[asablehart]

In the morning, the door to Breeder 121's cell opened with a loud screech. Two custodians carried in an old mattress. They dropped it onto the floor without ceremony and left before the groggy breeder could even address them. Through the metal flap in the door, someone shoved in a plate with his breakfast: gruel made with protein powder, some soggy vegetables, and water mixed with vitamin paste.

Under the cup was a small note, folded in half and placed discretely. Norris had written it himself and given it to one of the assistants to place with Aki's next meal, and it said:

Breeder 121:

You are not allowed to masturbate or touch yourself in anyway to alleviate your urges. You may find that as your gestation period continues, your stomach and belly button will become sensitive to the touch. You are forbidden from these areas as well. I hope you know that I am watching and I'll know if you misbehave.

You should experience three growth spurts today, each more painful and nauseating than the last. You must eat your meal anyway. If you do not eat it, I will force it in you and it will be much less pleasant. Each of your meals contains the exact nutritional requirements needed for someone carrying these young.

At midday today, you will experience your first ultrasound. I will see you then, and no earlier.