Accordingly, Jane had decided that this was what she wanted.
And now… for… the next step.
There were two options to move forward, both aimed at maximizing autonomy as well as giving room for genuine consent and full respect for all involved in particular considering the future child…
Officially, the standard protocol was an IVF [In-Vitro-Fertilisation] procedure, where Valentine's DNA would be implanted into her eggs, and 9 months later, Jane would, all going well, become a mom!
And yet.
Safety and Security was a critical issue.
The DNA involved - from both parties - would be extremely sought after, and as a result, there would always be the risk of… 'sample theft'.
That's right! If they weren't careful, a nurse or doctor caught up in a human moment of lust or greed might… forcefully smuggle out the seedlings, in a 'grift of gametes', leading to... insane future implications.
For example, children then might be born who had Valentine or Jane as the biological parent, but without access to the originally intended proper support and upbringing, which might lead to problematic outcomes like the child feeling shortchanged in some way, or being brought up or educated in an unethical or harmful way.
This was of course why... security and safety would be paramount.
To give the future mothers the maximal options, Valentine would offer both IVF service which would be administered by someone he absolutely trusted - for example Bob or one of his alter-egos.
And of course, there was also another option available, that could be carried onto the table, considered and… canvassed.
Indeed.
This was the 'Manual Motherhood Method', also known as MMM…
Which involved sperm being appropriately deposited via 'traditional technique', an act of consensual intimacy between two adults of legal age…
It was also known as the "Super Effective Genetic Growth System", or SEGGS for short.
The Future of Humanity project was a highly non-traditional arrangement, and accordingly kept this in mind.
IVF was one method of producing a child, but it was also cold, clinical, and this would affect future parenting dynamics in the future.
Valentine would spare no effort or expense to ensure Jane was looked after, including an AI stand-in that could do everything a flesh and blood human could do without the potential for abuse and even the option for her to date or marry another person so long as her parental obligations were met and prioritised.
Despite this though, there was still ultimately technically only one of Valentine, and so he had to set the expectations clear.
This wasn't a traditional familiar relationship of the past where both parents got married, someone went to work, came home, they watched TV and did life for a bit and then did it all again the next day.
The 'Future of Humanity' Project instead aspired to be different, to give people more freedom, more opportunities.
Things needed time to change, and it was also understood that this was a process.
Creating life was a sacred act - as a result, in addition to IVF, the MMM Manual Motherhood Method or SEGGS was also made available for Jane, in the spirit of giving her all the options.
What would she decide?!
___
...IVF!
This was Jane's initial thought, but as she continued to converse with Valentine, she sensed his care, his passion, his drive, his vision, and more importantly, that this was a Man that genuinely wanted the best for her. He was basically her dream guy, with the catch - that he would never be hers - at least not in the traditional way.
Then again... she began to wonder.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime thing - and for most people, a zero-in-a-lifetime thing that they would never ever get to experience.
It was new - non-traditional - but then again, things that she took for granted now - the internet, electricity, running water - these once upon a time were also 'new' ways of doing things.
As they chatted in their comfortable surroundings, Jane shared her thoughts.
"Valentine... I barely know you. And yet, I appreciate this. I appreciate the project, the opportunities you're providing. It feels like I'm getting everything I might want - comfort, security... safety... happiness... except... what about... us? It feels kind of... strange somehow. It's not how things normally work."
"Yes. This isn't your traditional family model... so I understand if it feels strange."
"Don't get me wrong, I'm... also excited." Jane said with a smile. "Just... I'm glad to talk to you. It's important."
"This is important... We would be family - a new kind of family - but a family nonetheless. And regardless, I'll always be someone that cares, hopefully the father of our child that will provide and care for you - in that sense, I will always be your partner - but even if you want to turn back at any stage where it's possible - I'll always appreciate you. Ask me anything anytime. It's your choice in the end."
"...Thank you."
"...But... for better or worse, I have to set the expectations clear... it won't be a traditional relationship."
"We would become a new model family - hopefully one that can provide a better experience for you and our child, for everyone, than the previous kind. And through technology, you have access to me - everything I represent - mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally..."
"- But not... you." Jane helpfully completed his sentence.
"Not me in the traditional sense, no." Valentine said quietly, honestly.
Jane took some time to process, imagining the possibilities. It was an incredible gift, freedom, opportunity, a love shown through actions, not just feelings and empty promises.
...What did she want, what did she... feel?
In the end, as she examined her feelings, she realised that she wanted something both good... and real.
The standard protocol - IVF - promised security, and distance. It was the safe approach, but part of her felt like she was missing out on something that she might never get to experience - real intimacy with the father of her child.
What would she tell her future child when they asked about daddy?
"...Well, he just provided his genetic material and he even provided for us and gave us a good life, but I don't actually know much about him..."
And then, there was the alternative, MMM - Manual Motherhood Method, SEGGS.
She couldn't believe she was contemplating it... but honestly? To her, it genuinely felt more... human.
She imagined telling her future child about daddy in this scenario.
"Your Father is a great man - possibly one of the greatest men to ever live. And he loves us - I experienced that when we created you - but at the same time - he chose to make a sacrifice... he would give up that chance to achieve the small dream - instead to fulfill a bigger dream - one that has made the whole world better..."
The child might not understand entirely either way. They might still be upset and want daddy - it was a primal instinct. But the second way seemed to be more empowering. More... human. More... meaningful. Was this the true meaning of SEGGS - a sacred expression of commitment to support and nurture life between two willing and consenting adults?
There was no denying that either way, that both herself and their child would be looked after in every way - it wasn't that the child would lack parental love or affection - in fact, they would almost certainly grow up healthier, more well-rounded and adjusted and fulfilled persons, but it would be more the social and cultural aspects that might need time to adjust.
That said, with the passage of time, if this new family model was increasingly embraced and made mainstream - there would be virtually no negatives at all to speak of.
The choices loomed.
The traditional way - get married, have kids, struggle, get some things right, and other things wrong. Never be fully present due to the constraints of working and adulting...
She had to admit she didn't believe in that. So no thank you.
So then, the new, non-traditional way - a more professional partnership with a dream guy that completely provided for her and their child, still allowing room for intimacy and agency - via AI robotic technology she would have her virtual dream husband(s) - or if she wanted a taste of the real thing, she could even date and marry a partner so long as her children's needs wellbeing was prioritised and actualised...
This was an opportunity, and she wanted to make the most of this opportunity.
So then, it came down to IVF or MMM... SEGGS...
What should she do?