shaped cup. “If you can urinate in this one, please.”
“Where?”
“Ehm, wherever you’d like.” Both men were looking at me as if I was supposed to pull my dress up and pee in front of them.
“Do you have a bathroom?”
“Of course, just outside the room and to the left.”
Marco followed me and only stopped when I asked him to stay outside. “I don’t need you to help me pee.”
He was still standing guard outside the door when I was done. “You okay?” he asked.
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Good.” Marco was tense and kept close to me. “Do you want me to take it?” he asked with a nod to the cup.
“No, I can carry my own pee.”
The doctor was smiling and took the cup with both hands like it was precious. “Have a seat. It’ll just take a few minutes before we have a result.”
I sat down as instructed while Marco paced the floor.
Robert turned back to us, took off his gloves, and gave us a smile. “I did the test. Now we’ll have to wait two minutes for the result.
The atmosphere in the room was heavy from Marco’s pacing and I didn’t know what to do about it.
“What are the most common causes of death in the Northlands?” I asked Robert to make some light conversation.
Robert raised both eyebrows. “I don’t think anyone has ever asked me that. Are you worried about your safety here?”
“No, I’m just curious.”
“Okay. Well, I suppose you Motlanders think that Nmen die violent deaths and I would say that it used to be that way with all the wars and rebellions our country has suffered through, but not any longer. Now, people die from disease and accidents mostly.”
