April 9, 2048

The baby sat in the crib, their green skin, wings, tail, and horn marking them as different from any child I had ever seen. I couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and apprehension as I signed the paperwork, officially claiming this genetically engineered marvel as my own.

Dr. Elias Vought, the brilliant geneticist who had made this all possible, stood beside us, his eyes gleaming with pride and excitement. "Your child is a triumph of science and imagination," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "A perfect blend of your vision and our cutting-edge genetic engineering technology."

I glanced at Cressida, or Ellie, as I affectionately called my wife, who was beaming with joy as she cradled our newborn. She had been the driving force behind our decision to create a genetically engineered child, pouring over every option and enhancement with an almost obsessive dedication.

Dr. Vought must have sensed my unease, because he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I know this process can seem overwhelming, but I assure you, we've taken every precaution to ensure your child's health and well-being. The genetic modifications we've made are precise and targeted, designed to enhance rather than replace their natural abilities."

He went on to explain how they had used a sophisticated gene editing tool, not unlike the character creation system in Hero Forge, to design our child's unique features. "We started with a base human genome," Dr. Vought said, "and then carefully selected the traits and enhancements that you and your wife specified. The green skin, wings, tail, and horn were all added in a way that harmonizes with their natural genetic code."

I nodded, trying to wrap my head around the science behind it all. "And you're sure there won't be any unintended consequences? No side effects or health issues down the line?"

Dr. Vought's expression grew serious. "I won't lie to you, Mr. Sovereign. Genetic engineering is still a relatively new field, and there are always risks involved. But I can assure you that we've done everything in our power to minimize those risks and create a child that is healthy, stable, and fully capable of thriving in the world."

As I looked back at my child, with their vibrant emerald skin and tiny, fluttering wings, I couldn't help but feel a surge of love and protectiveness. No matter what challenges lay ahead, I knew that Ellie and I would be there to guide and support them every step of the way.

Dr. Vought smiled, his eyes shining with a mix of pride and something else I couldn't quite identify. "Your child is destined for great things, Mr. Sovereign. I have no doubt that they will change the world in ways we can't even imagine."

With those words echoing in my mind, I signed the final piece of paperwork and officially welcomed Zephyr Maximilian Sovereign into the world.

"This is the next step in genetic modification, genetic creation. I can stream him while he doesn't know how to communicate yet." I sigh. We're both making money, and I love my wife. And, now, I love our creation. Exiting the Chelsea and Westminster hospital, I hold the door for Ellie, as she takes Zephyr in the carrier car seat.

Cobblestone streets, painstakingly preserved, hummed with a gentle current that propelled the car forward. Overhead, a network of transparent tubes carried self-driving pods whooshing by silently. We, as well, are in a self-driving car. But it is not one of the pods I had mentioned. We are in a Waymo Zenith.

Suddenly, my phone vibrates, and I receive a notification "Your baby requires nourishment." So, I climb to the back of the car, where the formula packets are that I received from the hospital. These are not just any formula packets. These are packets designed to help each individually designed baby grow as they need. There's no water in the bottle yet, so I pour some from the fountain attached to the center console, then the mixture, close it and give it a quick and vigorous shaking, then feed the baby until we get home.