Page 7

The first Phase did offer a warning. Beforehand, the lady experienced backache and headache for a couple of days, and on the fertile day, there was a small amount of blood. You then had only twelve hours to decide. Fortunately, when a man ejaculated, the woman became pregnant immediately. You didn’t have to keep trying.

The second Phase had no warning signs. All you got was a show of blood, and once again, you had the twelve hours. Because of this, Kaltos did not prosper. The land could’ve held millions of individuals and all that lived on it was just under one million.

“We’ve finally found the gene that will allow us to regulate the Phase,” Maurick said, grinning his satisfaction. “We might be able to twist it to let young childless couples begin having the Phase again.”

Mera leaned forward, hunger clear on her face. “Those who’ve experienced one or both Phases may have a chance?” she demanded.

“Yes, we hope to regulate those who’ve only had one Phase. Those who had both may need further experimentation, but I and the others believe it is possible to restart them.”

Mera stepped back, looking thoughtful, but the hunger hadn’t disappeared.

Pal glanced at her and then gave Maurick his full attention. “Why are you telling us this?”

“Because we require test subjects.”

“And you ask your best friends!” I exclaimed, “Maurick, this is something that you’d ask your worst enemy to do.”

“What if something goes wrong?” Tobais asked. He had remained mainly silent, taking it all in and thinking things over.

“Pah, I have run and re-run the simulations over and over again. Nothing will fail. Are you aware that over half the population can’t have children? At the moment, it’s too late for them, but we can possibly do something about it. We don’t plan to do this in secret.

“The majority of The Core is currently informing the council. Should we reach an agreement, the public shall be informed. However, the subjects will be anonymous. The Core is also rounding up their friends and family. Both sexes are required for the serum to be effective. Both genders require gene modification,” Maurick explained.

“A lab rat,” sighed Kait. “Go on, Maurick, put my name down.”

“Kait!” Pari and I exclaimed together.

“Oh, come on, what happens if I fall in love with someone and she’s had both Phases? Then what? You two were lucky, I might not be.”

Damn, I’d never realised that Kait thought like that. Kait had just seemed the typical playboy.

“Agreed, I volunteer too,” Tobais stated.

Now, I turned to Tobias with shock written clearly over my face. “You, you…” I stuttered, trying to gather my thoughts.

“Kait’s right. That scenario might easily apply to me,” Tobias elaborated.

“Maurick, I’ll do it too,” Mera offered.

It was Pal’s turn to stare in horror. “This may be dangerous.”

“There is no danger involved…” Maurick broke off and began studying his nails as Pal glared viciously.

“Maurick, you can’t be sure,” Pal replied darkly, and Maurick retreated a step, much to my amusement. “Mera, you are not doing it.”

“This is my decision, and I choose to volunteer,” Mera responded softly.

Mera was obstinate but not as stubborn as Pal. Pal’s expression set, and we all knew that meant trouble.

“Pal, I’ve already had the first Phase,” Mera whispered.

“What? When?” Pal’s face went pale as total silence greeted that statement, and Mera chewed on her bottom lip. “You didn’t tell me.”

“The blasted thing happened when I was eight. Too young, of course, to start breeding. We always hoped that my second would come along just as quick.” Mera shrugged.

“I’m in,” Pal announced, wrapping Mera up to hold her tightly.

“Me too,” Inka murmured. “I want a big family.”