“You’re not the first parent to consider this path,” the doctor reassured her. “It’s natural to want every advantage for your child.”

The doctor’s office was finely appointed, though the temperature was noticeably low, almost hermetic. Kate’s prenatal scans had revealed a significant chance of at least three minor-grade birth defects, such as myopia and susceptibility to addiction.

“I know,” she resigned, “but won’t he or she be – boring?”

His smile was well rehearsed. “Of course not. We have the ability to include source material from multiple donors. The ultimate results, however, are still 5.5% dependent on good old fashioned luck.”

Kate’s reservations waned. “Multiple donors?”

“If you wish,” the doctor replied. “We can include material from a wide range of superlative donors – athletes, scientists, world leaders living or dead – your imagination is the only limit.”

Kate leaned closer. “Do we have to use Dan’s material at all?”

His smile was matter-of-fact. “Not if you don’t want to.”