Chapter 9“It's not a problem, Mr.…?” “Liepin. Maris Liepin.” Henriete Steponas, CEO of Infantide Interstellar, looked quizzically at the man across from her, bewildered at his request. “What can I help you with?” He sat across from her, a short, slovenly-dressed man in a wrinkled shirt, rumpled blazer, ill-fitting slacks, scuffed and worn shoes. He'd insisted on speaking with her, her secretary had told her, politely declining to disclose the reason for his visit. At fifty-five, Henriete was at the pinnacle of her career, chief of the second largest fertility service in the Coalition with a thirty percent market share. Trillions of couples wanted a baby. Infantide Interstellar made it happen. Over fifty billion birthed, the company byline declared. For the select few who could afford