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Mustard Seed: Faith, Hope, and Love

By Sasha Zarya Nexus

Chapter Three ~ Testing

Will the testing reveal one of the three test subjects, capable of fulfilling the role of savior?

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April 3, 2008 ~ Testing

Dr. Erika Johansen, a tall auburn beauty with green eyes, was at Jason Major's bedside as he awoke. As Jason became aware of his surroundings, he realized that he was in the same hospital room on the VIP floor of the hospital wing of the research facility. Still running thru the IV in his arm was the pregnancy cocktail that Dr Jenkins had started last night along with a sedative that caused him to go to sleep quickly. Jason was glad of the early bedtime when he realized that the digital clock on the wall read 3 AM.

Erika greeted Jason with a big smile, "Good Morning, Jason! I'm Dr Erika Johansen, the research team's therapist. I was brought into Johns Hopkins from outside practice specifically for this project. "

"Good Morning, Dr Johansen. Looks like they didn't spare any expense with the pharmaceuticals. I had a wonderful sleep. Is there any reason why we are starting so early?"

"Please Call me, Erika."

"OK, Erika."

"I was told that this particular cocktail works better when the subject is asleep. We have to get an early start due to project security. I imagine that you were able to consider the implications of this research should you be the one chosen for the transplant."

"The worlds first pregnant man. The tabloids would have a field day if this got out that it was even planned."

"That's why project security feels that you should be incognito or rather incognita. You are to pose as a woman for as long as project security feels like it is necessary. When I became involved with the project, the seriousness of disguising you in that way was brought to the leadership and security's attention. They still maintain that this is the best way of dealing with the situation even though it may raise issues for you."

"What will that mean for me, Erika?"

"Jason, I was concerned about imposing a gender expression on you that was contrary to your experience. It is after all one of the tenants of the Standards of Care for transgendered patients that a year of living in the opposite gender than what was originally expressed is required because if the person's internal gender varies from that expressed the situation becomes unbearable to them and they must return to their true gender expression. This situation if it involves a pregnancy would be of an equivalent duration. Your medical records indicate no gender variance from the assigned gender of male so we'll give you lots of support. I've recruited your sister, Leigh, to help with your adjustment since she is both a image consultant and life coach. Having this help come from family could be a great comfort to you. From your reaction, you didn't read the contract you signed very well. It called for you to pose as a woman while attached to the research project. Since your cooperation is needed, you can be released from your contract if you choose now due to your misunderstanding of the conditions. Do you wish to terminate your involvement?"

"I will commit to posing as a woman for the duration of the project. I wish to honor my contract and save the life of that mother and child if I can help. When can I see my sister?" From the moment that Erika had even mentioned Gender Dysphoria, Miss Jaye was obfuscating as though she were an old hand at it. Erika noted a diagnosis changed to GID pending further testing. If it turned out that Miss Jaye could not be the recipient it might put all of them out of a job from the lawsuit. There was no time like the present to bring the question to the lady at the top and she was on her way next to do so as she smiled at Miss Jaye.

"Jason, she's already here. Do you have any more questions for me right now?

"No, Maam."

In that case, would you like to see your sister now?"

"Very much."

Leigh opened the door and bent over Jason's bed and gave him a hug. "I love you, Jason. I'm going to do my best to help you thru this and so is Erika. I wish we didn't have to rush doing this but we need to get you as presentable as a woman as soon we can. We have a head start since the nursing staff removed your body hair while you were asleep. As you can imagine, Johns Hopkins isn't new to having transgendered patients so we were able to get the things that you'll need for your new life."

Erika responded, "Jason, you aren't going to be alone going thru this in the project. I am a transwoman myself and so is the sister of the woman we are trying to help who is the another possible surrogate mother. We'll do both individual and group sessions as we go forward. I'll go to the nurse's station and get the nurse to temporarily remove the IV so you can get dressed with your sister's help and I will leave you two to get that sorted then we'll talk more. I have to get one more new young lady off on her first day of womanhood who is staying down the hall."

"Thank you. Erika." said Jason which Leigh echoed. Erika left the room leaving the two alone in the room.

While they were waiting on the nurse, Leigh offered a small box to Jaycee with a smile. Hey Sis! Welcome to woman hood!" Before Jaycee was a box that contained the golden locket set that Leigh had put up for her so long ago. On it were engraved the few words that they feared would be too much, "To my Sis, love always." Jaycee opened it up were baby pictures of the pair of them looking just like the sisters that they were. Tears of joy were streaming from the eyes of both girls as they gave each other a tender hug. Jaycee told Leigh," I love you sis! Thank your for giving it to me in the first place and for hiding it for me all these years." "You are welcome sweetie. Now is your time to shine!"

It wasn't for long because the Nurse came in an instant later bringing a large travel wardrobe for Leigh and removed the IV from being connected to the port in Jason's wrist. Leigh started by removing Jason's hospital gown and she took two breast forms from a case in the wardrobe. She applied surgical adhesive to the forms and applied them to Jason's chest. "Do you have a girl's name picked out for you Jason? She held them in place with her hands for the adhesive to dry. "No, not really, Leigh I didn't know I was going to have to be a woman till Erika just told me. Do you know what I would have been called, by Momma, if I she had known that I was a girl? That's not something that I could have asked Momma. "

"Well you wouldn't have been named, "Leigh" Momma said that they had picked out a different girls name for me because they didn't want to take the chance of using the same girls name from someone who turned out to be a boy (in their eyes of course) You would have had the same initials, you would have been "Jessica Christina" ". While she was speaking she used some cosmetics to make the seam disappear between the forms and Jaycee's skin

"I will be "Jessica Christina" and that means I still will be "Jaycee". I like that."

"OK! We'll be creating a new image for you and the only thing that makes sense is total immersion. Starting now, 24 / 7 you will be Jessica Christina Majors. That other name and existence is just a memory that we wont be dwelling on any more. OK. you are a girl now. Right, Jessica?" The breast forms had dried so Leigh removed her hands from them and Jessica sat up. When she did, she could feel the weight on her chest.

"OK Leigh. From now on I am a girl named Jessica. My boobs feel different but good. So do you have a gaff in there for me to put on? "

Leigh took out a gaff and a bra and panty set and indicated for Jessica to sit on the side of the bed and put on the gaff and lingerie. Jessica knew what to do but she had never done it before. Although her movements were not fluid, it was apparent to Leigh that before long they would be. "Sis, I have 2 more to do after I get thru with you so I will be scooting. Think you could make it to the cafeteria and meet me there at 7 AM. Jessica smiled at Leigh and touched her arm, "Sure thing, Sis!"

"Now it's time for your first manicure and pedicure, Sis." Leigh took out a foot bath massage and filled it from the sink in the room and let Jessica soak her feet in it. "MMMMMMmmmmmmm, doesn't that feel wonderful", as she slipped away while she was being cared for.

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Dr Erika Johansen gently woke Terry. She had been told to handle this person with kid gloves. He was chairman of the board of the foundation (Jaime's Hope) that was underwriting the whole experimental work.

"Dr Sommers, its good to see you awake and you passed the night in good stead. I am Dr Erika Johansen, the project therapist. You know the protocols that we are going to hide you candidates incognita while there is a chance that you might be used for the project. We have an expert who will be working with you and the other 2 candidates in deportment, makeup and dressing."

"I'm glad that we are doing every thing that we can for our candidates. That means a lot to me even if I were not one of the test subjects for now."

"Well we may encounter something that the protocol did not provide for. lets play what if. What if the sister is the closest match then we re acclimate them to the gender expression they had before we started. In your case by your psych evaluation, you are very well adjusted as a man and would stay one. In our other subject they show a real need for medical treatment to alleviate gender Dysphoria. popping her back into a body we make again male has got to be bad for her on so many levels. Even if we don't force the body back to male without surgery that's the way it will go eventually anyway."

"A person should not be made worse off than they were before this. If they took the deal then it would be OK because they had to be that way to save a life. They would not even be stuck because they would have the same option as any transman for recovery."

"Then I will use personal funds if I have to make this right if the young lady is not the candidate. I want this well documented so we can add it as a cost of doing research for the next time we follow a proposal like this one. There will be others because this project was just what my sister had in mind before she died."

"It will be done, Sir. You have a visit from someone wanting to see her parent. After that we'll send in the person to get you sorted and ready to be up, I'm sure you know the young lady that I am speaking of?"

"Please send my daughter in. This should be fun but I am sure the symbolism wont be lost on her. She's a living example of what the foundation hopes to accomplish especially if her mother were here as well. Pleas send her in."

In walked almost 12 year old miss Hope Jaime. She gave her daddy a hug and kiss on the cheek. She said, "Oh Poo! here I was all worked up over seeing my Aunt Theresa but they haven't made you up yet or anything.."

"Sweet pea, Its just me but wont be pretty soon... I'll get fem and frilly alright but its for a good cause. The one that your mother made me promise to work for 12 years ago."

"I know Daddy! I just wanted to tease you now. But anyway, I don't know when I will see you again. I didn't want to miss the time for it to be done so if I do it a little early it should not matter. When Grand mother passed , she entrusted to me the duty that Momma required of her when she was dying. Momma said that you would choose to become as a woman for something that meant a lot to you. The necklace inside the box has a ring for a pendant. She said that you would discover the person who was meant to receive the ring and what the ring meant.. Here is the ring and necklace, Aunt Theresa!" Hope opened the box and showed it to her aunt Theresa then she placed the necklace over her head

The necklace contained a stunning ring. It had a central 5 carat diamond and on subsidiary wire prongs were gemstones at all four points of the compass. "Thank you, Hope" said she with tears of joy in her eyes as she gave her niece a hug and kiss.

A lady at the door announced herself as Leigh Majors and that she was going to attend to getting Aunt Theresa up. She smiled and gently reminded the girl that even as good natured about this as her new aunt was that everyone needs some privacy dressing. Hope kissed her aunt and told her goodbye and that they would meet in the cafeteria later at 7 AM.

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Before parting to go to bed, Leira had agreed with her sister to meet for breakfast at 7 AM at the cafeteria so they would have a little time together before the day started. They served such delicious food there that they both supposed that the excellent food along with the very reasonable prices was meant as one of the perks for working there. The nice thing was that all the selections were coded and only the items that they could actually buy were things that they could eat.

Both women arrived promptly and were seated for breakfast. Laura told her sister, " Leira, I had a woman waiting for me this morning to get me up and dressed. well the help was appreciated because of the IV but I didn't expect to be treated like a novice but it makes sense that we each had better be good because one slip up would give all of us away."

“Sis, I have something for you.” Said Leira as she produced 2 matching small boxes of a type that usually contained jewelry and handed one to Laura. “Open it please.”

Laura opened her box and found a necklace with a sterling silver chain but the dangle from it was instantly recognizable to her. “Leira!” she exclaimed with glee, “You found our necklaces! When Momma died with them missing I had given up hope.” The dangle from both Laura and Leira’s necklace was the mustard seed in the magnifying glass that their mother had put away so long ago.

“You are so right. Laura. Mark and I had these silver chains added instead of the original string so we could both have something nice to wear. I feel like it is especially appropriate now with the challenge we have ahead of us. Do you remember the second bible verse from that Sunday school lesson, Laura?”

“How could I forget it, Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’”

“That’s right Sis and so as we both step out to accomplish something thought impossible, we have our necklaces to symbolize our faith and our bond as sisters.”

“Thank you Sis. I’ll treasure this necklace and wear it always.”

Both sisters wept tears of joy for this blessing and for the miracle that God would work in their presence over the days to come. Each sister helped the other into her necklace fastening the chain behind their neck and making sure their hair was back in place. The breakfast was heavenly as they shared a moment of bliss before their calm was displaced by the furious activity to find the facts that would allow them to go forward with the plan. In another part of the cafeteria a business woman trailing an IV was meeting her daughter in matching outfits for breakfast. Likewise two sisters who were smartly dressed, munching on toast. Both seemed to be wearing matching lockets which would catch the sun and shine brightly.

All six of them from the cafeteria arrived early to the reception area of the research facility. Everyone was introduced and it was sorted out which were the subjects for investigation and which were their significant others. They were informed that the team would be gathering to discuss the project before the actual testing would begin. In that way, they could meet the team and the team could meet them. Everyone was directed to a large conference room that had had assigned places with a name in front of each chair. Dr Robin, Dr Erika and Mark had already taken their seats and greeted them as well

Soon all the seats were filled and Dr Kathryn took the podium to address the group. “Thank you all for assembling here this morning. We have a very challenging case before us that has the potential of greatly increasing our medical knowledge in a number of ways. First we must do the tests that will tell us exactly the parameters of our challenge and also to verify that our planned course of action is the correct one.”

“I’d like you all to meet our guests and the subjects of this very special inquiry. I’d like to remind you all that this is all privileged information and is not to be discussed with anyone outside the research team. Would our guests please stand as I call your name? From left to right first is Mark Walters.”

Mark stood as his name was called. ”Thank you, Mark. Mark is 22 years old and the husband of Leira Landers Walters for a year and the father of her unborn child. Even though Mark is not a primary subject of the investigation, Mark has agreed to be tested if needed. He is here primarily for moral support for his wife. Mark is by profession an aerospace engineer with a degree from Georgia Tech. He’s originally from the Hampton Virginia area where his parents still live. He is employed by Lockheed Martin where he is working on the Orion Project. Mark you may be seated.” Mark took his seat with relief.

Dr Kathryn continued, “Next is Leira Landers Walters.” Leira stood up. “Thank you Leira and you may be seated. Leira is 17 years old and Mark’s wife. She is also almost an identical twin of her sister Laura. Leira is one of the two primary subjects of our investigation. The second primary subject will be determined when testing reveals which is the most viable transplant recipient. She was diagnosed with Stage 2 Lung Cancer and at the same time she is 5 weeks pregnant with her first child. Our primary objective is to save her life and that of her unborn child. Leira is presently a rising junior student at Georgia Tech in their Bioengineering program. She will be suspending her studies until her present challenge is resolved. Leira makes her home in Ellenwood, GA with her husband. Up until the sister’s 18th birthdays, Leira and Mark have acted as Laura’s guardian. Leira and Laura lost their parents in an automobile accident that occurred on the trip home following Mark and Leira’s wedding.”

Dr Kathryn smiled, “Next is Laura Landers.” Laura stood up. “Thank you Laura. Laura is a remarkable young woman. She is 17 years old, and lives in the mother-in-law cottage adjacent to Leira and Mark’s home. She is also pursuing a degree in bioengineering from Georgia Tech and is a rising junior as well. She has agreed to suspend her studies should she become involved long term in our investigation. Laura, like all of our potential transplant recipients, is to be treated as a male to female transwoman. Her genetic makeup is classified but she meets the project standards to be a testing participant. . If we determine thru testing that we have succeeded in formulating a plan of resolving the challenge that Leira and her unborn child faces then we would proceed with the transplant with the best match. Laura, you may be seated." Laura gratefully took her seat because she didn’t wish to be the center of attention any more than was necessary.

Dr Kathryn continued, “Next, we have here my best friend from college, Dr Robin Lee.” Robin stood and waved having been a bit more used to the limelight. “Thank you Robin. Robin brought this case to my attention and will act as a liaison for our guests while the tests are being done and they are getting acclimated to us here. Dr Lee has a successful general practice, “Eagles Landing Family Practice” with a group of physicians in Ellenwood, GA with offices thru the area. She is also a gifted researcher in her own right. Some of her research has involved the sisters here whom she has been treating shortly after her practice opened when they were both nine years old. Thank you Robin, you may be seated.”

Dr Kathryn smiled and said, "Next we have Jessica Christina Majors." Jessica stood up. "Thank you, Jessica. Jessica is also a remarkable young woman. She is 24 years old and a graduate student at the university and lives on campus. She also has agreed to suspend her studies should she become involved long term in our investigation. Jessica is a study subject and is to be treated as a male to female transwoman. When Jessica's DNA profile which was searchable due to her participation in the Human Genome Project research on campus revealed her to be a near match to Leira's even though she isn't a family member. Jessica has also volunteered to be a surrogate to carry Leira's child if it turns out she is the one selected to do so. Jessica, you may be seated." Jessica took her seat and wished that she wasn't wearing the new high heels that needed to be broken in.

Dr Kathryn smiled and said, "Next we have Leigh Majors." Leigh stood up. "Thank you, Leigh. Leigh is also a remarkable young woman. Leigh has joined staff here at the project. Her area of expertise is deportment and also life coaching. She will be putting our test subjects thru a crash course in female 101. Leigh is the sister of Jessica Majors one of the test subjects. Her employment is open ended but is willing to consider joining staff permanently if this experimental procedure succeeds and more follow in its footsteps. Leigh, you may be seated." Leigh seated herself rather lithely as she knew that all eyes were on her when she was revealed to be an expert on deportment.

Dr Kathryn smiled and said, "Next we have Hope Jaime Sommers." Hope stood up. "Thank you, Hope. Hope is also a remarkable young woman. She is the almost 12 year old daughter of the CEO of the "Jaime's Hope" Foundation which is funding this research. He was called out of town unexpectedly but has designated others to act in his behalf if he is unreachable for comment. Hope is here with her Aunt Theresa who is also a match as a test subject. Hope, you may be seated." Hope seated herself rather lithely as she knew that all eyes were on her when she was revealed to be the daughter of the facility's benefactor

Dr Kathryn smiled and said, "Next we have Theresa Sommers." Theresa stood up. "Thank you, Theresa. Theresa is also a remarkable 36 year old woman. She was found to be a near enough match to fall within our testing parameters. She is sister to the CEO of the foundation underwriting this project. It goes without saying that we want to make a good impression on her so she can tell her brother how well spent the investments that the foundation has made in this research. Theresa, you may be seated." Theresa seated herself rather lithely as she knew that all eyes were on her when she was revealed to be the sister of the facility's benefactor and implied even more..

Dr Kathryn then proceeded to give a more abbreviated introduction to each of the researchers around the room. It was difficult for Mark to keep up with who was who but Leira, Laura and Dr Robin seemed to be taking it all in. There was a broad spectrum of specialist involved and it appeared that they had every possibility covered. Dr. Kathryn gave time for Dr Glynis Thompson, who would be leading the team testing Laura, Theresa and Jessica, and Dr Viola Carrey who would be leading the team testing Leira, to outline how they planned to proceed.

Dr Kathryn summed it up, “Dr Thompson’s team will be charged with evaluating Laura, Theresa and Jessica so that we can determine whether in our best judgment that she can be prepared to receive a transplant of Leira’s entire reproductive system and that we can assist in her care that she will be able to carry the baby to term. Dr Carrey’s team will be charged with evaluating Leira so that we can determine her condition and that of her reproductive system and her unborn child. We’ll be trying to determine the best way to treat her cancer in the short and long term.”

“Thank you all for coming and good luck to us all. Leira, Jessica, Theresa and Laura, there are nurses waiting for you in reception to get you both prepped to begin the testing. This meeting is dismissed.”

Leigh and Hope went to talk with Doctor Thompson trying to find out why things were going the way that they had so far. Dr Robin with Mark following by Dr Robin's side went over to chat with Dr Gwen Mathers.

Dr Gwen Mathers was the team’s expert in stem cell research and Dr Robin was very excited to find her here and working on the team. For Dr Mathers to join this research team meant that they were planning some pretty cutting edge applications for stem cells if the project proceeded so that encouraged Dr Robin a lot. Mark didn’t understand a lot of what they were talking about but he caught that Dr Mathers hoped to investigate turning stem cells into healthy lung tissue and also to grow blood vessels. Most exciting was her hope that they might be used in the interface between the transplant and Laura’s body to make the transplant truly become part of her body for the long term.

Following the meeting, Leira, Theresa, Jessica and Laura were directed back to the reception area where each was met by a nurse and taken back to separate cubicles. They all were given the most rigorous physical exam that any had ever had. Mark joined Leira for her exam in progress to lend moral support and Robin did the same for Laura, Hope for Theresa and Leigh for Jessica. As reams were added to each woman’s chart, the experts had put together a testing schedule for each of them. Leira’s specialist were oncologists and Obstetricians while Theresa, Jessica and Laura’s specialist consisted of endocrinologists and gynecologists and a number of pure research associates. In their own ways both teams were trying to get down to the bottom for the relevant facts regarding their charge. In testing the parameters so efficiently they hoped to be able to tell whether or not each could perform the role that they needed to with the medical help that was available.

Mark and Leira helped each other get thru their day of testing. Mark even had some testing done as well. They wanted a base line on him so they would have an idea about the genetic inheritance in action that Mark had provided to their unborn child. They even got a sperm sample from him so they could determine some information from that as well. When Mark rejoined Leira after his testing was completed they had a chance to chat since there was a break in her own testing as well.

Leira wanted to reconnect with her hubby, “Mark, how are you doing? What do think about the doctors here?”

Mark answered, “Sweetheart I am doing fine. The Doctors here know their stuff. I have never had such a thorough examination. How are you doing Sweetheart?"

Leira sighed ,“I’m doing wonderful. In spite of what ever they are doing to Laura, she’s sending some peace and joy my way for which I am grateful.” Sometimes she could not believe her sister how she was always thinking of someone other than herself.

Laura sat across from Dr Robin, Aunt Theresa sat across from her daughter?, and Jessica from Leigh, in the cafeteria area of the complex when they were finally given the OK that the day’s testing was completed. Each of the ladies sipped the beverage of their choice (pre coded on their diet of course). Dr Theresa lamented the fact that the lady who was teaching them deportment was hanging out with them all the time so she felt like she needed to be on her P's and Q's. Actually to be a crash course having the constant reinforcement was helpful in learning. Theresa guessed it was one of those happy accidents that should be written into the project specifications.

Theresa was proud of Hope who would call her auntie unless it were just the other subjects and their SO's present when she would call Theresa Mommy. Theresa was glad to be a mommy for Hope at least for a little while. Laura brushed the hair out of Hope's eye and secured it back with a barrette. "What's your birthday, Hope?"

Hope answered, "Its on November 19th. That seems so long away."

"November is the month that my sister's baby is due to be born." Laura smiled sweetly. "Maybe we could celebrate both birth days together?"

Theresa answered, "That's an excellent suggestion, Laura. Wouldn't we like something personal. I dare say that the PR people would have a field day with it but for there to be more we need to keep a low profile till we have everything and every contingency covered. I was wondering about this empathic link that you have with your sister. Does it seem to be DNA based?"

"The DNA is definitely what sets up the communication and when that is either too far out or too far away then it breaks up. Sis and I have a good range. I haven't experimented with you or Jessica now that we know that you are close in DNA to us because I wouldn't invade someone's privacy like that without asking and I am just a novice at this kind of thing and the other person would have to understand that there may be unwanted side effects from trying to make contact." said Laura with a twinkle in her eye.

"I guess one experiment at a time is wise. I appreciate you respecting my privacy whether or not it would have worked. I would imagine faith would play a big role in that because doubt would tend to shield and keep any attempts from reaching.", observed Theresa

"Having empathy and earlier in life telepathy led me to read anything I could get my hands on about this kind of communication. For the most part the stories told were like a Pandora's box when people tried different things and being caught in un expected side effects. For this subject, unless it is with someone who you already are life partners, The best way to win is not to play at all."

Theresa giggled, "Everything I needed to know about life I learned from War games" She smiled and enjoyed herself.

"You really are getting into the girl thing! I think its cute! Its for Hope isn't it?". Laura smiled

"Since Hope's grandmother died I've tried to be both mother and father to her but having male gender expression the momma part isn't as apparent. I'm glad for her to see the mommy in me and I hope that somehow she gets both a momma and a daddy permanently some way.", Replied Theresa pensively

"I like the way that Julie Andrews said in Sound of Music, 'When The One closes a door, somewhere is opened a window', and perhaps a way might be found for us too" Laura concluded.

Robin questioned Laura, “Laura, what do you feel about the day’s testing?”

“I feel exhausted Robin. The researchers are being very thorough. How do you feel, Jessica and Theresa?”

"I feel very well probed. I think these folks could teach a few things to those flying saucers who are always abduction humans," Giggled Jessica.

It was an emotional rollercoaster for me. With all the work that has been done before to get the science to the point that what we contemplate to do is even remotely possible is a miracle and to save two lives in the process ... just the potential for that is happy tears time"

“Its what makes practicing medicine so worthwhile, Theresa and I hope we give you even more happy tears before this is over. At least we will know that what ever conclusions that they reach will be backed up with lots of hard data.” Dr Robin had been studying a copy of the ladies' charts that Dr Thompson had provided to her with results from the days testing.

Laura replied," “It reminds me of all the testing that I had to go thru when I was eleven. What’s next on the schedule, Dr. Robin?”

Dr Robin told them all, “We all here present, have a meeting with Dr Kathryn, Dr Erika, Leira and Mark to discuss the day’s events and to be briefed on the next day.”

Laura finished her drink and noticed that Dr Robin had finished her’s as well. “Well let’s go, Dr Robin. I can’t wait to catch up with Leira and Mark and see how their day went.”

All the test subjects and SO's were beginning to find their way around the complex easily and knew right where the conference room was that they were supposed to go to for the meeting. .

The test subjects and SO's arrived at the conference room to find that Leira, Mark, Dr Erika and Dr Kathryn were already seated and chatting. Dr Kathryn handed another chart to Dr Robin as she came by her seat. They took their seats and smiled and looked to Dr Kathryn to begin.

Dr Kathryn spoke,” Thank you all for joining me and we’ll start our meeting now. I am very encouraged by the raw data that we have collected today on Laura Theresa, Jessica, Leira and even Mark. The experts are going over the raw data and are looking for anything that might require further testing. Are you satisfied with the raw data Dr Robin?”

Dr Robin replied, “Yes I am and the staff has covered everything I can think of for a complete baseline.”

Dr Kathryn continued, “Our primary focus in tomorrow’s testing is to test the viability of the transplant itself. What we propose to do is a procedure on Leira to remove a small part of her liver. While we have her under anesthesia, Dr Mathers will be extracting some stem cells from Leira and treating them to become lung tissue and applying them to some of the sites where the cancer has taken hold.”

“Dr Kathryn could this be a way to cure my cancer?” asked Leira

Dr Kathryn continued, “This is not a practical way to cure your cancer because your lungs are completely involved but it will buy us some time if it is successful.”

“Thank you Doctor Kathryn.” Replied Leira.

“What we are looking for is how cooperative both yours and the other test subjects’ stem cells are going to be. Laura, Theresa, and Jessica will also be put under anesthesia and some of their stem cells extracted. We’ll be testing a new artificial blood vessel along with some their stem cells treated so that they will become a blood vessel and we’ll transplant the liver portion from Leira into Laura, Theresa, and Jessica. The success of this small transplant without rejection medications should tell us whether the larger transplant will be a success. Laura, Theresa, Jessica are you OK with us proceeding with the test transplant tomorrow?”

“Doctor Kathryn, I am ready. It will be good to have evidence that our plan will be a success.” Laura replied with confidence. Both Jessica and Theresa echoed Laura's sentiments.

“Thank you, Jessica, Laura and Theresa. According to some of the testing on Leira, we’ve determined that the carcinogen was able to get a foothold because her immune system was not as responsive to the threat as is ordinary. We’ll be able to treat her so that her immune system is restored to the level that it should be. We’ll do the same for Laura but after the baby is born and that she isn’t going to reject the transplant. Even though it caused the problem, the weak immune systems that you both share could help to resolve it as well. As far as we could tell from the data from Leira’s last physical. There was no way that Dr Robin could foresee her current condition developing. Leira has been under a lot of stress with a very busy schedule and she ignored warning signs that Dr Robin could have acted on had she brought it to her attention.”

Dr Robin answered, “I concur with the analysis of her condition. Leira, I wish you would have come in sooner so that we could have caught the problem earlier. Nevertheless I am encouraged that our plan will work to save both yours and your baby’s life”

“I wish I had too Dr Robin. I’m glad that I came in when I did because if I had waited much later we would not have even be able to do this.” replied Leira

Dr Kathryn continued,” This concludes my part of our meeting for today unless someone else has something to add.” A brief silence ensued. “Since there appears to be none, I’ll turn the meeting over to Dr Erika.”

Dr Erika grinned at all the test subjects in the disarming way that put us all at ease. "I need to see specifically Laura, Jessica, and Theresa. Everyone else is welcome to stay. Hope, if you want to stay with your aunt there may be some things that you'll have to leave the room for if that's OK?

"Sure Dr Erika. I know by now that there are things that the grown ups think we are not ready for yet and that amazingly enough that they might be right. Thanks for involving me as much as you can, Dr Erika."

"Very well, I'm a family therapist in private practice and I am also an ordained minister of the Methodist church. I am a transwoman so I am taking the journey that some of you are on with me. I hope we will learn to be observant and even if another person's needs are not like your own that you will take the time to find out about them and help if you can. " Lets introduce ourselves around the room and introduce your SO with you this evening."

Laura smiled and started speaking," I'm Laura Landers and I guess my journey as a transwoman began 10 years ago when Dr Robin over there," She pointed at Dr Robin and she stood for a moment. "And my sister Leira over there" and she pointed at Leira and she stood and was clapped for. "who is the lady we are all trying to help who is carrying my niece. Oh and that is her hubby, Mark who is amazing," and Mark got up to applauds "well the first 2 conspired to get my parents to believe that I was a trans girl and started letting Dr Robin get me medical treatment. I was about to have my GRS later this month when I turn 18. If I can help with Leira's problem, then waiting the extra time wont matter. My RLT has been just about 10 years anyway already. I'm hoping one of us will be found that can help Leira and her child. I'm just about at the end of this part of the journey and I would be in good shape mentally and physically if I were to be found pregnant."

"Thank you Laura. I will look forward to you sharing your point of view since you have a lot of life experience already. Thanks also to Dr Robin, Leira and Mark. Can you go next Theresa?"

"Sure, Dr Erika," spoke Theresa in a willowy whispery voice, "as you may have guessed (being one's own sister is the oldest explanation of this in the world) I ordinarily am Dr Terry Sommers. I am glad to undergo this to have a sensitivity to what we really are asking people to do when they do this and to evaluate our protocols. The hope that Leira has of preserving both her life and that of the child is that as well of the Jaime's Hope foundation. My daughter Hope here," Hope waved and curtseyed, "is the first fruits of that hope in that Hope's mother nourished her while in a coma until the time that she could be delivered. That was the first of procedures that could save one of the lives. In what we are going to do means we will be able to save both. I wouldn't do well as a woman long term so I am depending on staff to keep me sane and ready to return to my life. We will be doing some changes to the selection protocol the next time we try this when it succeeds. "

"Thank you Theresa! We only have time to hear from Jessica. Hope, Why don't you go back to your room while we finish up. Jaycee had something very sad happen to her when she was a girl and she might want to share it with us. "

Hope hugged her aunt and said to Dr Erika, "Yes Ma'am" and she took off out of the room and down the hall.'

Jessica started, "Thank you for making this easier Dr Erika. Mine and Leigh's parents were involved in a hate group so strong and bigoted that it made the KKK look tame. We both had seen what had happened when Daddy had let his rage out. for that reason I had to live a perfect life pretending to be a boy and a secret life as a girl. I know that avoiding provoking them was in my best interest but it took a huge toll on me. even though I am an adult now, the fears are still there. If it were not for the greater good that I appear as Jessica now, I never could have embraced my true life. I had finally buried it so deep so that not letting it out wasn't hurting me as much. Leigh kept me sane." Leigh took a bow and Jessica continued, "and I am glad she is on staff here now to help others too."

"Thank you, Jessica. That's all the time we have for tonight and I know each of you have demanding schedules tomorrow. We'll meet again as soon as we can manage it. I feel like we have made a good start."

The meeting concluded with each expressing their thanks to Dr Erika and Dr Kathryn and bidding each other good night.

Laura, Theresa, Jessica and Leira entered into a big group hug “Goodness!” said Laura to all of them, “We’ve all got surgery tomorrow. Good luck everyone!”

Leira pulled Laura aside after the group hug broke up, “Sis I have no doubt that you’ll get thru it fine just like you did with your last surgery. No tossing and turning tonight OK sis? We both need a good nights sleep.” Leira grinned at Laura knowing that she would have a good nights sleep since they both respected the effect of their empathic link on the other.

Laura smiled thinking of Leira who accepted her as a girl from the beginning when it was a secret only the two of them shared. All that testing had been worth it and she felt that all of the day’s testing would be worthwhile too.