sixwordstories | (no subject)

Subjects? For what?

The research project I'm planning.

Don't tease me, details please.

But it's fun. Well, I have a theory that the X-gene is in different places within the genetic code in mutants with different abilities. For example, where my X-gene is within my genetic code won't be the same as where it is for you. That's my theory at least.

Oh my, I do believe you're learning.

Right. I remember you explaining this. So you'd need a handful of select mutants to grant you their DNA so you could prove this, yes?

I'm a very quick study.

Yes, but a wide sample. I need a diversity of mutants to really prove my theory.

I see. How many are you thinking?

It's a double edged sword, the more volunteers I have, the more genetic codes I have to map and that takes a very long time. The more I have, however, the more evidence I have to prove my point. I want to start with a smaller sample size, get a rough idea of the time involved and then widen my parameters. Ten should be a good starting point.

Of course. There's a ying and yang to everything.

But I'm curious as to why this would be so hard to acquire. Surely, ten is merely a handful of mutants.

How many mutants do you know that would willingly turn over a DNA sample for genetic mapping in a research project that would be published one day in a paper?

Plenty, I'm sure. Don't forget I live in mutant central right now. They may be a bunch of hooligans, but I don't understand why they wouldn't hand over a small blood sample to support a cause of their own kind.

People protect themselves, including their DNA and they worry about what might happen with the data if it falls into the wrong hands.

Quite right. You most definitely look the type to steal our DNA and use it for rash purposes. Almost forgot about that.

You know me, you trust me, other mutants will be talking to a stranger who could have a hidden agenda. I understand how they can be afraid.

I can be very persuasive...

Hmmm. You can think of a way to ease their hesitation, I'm sure.

There are legal ways, promises, monetary compensation. But when I expand my parameters I'm not sure what response I'll get from the mutant community. God knows there are mutants out there that hate any and all research.

For good reason. But when the time comes for research that will help them, all you can try and do is explain such to them.

This research is your passion. You must show them that that is your driving force, not something destructive.

Maybe I should get the funding and equipment first. Draw up my research proposal and then look for volunteers.

That would be a smart start. If you need my help in any way, please don't hesitate to ask.

When the time comes, I'll ask for a sample of your DNA.