Do they know I am unhappy with how they are running things? Or is this to ensure my loyalty since Sabine left?
It feels like a punishment.
I'm not ready.
The colony isn't ready for children.
I don’t want to be an example for others.
"You'll be the first. Isn't that exciting?" Only Dianne looks excited, and I can't tell if that's meant to be for my benefit or she is a psychopath who enjoys tormenting others.
I don’t know what to say. My ears are buzzing and I'm lightheaded. "I'm shocked. We can even grow crops yet…I thought stability?—"
"It will be a moral boost as a baby will remind everyone what we are working for," Grace says.
"And my work?" There is so much to study, even though Tiril has narrowed down what we should be looking at regarding crops and livestock.
"You can keep going until the baby is born, then you will need to take some time off. Though I'm sure you'll want to collaborate with the other scientists." Dianne gives me that overly sweet smile again. Then she types on her tablet. "You are scheduled to have your birth control removed at three."
My tablet pings with the appointment notification.
And what time am I supposed to be pregnant by?
"After which, a plan will be made to ensure an optimum result."
Meaning they will take samples from Patrick, remove the male sperm, give me drugs to make me fertile and fill me up with his cum, and there's nothing I can do.
Except leave.
"So no natural conception?" It's the only thing I can think to say.
"Not the first time." That slick smile again. I want to slap her face. Why doesn’t she go first to set the example? Who is her match? Or are the leaders exempt from this bullshit?
"Not everyone woman will be able to form a family with their…selected partner. There are too many women and not enough?—"
"We are aware," Grace says. "Other family units will form. Perhaps sisters will raise their children together."
Was that a jab at me no longer having a sister?
"Do you have any other questions?"
I shake my head. "Wait, have you told Patrick?"
"He is coming to see us next." Dianne says. "You two will have plenty to discuss on your next run…perhaps you should stop running."
I manage to nod.
I will run everywhere if that means their plans fail.
18
CHLOE
Isit in my room and wait for Patrick to turn up. He's been told, but he hasn’t messaged. Perhaps he was told to give samples, or perhaps he is fuming and blaming me—as if I had any say in what is happening.
But this is because of Sabine and Tiril's brother, which in turn led to me studying him, and now the leaders have me trapped.
If I refuse, then I am a problem.
