512 High Technology

Placing a hand on Katherine's back, Damien brushed the area and she leaned into him. He was still feeling edgy about Chris being here, and he didn't think that he would ever get over the fact that the man had hurt Katherine. Despite all the help that Chris did for her, Damien still believed that messing with her memories was unforgivable.

Their circumstance right now was complex. The matter about Chris's sister would always be a hindrance that would hold them back as long as he's here. So despite his feelings, he was willing to set it aside in order for them to progress and move forward.

Facing Chris, Damien asked, "Have you heard of DNA Phenotyping?"

Hearing the question, Chris tilted his head to the side, his face laced with curiosity as he looked up at Damien. "Isn't that using DNA to recreate or predict a person's face?"

"I have heard of that too…" said Katherine. "But science doesn't back up the idea of using genes to predict a person's facial features due to several factors."

Damien nodded. "That's right. There are tons of things to consider because the environment can affect a person's physical characteristics. However, genes can easily point out the eyes and hair. Other features are just hard to determine."

Talking about science made her frown. She had only heard of it a few years ago while she was watching the television. 

Damien turned towards the table and searched for something on the laptop's browser. "There are companies that provide DNA Phenotyping. It is used to help in some criminal investigations, given that the authorities need to consider that the results aren't a hundred percent accurate."

He pulled up two samples of phenotype reports and opened the image for the others to see. Chris got up and went over to the table, then the four of them all had their eyes on the screen. On the screen, they could see the constructed faces and a detailed report of what the subject's possible races were, and the colors of the eyes or hair. However, just like what Damien said, the result showed a generic-looking man of color and another of a generic-looking caucasian man.

"As you can see in the two samples, these two could be anyone," Damien added. Then, he opened a few more snapshot samples of prediction results—this time, with an actual person's face next to the prediction model for comparison. All of the results indeed got the skin, eyes, and hair correct, but the nose, lips, face shape, and other features were not 100% accurate. "It is the reason why it is not regulated nationally. The law cannot support this at the moment unless and until science can prove it—even companies gave an extensive disclaimer that the results of the test are not yet fully established."

"I don't understand. Is this supposed to help me find my sister?" asked Chris. 

"Are you saying we can combine the two processes?" asked Chris. It was as if an electric current had turned the lightbulb in his head and charged his heart. The anticipation in him was slowly rising. 

"I have not heard of it being used in this way since familial searching is also not regulated in the country. Every state has its own law—some states allow it and others banned the use of it. I'm saying this could be a chance to find your sister. It's a long stretch and the results can be off, but other than this, I don't think you have much of a choice."

"I don't care even if I have less than 1% chance of success. If this will help me find my sister, I will take it." Chris's muscles tightened, and his lips pressed together at the thought of finally having a chance to find her. This was better than nothing. If Director Hughes couldn't give him what he wanted, he'd find someone else to help him.

Damien straightened up and turned to face the rest, scanning their faces to see them waiting for what he would say next. He was a bit concerned as the next information he would give could change the course of things. He nodded and dug one hand into his pocket as he spoke, "There's good news and bad news..."

Normally, Chris would want to hear the bad news first. But at this point, he badly needed something to look forward to. "What's the good news?" 

Taking a deep breath, Damien answered, "The good news is that I'm one of the investors and I know the company's current CEO, which gives us the advantage to keep this discreet. I have already contacted them, and I was told that we could drop by anytime as long as I call beforehand. They would only conduct the procedure if they get the DNA sample themselves."

"That really is a good news." Katherine turned to face Damien and hope was evident in her expression. She couldn't help but feel hopeful that things would work out just fine. Although the results wouldn't be conclusive, it was better than nothing at all. And right now, they could only wish for even a sliver of a chance.

"What's the bad news?" Chris asked, his jaw tightened as he waited for the other to answer.

Damien reached for the laptop, scrolled and clicked the mouse on a certain portion of the company's website, and then turned it so that the other could see the screen. Chris shifted his stare to the laptop and saw the address of the lab. Almost instantly, he ran a heavy hand down his face and cussed, "Fûck."

Katherine snapped her head to see a small map next to the company's address and her brows furrowed. "Isn't that…"

Damien nodded and met her stare as he responded, "The company's lab is right across the street from Shadow's base."