Although superficially Sarah Catherine may not seem very different from the other humans aboard Jonson Station, in truth she represents something quite distinct. Sarah is the first human at the station to be conceived, gestated, and born entirely in a laboratory setting back on Earth. Even the egg and sperm from which she arose were heavily modified genetically, so she only partially shares her genome with her biological parents.
Moreover, she was raised in a special institution – along with other children – so never knew the nuclear family experienced by her colleagues at the station. However, she was carefully nourished and supported by professional counselors, helpers, and caregivers. Given her carefully engineered genome, she grew up very healthy; and if she needed medical care, doctors and nurses were always available. Her physical and emotional conditions were carefully monitored and her needs always satisfied. Growing up, she benefited from high quality educational and recreational services and opportunities.
Olympia found Sarah's unusual background quite fascinating, often gleaning additional details as asides during their frequent conversations while setting up the new android lab and workshop. “Sara, do you still keep in touch with the other kids who shared your childhood?” Looking up from her work on a new android design, Sarah responded: “Well, Oly, some of them, yes … a few became close friends … perhaps a bit like siblings in a conventional nuclear family … although we were not biologically related.” Olympia pressed on: “What about those adults who raised you? Did you consider them like parents?” Sarah stopped working, to focus on her response: “You know, that is a difficult question to answer. I do recall forming strong emotional bonds with my earliest caregivers … but later on, I considered those counselors who helped me, as more like mentors. They were very attentive, and I still fondly remember how helpful and supportive they were. But I have to confess … I've always wondered what it would have been like to grow up in a nuclear family, as you did. However, I can't say which approach would be better … perhaps both can be effective, but just different.” They both returned to working on the android design – and they both realized that they had become close friends, right here at Jonson Station.