Dryland's End

by Felice Picano

  “The real problem your father and Creed Lars’son faced was ensuring that the male body reached the proper hormonal stasis to conceive successfully once the womb was in place; to conceive within the body, and then to continue embryonic development. The fetus needs only three or four months of growth within the body if that body is healthy and well nurtured and if it possesses the correct ratio of fat to muscle, of estrogen and proestrogen to other hormones. After that, the fetus is still small enough to be removed easily, yet developed enough to be able to grow in artificial conditions outside the body, although naturally in close and constant contact with its nurturing parent.”

  He went on, heedless of the effect he was having on Ay’r and the others, or, if not heedless, then indifferent. “The implanted womb is connected directly to the colon. Scientifically, it’s extremely elegant. It’s easy to implant the womb, to impregnate, and to remove the fetus wrapped in its placenta at the correct time.”

  P’al had a question. “Will the procedure work on Delphinids, too?”

  “I don’t see why not.”

  Bolder than the rest of them, ’Harles almost stammered out his question: “Does this mean, ’Nton, that you are no longer a male?”

  “No, Father. It means that I’m now both male and female.”

  “As all of us are,” Azura said. “Male all the time and female whenever we choose to boost the various hormones which will allow us to conceive.”

  “Except for the first time,” ’Nton now clarified, “following the original womb implantation. When that has been done, we must conceive. Which is how I gave birth to Cas’sio.” He leaned forward to where his son, in Oudma’s arms, recognized his name and turned to ’Nton to be caressed.

  Ay’r had been assailed by so many conflicting thoughts while Azura was talking that he didn’t know what to say.

  But Alli Clark couldn’t hold back her own comments. “This is outrageous! According to what you’re suggesting, women aren’t needed at all!”

  “Except as cell donors for the original implantation. Or for the original cloned cells. And, Mer Clark, you have gone directly to the heart of the Relfian problem. Wicca Eighth thought it was sufficiently outrageous that She had Ferrex Sanqq’ discredited from the Mammalian Institute on Arcturus and hounded out of each scientific establishment where he sought refuge. Let me remind you, that occurred long before any experiments had taken place, when the idea was still theoretical.”

  Ay’r was so fascinated that he almost managed to push out the thought that had been intruding into his consciousness. Then he couldn’t any longer.

  “’Dward received an injection in Bogland. Can its effects be counteracted?”

  “He received an injection there?” ’Nton asked. “Are you certain?”

  “I watched from behind a hedge while it was done. They took away a Boglander named Varko.”

  “Yes, Varko arrived here,” Azura confirmed and turned to ’Nton. “Your brother did receive an injection. The Medic who checked him through earlier today told me so. He said it was about one week of development. As soon as ’Dward was sedated, the Medic gave ’Dward a booster. A full physiological scan showed the development of the implantation is proceeding normally.”

  “Then he has been implanted?” Ay’r asked.

  “With a womb?” ’Harles asked.

  “Naturally,” Azura said.

  “Is there any way to stop it from developing?” Ay’r asked. “What if ’Dward didn’t receive any more booster injections?”

  “It was implanted on the first injection. The boosters are to aid its normal growth as well as to balance his body’s hormones and DNA to keep him from developing certain side effects. Although we have never stopped boosters purposely, the one or two times it happened inadvertently, the patients became quite ill and required much care, including surgical removal of the implant and after a period of long recovery, reinjection. One died of complications. At this point, the only safe course is continuation.”

  “Which means what will happen exactly?” Ay’r asked.

  “Within the next few weeks, ’Dward will begin to require sexual intercourse on a regular basis until he is impregnated.”

  “He’ll go into estrus, you mean?”

  “Not exactly estrus. The initial onslaught is far gentler, far more subtle. And it is emotional as well as physical. Any attachment that exists between him and other males will be greatly intensified. And even though he’s already a most attractive youth, ’Dward will become quite irresistible. I have no doubt that by the time ’Dward is ovulating, a male would have to be a Cyber to be able to refuse his attentions.”

  “He speaks from experience,” ’Nton said. “We both do. Which is why those who have been implanted and brought to the Islands are put into situations where they may quickly meet appropriate spouses.”

  “You mean he’s matched up with one of the original two hundred and seventy-five? What do you have here, harems?”

  “Hardly!” Azura laughed. “We may have as many children by as many spouses as we wish. Several of us have fathered – and mothered – many children already and have several out-spouses. But its a matter of emotions for us, too. Usually one spouse becomes our full-time companion.”

  “One is usually more than enough!” ’Nton said enigmatically.

  Azura added, “And the spouse-pool for ’Dward would have consisted entirely of Pelagian youths, all of them implanted, and already successful mothers. Ir’i Oriol saw ’Dward’s arrival and told us he had known him in Monosilla Valley. It was thought that their previous acquaintance and similarity of backgrounds would make ’Dward’s adjustment to Island living and customs easier all around. While, for the Greater Plan, it would enlarge the gene pool. After his first birth, ’Dward would naturally be free to espouse any other willing Islander.”

  “And ’Dward doesn’t know it,” Ay’r said.

  “He’ll be given full orientation when he awakens. It will help that his brother has already undergone the procedure.”

  “Ay’r should be the one to tell him,” Oudma said.

  “Me?” Ay’r dreaded it. “Why me?”

  “It’s Ay’r’s father’s doing that this befell ’Dward!” Alli said.

  “It’s not a tragedy,” Azura said, and to ’Harles, who still seemed stunned, “Believe me, it’s not a loss. Just the opposite. Your sons and I are now twice the Humes we were before the implantation.”

  “It’s true, Father,” ’Nton agreed. “Although it is not the Old Valley way, it’s a far better way. I would never give up the experience of carrying and birthing Cas’sio. Never!”

  “Since you say it, I must believe it,” ’Harles said, unconvinced.

  “That’s not why Ay’r should be the one to tell ’Dward,” Oudma said. Despite playing with the infant, her words silenced them all with an undeniable sense of authority. She looked at Ay’r, making certain their eyes met. “Ay’r should be the one, because it must be Ay’r’s child that ’Dward bears. That is what both of them want. That is what the Truth-Sayer omened for them.”

  ’Harles turned to her. “Is this why you didn’t announce your bonding at the Great Temple? You remembered the omens?”

  “Partly,” she admitted. “Partly because of what I’ve seen. You know what I’m talking about, Ay’r. Don’t deny it. Go to ’Dward. Tell him!”

  “I will,” he said. “Since you insist.”

  Alli Clark now spoke up. “The entire thing strikes me as a major interference in the life of the Drylanders. An unforgivable one.”

  “That you will have to take up with Creed Lars’son,” Azura said. “He’s responsible for the policies of the Greater Plan.”

  “Don’t think I won’t!” she declared.

  P’al now spoke, “This surgical bisexuality is the basis of the Greater Plan?”

  “Yes. The Islands, too, are devised to facilitate it.”

  “Tell us one more thing,” P’al went on, as cool and unflappable as ever in the f
ace of this onslaught of information, “Why is it all of you – even Ferrex Sanqq’ himself – bowed to his son? And called him, what was it exactly? The New Adam? First of the Entire Men?”

  The very question Ay’r had been so afraid to ask himself.

  “That’s because Ay’r Kerry Sanqq’ is the very first of us.”

  “The first to be implanted with the Relfian Viviparturition Unit?”

  “That’s not true!” Ay’r said. “I’ve been in situations where it would have become activated.”

  “It was implanted when you were an infant,” Azura assured him. “It merely needs to be activated with the appropriate hormone/DNA complex.”

  Ay’r was still trying to absorb this information when Azura went on, “But it is not only that, Sers and Mers, that make us honor him so.” He stared at Ay’r with that same look as before. “Ay’r Kerry Sanqq’ is the New Adam because, above all, he is the very first Hume in all history to be born of the sexual congress of his father, Ferrex Baldwin Sanqq’, and another male!”

  “May we be alone?” Ay’r asked, once they’d arrived back at the guest residence and gone into the room where ’Dward slept.

  The others backed out of the room and closed the door.

  Ay’r set the nerve stimulator to its lightest charge, but it still worked quickly. ’Dward opened his eyes and saw Ay’r. A faint smile passed over his lips. He reached out, found himself surprised that he was no longer restrained, touched Ay’r’ right where his heart was.

  “I’m real,” Ay’r assured him. “You’re awake. You’re safe.”

  “The last time I saw you” – ’Dward began to say – “I saw what was happening to the T-pod.”

  “Oudma’s fine.”

  “I started running toward you, then –”

  “You’re safe.” Ay’r held ’Dward’s hand to his heart. “We all are. This place belongs to my father. None of us will be harmed.”

  “Your father?” ’Dward was astonished.

  “I’ve seen him already,” Ay’r said. He couldn’t take his eyes off ’Dward, nor ’Dward off him. Ay’r found himself smiling. “It was very strange. We’re here in his place, what your people would call the Abode of the Gods. Except of course they aren’t Gods at all, but merely Humes like you and me. Well, not entirely like us, but...” He realized that he was chattering out of nervousness and stopped himself.

  ’Dward looked amused. “Where are we?”

  “In a guest house. ’Dward, remember what happened earlier, when the roots began to attack the pod? And then I signaled you about the Gods?”

  ’Dward’s brow creased, “Yes. It was terrible. I began to run.”

  “Believe me, ’Dward, when I tell you I didn’t know what to do. How to save both you and Oudma inside the pod.”

  “But you couldn’t have!” ’Dward said with conviction. “I saw that you must free the pod before you could come to me. What other choice could you have?”

  “But they were coming for you. I could hear them. Smell their odor!”

  “Ay’r!” ’Dward touched his arm. “I would have done the same. It’s not your fault that by the time you were free, I was taken.”

  “It is. It’s been tormenting me ever since. And especially since I found out about you and ...”

  “And what, Ay’r? You’re acting so strangely.”

  “Perhaps I’d better explain everything later. Can you get up?”

  ’Dward could and did, with only a bit of hesitation. Ay’r helped him to his feet, pleased to feel ’Dward’s arms around him. When they were face-to-face, Ay’r asked, “How do you feel?”

  “A little sore.”

  “That’s from the air-restraints they put on you. The Islanders,” he explained. “But aside from the soreness?”

  “I feel fine,” ’Dward assured him. “Why?”

  “’Dward, listen,” Ay’r tried. “Since Varko’s kidnapping, haven’t you been feeling a bit different than before?”

  “No, I ... well, now that you mention it, yes. I feel, I don’t know, lazier, somehow. I don’t know how to say it – I feel like touching more. Touching you, especially! Which you won’t let me do.”

  “There’s a reason for that,” Ay’r said.

  “So you told me before,” ’Dward looked unhappy.

  “I mean that there’s a physical reason, ’Dward, for how you feel. Listen carefully. The same Islanders who took Varko away injected you with something.” He turned ’Dward so he could see the spot low on his shoulder. “See!” Ay’r showed him the injecting mechanism and how it worked, then went on, “I’m not sure why, but although I was as immobilized by their perfume as you and the other young men, I could see what happened and even hear some of it. Perhaps it was my distance. I saw them inject you and the others before they took Varko.”

  ’Dward’s eyes were fear-filled.

  “It’s not a poison, but it is something which is going to change your life – at least for the next year or so.”

  “You mean the way I’m feeling lately is because of something they put into my body?”

  “Yes, and as a result, you’ll become even more sensitive to touch than before. And” – Ay’r didn’t know how to say it – “and you’ll want to make love. Often.”

  ’Dward’s eyes sparkled. “What a wonderful thing to inject me with! Except” – ’Dward stopped – “it will be terrible unless you are injected, too.”

  “I was. Long ago. Without my knowing it. Your sister and father and I have already discussed it.”

  “That’s wonderful!” ’Dward said and threw his arms over Ay’r’s shoulders and began to hug him. “Wonderful!”

  “Yes! But ’Dward, there’s something else you must know. After we’ve made love, you’ll... be able to ... you’ll... give birth! Just like your sister, Oudma.”

  ’Dward seemed skeptical.

  “You will! Your brother, ’Nton, already has. He has a baby.”

  ’Dward was halfway out of the room before Ay’r caught him. “’Nton’s here? You’ve seen him?”

  “Yes. You’ll see him, too, in a little while.”

  “How does he look?”

  “He looks like you. Beautiful. And,” Ay’r added, “so does Cas’sio.”

  “Cas’sio?”

  “Your nephew, ’Dward. A baby born to ’Nton. Out of ’Nton’s body.” Again ’Dward looked skeptical.

  “Remember last night, what you said, ’Dward? How for the first time in your life you wished you were a female? Now you are both male and female.”

  “What will the people here think of this, Ay’r?”

  “All of them here are the same way, ’Dward.”

  “This is not the Drylander way,” ’Dward said seriously, showing that he comprehended what Ay’r had said.

  “I know. But it’s the way here, on these Islands. And it’s your future, ’Dward. Perhaps it’s all of our futures. And it cannot be stopped without endangering your life. Do you understand, ’Dward?”

  ’Dward was silent. Then he looked up. “Remember what the little Truth-Sayer told us, Ay’r, in Monosilla Village? He said I would be a soldiermother. That ’Nton already was a mother. He knew. He said ... What exactly was it? That I would be mother to those who would rule the stars!”

  Ay’r had been trying to recall the infant Se’er’s words since Oudma mentioned them earlier on the beach. They now returned with great force.

  “And you, Ay’r. He called you the Great Father. The Greatest Father of all! If you are father to my children, who are to rule the stars, then his predictions will be fulfilled.”

  “In a sense, I’m already one,” Ay’r mused.

  ’Dward looked at him with a question.

  “According to what I’ve been told, I’m the very first of all these new people.”

  After a minute, ’Dward asked, “’Harles and Oudma?”

  “They’re downstairs. They already know all of this.”

  “Will you, Ay’r?” ’Dward asked.<
br />
  “Will I what?” Then he knew the question. Would he father ’Dward’s children. “Yes, of course. That’s why I wanted to tell you first. I was afraid you’d –”

  “What? Say no?” ’Dward laughed mischievously. “To the Greatest Father of them all? I’d have to be the greatest ninny of us all, wouldn’t I?”

  The door opened to Zhon Azura and the Medic. And behind them ’Nton and Cas’sio. All but the baby had the same unspoken question.

  “Look at you!” ’Dward greeted ’Nton. He rushed forward and hugged his brother and began to play with Cas’sio.

  When all their greetings were completed, ’Nton turned to his younger brother and said, “Isn’t it just like you, ’Dward! I arrive here first and go through all this business, and you have to outdo me by coming with Ferrex Baldwin Sanqq’s only child.”

  To Ay’r, ’Nton said, “On the Islands, we’ve heard and viewed so much about you! Although you looked different in the holos.”

  “You have? I can’t understand how. My companions and I just arrived on Pelagia several weeks ago.”

  “Through holo comm.s to the Center Worlds,” ’Nton said.

  “Yes, we’ve watched you throughout your Ed. and Dev.,” Azura said.

  “You mean because I was the first?” Ay’r asked.

  “Our model. Yes. Now it’s time you see Creed Lars’son,” Azura said. Then to ’Nton: “Imagine, ’Tonno! Your siblings are lovers to Sanqq’‘s only child!”

  “We must celebrate,” ’Nton declared.

  “I apologize, ’Tonno. But celebrations will have to wait a bit longer!” Azura said. “We still have one more meeting.”

  “But my family. Surely, they can stay here? ’Dward and – ?”

  “Surely, we won’t be too long. Are you ready?” he asked Ay’r.

  “I suppose so, if I’m to find out what the Greater Plan is all about.”

  “I’ll go with you,” ’Dward insisted. But Ay’r wanted him with his family.

  This gravi-sled ride was longer than the others, and along the board path that fronted the rockier side of the island. Azura had to detour around the little plaza and harbor.

  Almost equally distant from the little harbor, on the other side of the island, and almost as high upon a crest of hill was a structure similarly built to that which housed the Cyberized remains of Ay’r’s father. This proved to be Creed Lars’son’s abode. But unlike that hushed, dimmed, and hollowed-out residence filled with Cyber-screens and unseen power units, this one had its windows open to the sun and to breezes, and various well-furnished chambers were visible. It also appeared to be teeming with Islanders.