Answers part three
wordlass asks: What does Ryann like to do in her free time?
This question is a mystery to both me and most of the characters. Gabi could probably sell you a conspiracy theory about Ryann never sleeping or never having a childhood and just spawning as an adult. And, unfortunately, that's kinda how I see her too right now. I don't really see Ryann as a person yet, not the way I do the other characters, and I really need to get that straightened out before I try to pass her off as a believable antagonist. I just binge-read this really good comic called Monster Pulse, and its main antagonist scientist lady is a complex character who feels like the protagonist when you're in her point of view. Reading that made me realize just how much I want that for Ryann, and just how far I have to go.
But anyway, as far as I know Ryann gets up, eats, analyzes data, counsels (aka brainwashes) the test subjects, analyzes more data, maybe eats again if she remembers to, sleeps, and then repeats. Maybe she has a family to go home to for holidays, but probably not, especially if I keep her as the founder's daughter. Kingdom is her domain, and the test subjects are her subjects, and ruling over them is her pastime. Though it's quite possible she thinks of them as her children in some twisted way.
How and why was Kingdom founded?
Kingdom was founded on the belief that bioethical laws and standards are a hindrance to the progression of humankind. Its acclaimed biomedical research center is a front to the underground labyrinth that hides its secrets. It's privately owned but government funded (I think that's a thing?), and backed by a substantial amount of corrupt government officials who know exactly what's happening there. It has enough money, prestige, and government trust to be nigh invincible. It sneaks its findings into other projects sometimes, but mainly it's just waiting until it has the perfect huge discovery to share with the world — the kind that would make most people agree that the ends justified the means.
What are some tidbits of information surrounding the Spock cast that readers may never learn about?
I'm going to take this to mean, "What are some things about the characters that won't be mentioned in the story?" And to that I say. . . I don't think I've developed them enough to give a solid answer. But I'll try.
Most of the things I've thought of that don't take place during the story are headcanons or after-story scenes. Like Ximena and Gabi's future jobs, which I've mentioned, or Evan's future family. (Idk if Gabi or Ximena get married. Gabi is probably ace, and I don't see Ximena putting relationships as a high priority until at least after she's established a successful career. I can see Gabi getting married before Ximena, even though Ximena is the more innately romantic one of the two. Gabi would be more of a "I want to spend lots of time with you. Let's get married for tax benefits." type of gal.) I've thought before about Evan's future wife and what struggles they might have together. I've imagined nights where Evan can't sleep because of old nightmares and his wife stays up with him and holds him and they're both exhausted in the morning but she does it anyway because she knows he needs her. I've imagined them adopting (Evan refuses to pass on his genes) kids from Kingdom or kids who simply didn't have good opportunity. I've imagined them participating in a bunch of charities and doing charity runs as dates.
I also have this headcanon that a) Ximena gets into a habit of tracing her fingers over Evan's brand when they cuddle post-plot, b) Evan will possibly get tattoos all over his arms in order to make his brand blend in (or at least wear long sleeves basically all the time), and c) supporters of the Kingdom kids and their civil rights and all that will sometimes show their loyalty by getting a tattoo that matches Evan's brand.
