[ WP ] In the far future , people are genetically engineered to be `` perfect . '' Occasionally this produces defects , but instead of being cast out of society or destroyed , the `` defects '' are sold for millions of dollars to collectors .

`` Right this way, ma'am.'' The butler said, turning down a hallway. He was tall, with an immaculate tuxedo and white mustache so straight that it appeared as if it had been cut with a laser. Typical. 
 
 `` Your quarters are right down this hallway, last door on the left.'' He said, gesturing to an open wooden doorframe. `` I shall do you the favor of not intruding on your hall - and I expect you to extend the same courtesy to me. That is the first rule of this household, I am afraid: Irregulars shall not mix with others. That includes staff, so do n't go getting any ideas.'' 
 
 `` Alright. I get it.'' I sighed, blowing a strand of unkempt brown hair out of my face. It was n't the first time I had been quarantined, and somehow I felt it would n't be the last. `` What about my things? Are they being sent up?'' 
 
 `` Your... things... have been burned.'' The butler replied. 
 
 `` But I-'' I started, outraged, but the butler cut me off with a gloved hand 
 
 `` Ah! Not a word!'' He said. `` They were in terrible condition, even the ones that were n't contaminated with filth. You should be grateful - the Master has seen to it that they have all been replaced. Not that you deserve it, in my opinion. Now, will that be all?'' 
 
 `` Yes...'' I grumbled. 
 
 `` Perfect. I expect you down by seven, washed and dressed in... something clean.'' He rubbed his hands together, as if to remove dirt from his spotless gloves. `` That brings me to rule number two of our household: Punctuality makes perfect. So *don't* be late.'' 
 
 The door shut, and I heard a key turning in the lock. I sighed again. 
 
 `` The Master take a liking to you, too?'' 
 
 I jumped, almost colliding with the door as I whirled around. One of the doors lining the hall was open just a crack, letting a head covered in shiny blond hair poke through at just about waste level. 
 
 `` H-hello there.'' I said. `` How old are you?'' 
 
 `` I'm the one asking questions here, bitch. No need to crack jokes.'' The door opened wider, and I gasped as a woman walked through. Her face looked young, beautiful even, - but at her full height, she only came up to my waste. 
 
 
 `` I-I'm sorry!'' I said, feeling my cheeks turn red. `` I did n't realize...'' 
 
 The woman erupted into a loud cackle, cutting me off. `` I know, dear, I know. Just having a bit of fun. You do n't get to look like this without having a sense of humor - at least, not if you want to enjoy life a bit. So, you going to answer my question or not?'' 
 
 `` Oh, ummm...'' I replied, somewhat taken aback, but the woman just laughed even louder. 
 
 `` Is your problem that you do n't have a tongue? Come on woman, spit it out!'' 
 
 `` No it's not that... it's...'' I floundered for words, before finally settling on raising my left hand. The woman whistled. 
 
 `` Ooo... that is a rare one. You do n't see to many people with fused fingers these days. No wonder he liked you. How'd you get past the system this long?'' 
 
 `` I... was a natural birth.'' I said, the words spilling out before I could stop them. `` My parents, they said I was perfect... but with my hand...'' 
 
 `` Oh, honey, it's ok!'' The woman pulled me into an odd embrace. `` Mine said the same thing. Of course, even *they* could n't pass up on the price Master Jackson coughed up.'' She laughed somewhat bitterly. ``'S that what happened to you?'' 
 
 I shook my head. `` No... they. They are n't around any more.'' I blinked, realizing what I had just said. `` It's ok though! I manage just fine on my own!'' I amended, somewhat belatedly. 
 
 `` Of course you do, honey.'' The woman patted my waist affectionately. `` Listen, I'd love to stay and chat, but that old bastard Ronnie's gon na be back here any minute to collect us for dinner. You do n't want to get on the wrong side of that one.'' 
 
 `` R-right.'' I stammered. 
 
 `` Do n't worry about that for now, honey. Just do what he says and everything will be just fine. And if anyone gives you any trouble, just tell them that ol' Kathrine will come bite their nads off unless they leave you alone! You got that, girl?'' 
 
 I nodded, brushing away tears. `` Got it, Kathrine. Thanks.'' 
 
 `` Not a problem, honey.'' 
 
 Her door snapped shut, and once again I found myself utterly alone.
