
Pursuit of Perfection
By Amy Atlas
The screen flashed to life on Abby’s kiosk. PROGRESS had beaten even the sunrise and roosters again this morning. There had to be a better way to wake up, she thought. The commercial filled the screen with cozy hometown scenes. Abby scoffed. Not once had she ever thought of the city of Victoria as “cozy.” The calming background music played on.
"Welcome to a world where progress isn't just a word—it's a way of life.
P R O G R E S S
The People's Reproductive Order: Growing, Rebirthing, Engineering for a Successful Society."
Short clips of a vibrant group of people living, working, and playing together filled the screen. Teachers, nurses, scientists, police officers, and engineers showcased their contributions.
"At PROGRESS, we believe in shaping a better tomorrow through innovation and compassion. We are dedicated to pioneering advancements in reproductive technologies, ensuring families grow and thrive."
The scene shifted to new parents watching as their baby was removed from an artificial womb. Carefully and ceremoniously, the newborn was placed in its mother's arms. A gentle celebration played out on the screen.
"Our commitment goes beyond creating life. We empower society through education, providing resources that unlock potential and foster success, one successful family at a time. When one succeeds, we all succeed. We're committed to sustainable engineering and design. With PROGRESS, every achievement is a testament to our dedication to building a successful society—one baby at a time."
The PROGRESS logo appeared on the screen alongside the tagline:
"Innovation. Empowerment. Sustainability."
"Join us on our journey to a brighter future. PROGRESS: Where innovation meets compassion, and together we shape tomorrow. PROGRESS: Leading the way towards a thriving society."
The screen turned off unceremoniously, accompanied by the sound of vitamins and supplements being dispensed.
Amy Atlas
I'm Amy Atlas, and I've always enjoyed writing and getting lost in the wild, beautiful outdoors. My writing adventure kicked off when I was just a little barefoot girl by a babbling brook in Arkansas, with nothing but a pencil and paper to keep me company. That super special spot, where my imagination blossomed, still inspires my writing today. You'll often find me sneaking off to secluded natural havens to scribble away, breathe deep, and just soak up life.
I've always been fascinated with genetics. That lifelong interest, paired with a documentary on the Russian silver fox experiment, sparked the idea for my novel, Pursuit of Perfection. The book dives into the wild (and chilling!) concept of breeding humans for specific traits. It’s a tale of society's relentless quest for an unattainable ideal of perfection.