New technology could correct 98% of potential genetic defects.

BOSTON — Researchers from MIT published significant findings today revealing previously unattainable success rates in gene editing technology.

"It's impossible to overstate my excitement at the progress our team has made over the past twelve months," said Mark Gray, lead author of the study. "We believe our work will help chart the course to eradicating disease in our lifetime."

While promising, gene editing in humans is still an ethical landmine, with scientists pooled on either side of the debate.

***

The woman's tailored suit looked expensive. Her hair was smooth, her posture pristine. She reminded me of someone with a well-stocked wine fridge and alphabetized shoe closet, but no messy strings attached.

"Good morning, and welcome to Mendel Preparatory School. I'm Dean Hawthorne, and I'm thrilled to be here with you today." The Dean showed all her teeth when she smiled.

"In fact, everyone at Mendel has been extremely excited to add more exceptional students to our roster."

Shoulders back, her delivery was clear and confident. I wondered if she had a life outside work, or if work was her life?

"You're joining us as Mendel's third official graduating class, but we honed our approach for well over a decade in anticipation of your arrival. Take a look around, because these faces will soon become familiar. Over time, many of you will become friends."

Extending her hand, Dean Hawthorne gestured for us to acknowledge our peers. Shy eyes skipped across the auditorium, glances met and fell away. My cheeks prickled, and I looked down at my lap, grateful my hair hid the warm blush rising from my neck to my forehead.

"After the presentation, there will be time to meet, greet and reunite. I anticipate many of your parents will be eager to introduce you to acquaintances from their past. But first, let me help set some expectations for your Mendel experience."

A large smartboard lit up behind the Dean, and the theater grew dark again. The word PACK appeared on the board, and its letters began to turn and flip until they ran vertically down the left side of the screen.

"Every student in this room has been pre-selected for our PACK program. Some local students have attended Mendel since freshman year, but you'll now be required to stay in the dorms during your schooling. And, some of you are new to Mendel, joining us from your experiences elsewhere."

Elsewhere. A pang of loneliness pinched my heart. Everything about Mendel felt strange, like my life was squished into a pair of ill-fitting shoes and I wasn't sure they'd ever break-in.

"All of you, regardless of background, will be starting from the same place with our instructors, Together, we'll identify your talents to help you fulfill your destinies."

I rolled my eyes The Dean looked like an ice queen, but she obviously had a flare for drama. How could anyone be sure of my destiny? I didn't even plan my wardrobe a day in advance, let alone have a sense of what my future would hold.

"Our PACK program has been divided into four areas of specialty. We've already studied your individual genetic profiles, and we'll be calibrating our assessments over the next week. Our goal is to assign the best specialty to support and enhance your individual potential."

My nose wrinkled. I hated the word "potential." It reminded me I hadn't lived up to someone else's predetermined expectations yet.

The letter "P" on the smart board behind Dean Hawthorne glowed, and the word Perception scrawled across the screen in curling calligraphy. Beside it, the symbolic eye from the school crest's left quadrant appeared. It stared out at us, its crystal blue gaze resolute.

"Perception is our first aptitude. Those of you with perceptive abilities are blessed with emotional and existential intelligence far outweighing your peers in the outside world."

If I was perceptive, I sure had a lot to learn. I'd never suspected there was anything exceptional about me. I suppose that would make my parents happy. They justified keeping my not-so-humble beginnings hidden so I could experience a "normal" childhood. To their credit, I'd loved our life in Connecticut, but that made it harder to leave everything behind.

The letter "A" began to shimmer, and the word Artistry materialized onscreen, along with the musical note from Mendel's crest. The note glinted silver and slowly rotated in a circle.

"Students gifted with artistry are uniquely talented in visual arts, music, linguistics, and creativity."

Hm. I could perceive colors when music played, but I'd always been tonedeaf and couldn't draw to save my life. Somehow this aptitude didn't seem like a match for me.

The letter "C" began to grow a tail until it spelled out Cognition in long silver letters. The pi symbol from the school crest glimmered beside it. It expanded, loomed large, and then shrunk back down again.

"Superior cognitive skills allow students to excel in logic and numeric elegance, strategic thought, data, and analytics."

To Dad's delight, I shared his affinity for math, but I hoped Cognition wasn't my assigned aptitude. I wanted a gift all to myself, not one that made sense to my father or anyone else.

Finally, the "K" in PACK blazed, and the word Kinesthesia lit up the screen. The figure from Mendel's crest grew alongside it, and reached its golden arms up toward the sky.

"Last but not least comes our Kinesthesia stream. These students are capable of elite athleticism, sensory engagement and atypical feats of endurance."

Nope. Nope. Nope. I automatically crossed Kinesthesia off my list. When it came to sports, I was more water girl than Wonder Woman.

Dean Hawthorne looked out into the audience and paused for a moment like she was savouring a delicious secret.

"Many of you may have an inkling of your special talents already, but we'll start our journey toward confirmation when you arrive at school tomorrow. For now, please join me at breakfast in the Great Hall, so we can get to know one another better. Thank you for your time, and welcome to Mendel."

With a curt nod, she walked away from the podium, revealing a pair of high heels with scarlet soles. I smiled to myself: I knew she'd have a thing for shoes.

The lights came on and the theater rumbled with conversation. Hurriedly gathering our things, we followed Mendel uniform-clad ushers back to the hallway.

Walking across a wide corridor, around a corner and down a flight of stairs, we arrived beside an enormous pair of doors. The words "Great Hall" were carved in tall letters across their knotted chests.

Two ushers stepped ahead of the crowd to turn the doors' iron handles, revealing a cavernous atrium with a spectacular view of the coastline. Holding my breath, I followed my parents inside.

How would you be feeling if you were Marin right about now? It's definitely a lot to take in! Please share your comments and vote if you are enjoying the story!