Breeders (Breeders #1) (6 page)

Chapter 8

The next few days went by relatively quietly. Having alerted
the Elders to “our” decision of the method of conception, we were allowed more
access to Centre Town but stayed within the walls surrounding the Great Tower.
We visited with a few of Mason’s friends. I noticed, strangely, that I hadn’t
met any of his family, other than Evelyn, and no one had made mention of them
either. Making a mental note to question him about this later, I tried to focus
all my energy on the pretense of being calmer and fitting in. At this point, I
could not muster trying to fake happiness as this situation was so far removed
from any reality of mine that I still couldn’t fathom my circumstances.

On the fourth day since our decision had been made known,
Mason asked me after breakfast if I would like to visit two more of his
friends. I shrugged apathetically but stood up from where I was sitting and
followed him out. He seemed so excited about this particular visit; chatting
incessantly about random facts I could care nothing about, whilst we rode the
train. I nodded every now and again politely, giving just the necessary hint
that I was actually listening, but what I was really doing was planning my
escape. I noticed that the train had gone further into the outer layers of the
circles surrounding the Great Tower where we had never been allowed before.

“We’re here,” he jumped up excitedly.

“And where is here?” I asked.

Ignoring my question, “There is someone I can’t wait for you
to meet.”

The train doors opened and we walked up to a small platform
containing a door with many numbers on it. He pushed a button for Number 62. An
outlet opened in the side of the wall. Extending his wrist, he scanned; ‘Welcome,
Mr. Black.’ I did the same; ‘Welcome, Mrs. Black.’ That was the day I found out
the partnership was official and had gone though; my identity even further
removed than when I arrived.
At least I have a name now
, I thought
bitterly. Mason turned to look at me, evidently surprised by this as well. I
avoided his gaze and looked back at the platform we had just walked up.

The door slid open, interrupting the uncomfortable direction
the journey was starting to take. ‘Access granted.’ We walked through to
another platform, which descended what felt like a few floors. It stopped at a
similar platform leading down towards a small garden. Looking around, a single
row of identically neat little houses stretched in a circumference around us. A
well-built man and a sweet smiling, blonde-haired petite woman awaited us.

Mason started hollering boyishly and leapt down the platform
to the stone steps leading into a delightful garden. I couldn’t help but smile.
Bear hugs with gruff acceptance of masculinity from the man brought a small
laugh to my throat. Getting a little bit closer, Mason turned to introduce us, “Ariet,
this is Thor. He is a Guardian at the Great Tower.” I cringed. Thor was the big,
surly and, frankly, quite rude Guardian I met on my way to the first medical
the previous week. “Thor, this is Ariet. I think you two have met before.”

He approached me slowly, summing me up in his every move. “Ariet,”
he nodded somewhat courteously.

I nodded back without saying a word, Mason never taking his
eyes off me. Thor looked quite different out of his uniform, handsome maybe,
but I still didn’t care for him much. He turned towards the lady standing just
beside him. “This is my partner, Jules.”

“Hello, Ariet. Welcome to our Houselet.” Linking arms with
me, she led me down the path towards their dwelling. “Can I get you something
to drink?” she offered sweetly.

“Water is fine, thank you.” Their home was filled with
bright vibrant colors, flowers lining every window shelf available. I immediately
felt the happiness and warmth in their home.

“Lunch will be served soon, make yourself comfortable,” She
said warmly. I sat at the table which had been neatly laden for four;
everything was mismatched but full of color. Thor and Mason made their way towards
the table. Thor muttering something I just couldn’t make out. Mason looked
slightly uncomfortable.

Breaking the silence, I smiled superficially at Thor, “How
long have you and Mason known each other?”

“My whole life,” Mason beamed with affection.

“Lucky me,” Thor smiled sarcastically, but the fondness in
his eyes was undeniable.

“Mason and Thor were raised together in the Great Tower.
Their mothers were in the same Breeding program,” Jules explained.

I gasped, “Where are they now, your parents?” The shock on
my face silenced the room.

Thor banged his glass on the table, “You haven’t told her?
What is wrong with you, Mason?”

“Don’t lecture me, Thor, I just needed some time.”

“Well, she knows now,” Thor replied tersely.

“Could you please stop speaking as if I am not sitting here?
Knows what exactly? Where are your parents?” I repeated my question.

“They were terminated,” Mason whispered sadly. I felt faint.
“They were looking for a particular gene from both of our parents, we didn’t
have it. Our mothers were allowed to carry full term as I had a new gene they
were interested in, and Thor expressed a gene previously switched off in
humans. That is why I have been selected for this breeding program, whilst Thor
exhibited superior signs of strength and agility and is now a Guardian for the
Great Tower. We grew up together in the Children’s Centre until we reached maturity.

“Thor and I were subjects of vast amounts of testing, trying
to establish how we exhibited the expression of these genes. Subsequently, once
they were done with us, Thor was assigned to Guardian protection, where his
strength could be fully utilized, and I…” His voiced dropped off, “And I, well,
I was matched with a Breeder who has the same genetic profile.”

“Does your Grandmother know?” I asked tentatively. “Evelyn?”
I repeated. “Surely she could have saved your parents?”

Jules voice whispered gently, “It was Evelyn who made the
decision.”

We continued the meal in silence. Lunch consisted of roasted
beef, potatoes, jellied pineapple and a herbed vegetable I had never seen before.
Inwardly, I felt as if a bomb had been dropped. Only now did I realize the
gravity of my situation. I helped Jules wash up in her small but immaculate
kitchen whilst Mason and Thor went outside to talk.

“It’s not all bad,” Jules said. I remained silent. “Sometimes
arranged parings can work. I’ve seen it happen.”

“But sometimes they don’t, and we also have the fact that we
are in the Breeding program, and we could be terminated, or our offspring could
be terminated, to contend with,” I responded, probably a little bit more
harshly than I should’ve.

“I know,” she said gently.

“I just don’t understand. How could his Grandmother have
done that to them, to Mason in particular?”

“Evelyn is Mother Creator. She believes that the whole
survival of the human race rests on her and the twelve Elders’ shoulders.” She
explained.

“What do you believe?” I quizzed her.

“I think that we have survived for over two centuries after
the Great Illness, and we have flourished. We have worked our way back into
technology and medicine that we lost when we almost became extinct. We owe what
we have now and how we survive now to her and the Elders.”

“It’s how we are forced to survive that makes me uncomfortable.
More than that even,” I couldn’t let it go.

She sighed, “Ariet. Please don’t cause trouble for Mason, if
you can help it, I mean. Not only is he part of the Breeding project, against
his will, but he is in line to take over Evelyn’s place, as a direct descendant,
should he survive the Breeding program. He can make changes then. You can be at
his side, guiding him to make the right decisions. He is a good man. You are
both in this situation together,” she continued. “Help one another. Maybe even
one day you will grow to love one another.”

“I don’t even know him.”

“Exactly. Why don’t you start by trying to get to know him?”
she pushed further.

Switching topics, so I could process this conversation
later, I commented, “You have a lovely view. It’s different to ours.”

“Thank you. It’s not real you know.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s a projected image of what was here long before we ever
came into existence. If you get close enough, you can stick your hand through
the image; it’s projected light, that’s all. Thor showed me once when he was
out on one of his patrols.”

“What’s behind it then?” I asked curiously.

“A wall, a very big wall.”

“A wall for what? To keep people out?”

“Maybe to keep us in.” She shrugged and turned away to stack
the dishes.

The train ride back was quiet. Mason and I each in our own
thoughts. The tiny parcel Jules had given me to open at home only, privately, was
nestled safely in my pocket. Despite my current resentment to being held
captive, I found an easiness and comfort with them, which made me long even
more for my family back home.

“I’m sorry you had to find out that way. About my parents, I
mean.” Mason broke the silence.

“Why didn’t you just tell me?”

“I didn’t want to frighten you even more.”

“More than what, than being taken against my will and forced
to live this life, away from my family?” Mason sighed and looked out the window
in exasperation. “You were right though,” I said dejectedly. “I am more
frightened now that I know the Leader of the New World, the woman that
determines our fate, is a murderer.”

“Please don’t say that, Ariet,” tears laced his eyes. “I
know what she is, but she believes in what she is doing. She is also my only remaining
blood relative.”

“I’m sorry, Mason. It’s just hard for me to understand how
you can love her after what she has done. You don’t know family like I do,” I
said sadly. “I wish you did. It is more than words can describe.”

He looked away from me. The train neared the platform, “It’s
late. We need to scan before lights out.” With that, he got up and walked away.

Chapter 9

I felt increasingly stressed over the next few days as the
week of conception was drawing near. I had made the decision of natural
conception, but I didn’t know how I was going to go through with it. These
thoughts had begun to consume me, and I had even had an incident where Mason
had been alerted by a Carer at the medical centre over results of that morning’s
scan.

“Ariet, your metabolite levels from this morning’s testing
are showing signs of stress. Please, tell me what’s bothering you. You need to
calm down. Process things,” Mason expressed his concern.

“I’m trying. It’s just next week. I’m nervous. I don’t know
how to do this with someone I don’t love.”

“I feel the same way, but we are going to have to try.”

That afternoon, an automated message arrived on our plasma screen:
Evelyn wanted to have dinner with us at her dwelling. I froze, “What’s this
about Mason?”

“I’m not sure,” concern wrinkled his brow.

“I’m not going. The less I have to deal with her the better,”
I said firmly.

“We don’t have a choice, Ariet. This was not an invitation
of the usual sort, it’s a summons. We will be leaving here in half an hour. You
need to freshen up, and put on one of the more formal outfits previously
selected for you in the wardrobe.” His mood had shifted.

“Aah,” I whispered. “I was wondering what those were for.”

“Please be prompt. You have thirty minutes; that is all.” Turning
abruptly, he marched off to his room and slammed the door. I had never seen him
like this. Panic started to rise in my gut.

Nervously, I opened my cupboard examining all the fine silk
garments in soft pale colors hanging neatly before me. I had never seen anything
more beautiful. We only had cotton and nylon in the Quadrants and wool during
winter. This was exquisite. I selected a pale blue knee length dress with nude
stockings and nude boots. I looked slightly awkward, but Ok I guessed. I had
never really applied make-up before, only having seen my mother do it once, so
I opted on some rouge for my cheeks, and that was it. I grabbed the only coat I
felt comfortable in, and had practically lived in since I arrived here, I
pulled it on.
Twenty-seven minutes, three to spare,
I muttered
triumphantly.
That should shut him up
, I thought spitefully. I walked
into the lounge to find him pacing up and down by the front door.

“Ready?” he asked. Looking me once over, he said nothing
about the change in my appearance.

We arrived at a platform similar to ours, except this one
had a door with only one number on it. He scanned and raised my arm, so I could
scan whilst he still clutched my hand. ‘Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Black.’ The doors
parted to reveal a short path to a square white door. As we approached the
door, it opened as if on cue.

“Mason. How nice to see you,” Evelyn enveloped him in a stiff,
non-affectionate hug, all the while eyeing me over his shoulder. “Ariet,” she
greeted tersely. “Come.” The first floor was a huge open-planned living area
with seating to one side and a kitchen to another. A winding staircase lead extravagantly
downwards. Everything was white and sparkling, as if brand new. It felt cold
and hard.

 
Lacking any warmth, like her
, I supposed to myself.

“Dinner is ready,” she said. “Please sit.” A huge banqueting
table laid out before us, taking up half of the open-floored space. I sat
tentatively next to Mason, daring to breathe even. Evelyn dished out a rich, hearty
stew, filled with an assortment of meats, carrots, potatoes and leeks. Fresh rolls
were piled up in front of us. We ate in strained silence. I kept my eyes on my
plate, trying to keep the food down; although delicious, I had no appetite.

“So, Grandmother, to what do we owe this pleasure?” Mason
was the first to speak.

“I wanted to see you before the initiation of the Breeding
project. Making sure you were on track. To remind you of what is required.” She
looked directly at me as she said that.

“We know, Grandmother. It has been made very clear. We are
aware of the consequences.”

Ignoring Mason, she turned to me. “Ariet, I hear you have
been asking questions at the medical centre? Yes?”

Never taking my eyes off the stew, I answered politely. “Yes,
I am curious about my new surroundings and am trying to understand my situation.”

“Well, make sure that is all it is. Do you understand?” She
said the last bit very slowly, in icy, clipped tones.

"Yes," I answered quietly.

“Good. Well, eat up, you’ll need your energy for this week.
Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Winking at Mason, she got up and left the table. “Good
Night.” She descended the stairs, never to surface for the rest of the evening.

“Mason?” I asked.

He abruptly interrupted me, putting a single finger to his
lips, shaking his head. “Finish your supper then we will turn in. It’s getting
late.” Quietly, side by side, we ate in silence. He still gripped my hand under
the table, the circulation felt like it was now starting to get affected, but I
refused to let go.

He waited patiently for me to finish eating. “Ready?” he
asked gently. Nodding in silence, he pulled me up from the table and led me
towards the door. Once on the train, he let go of my hand and let out a loud
whoosh of air.

“What was that, Mason? Why did she call us there?”

“That was a warning, Ariet. And if you knew my Grandmother,
it was a very serious warning.”

We said goodnight at our front door, both too emotionally
exhausted to talk further. Flinging my coat on the padded chair in my room, I
heard something tinkle. Scratching in the pockets I found the small parcel
Jules had given me a few nights earlier. I had completely forgotten about it.
Opening it slowly, I found a small vial labeled ‘Haze’ with a note wrapped
around it. The note read, ‘Ariet, place a few drops of this in your tea before the
act of coitus. This will help you. It is untraceable. Jules.’ Opening the cork
stopper, I smelled the liquid. It was harsh and acrid smelling. It was clearly
only meant for me to know about or use even. Did I trust her enough to try it?
I fell asleep clutching it in my hands, wondering if I should tell Mason.

I awoke, feeling an empty pit in my stomach. Today would be
the start of the Breeding program. Conception was to begin at a date specified
by the Healer during my medical. With any luck, I thought, that date would be
in a few weeks. Mason and I made small talk over a breakfast of hot rolls,
sweet jam and tea. We made our way to the Medical Centre, the train ride
becoming routine now.

Paige greeted me at the waiting area, her friendly face
cheering me up slightly. “Hi, Ariet. You ready?” I nodded. Despite her small
frame, she gave me a strong pat on the back and gently led me to the examination
room. A different Healer to the one before, gave me a white gown and asked me
to lie on the table. After endless prodding and poking of my intimate parts, he
pushed his chair backwards and stood up.

“Thank you for your patience, Ariet, you can get dressed
now. Paige will take the routine bloods from you. I’ll see you next door in a
few minutes with Mason.”

Once dressed, Paige came in and proceeded with the routine
blood workup. Gingerly sticking the needle in my arm, she asked, “So, how are
you really feeling, Ariet? Frightened, nervous?”

“Yes to both,” I agreed.

“Don’t worry, I know this is hard, unreal even, but please
know I am here as your personal Carer. To assist you in any way possible.” I couldn’t
help but smile. She made me feel warm inside.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

Mason stood before a large white desk, the Healer seated in
front of him, scrolling through my results on a plasma screen to his right. “Ah,
here you are, Ariet. Please sit.” He gestured to the chair next to Mason. “Your
examination went well, all looks in order for you to commence with the breeding
program. Good news,” he beamed. “Your ovulation cycle started yesterday, so you
may begin with conception tonight.”

I felt the color drain from my cheeks, wishing I could morph
into nothingness. Mason shifted in his chair awkwardly. “You have one week to
procreate then you may take a break for two weeks. We will talk again next week
and see how it has been going. Good luck.” With that he exited the room.

Mason, having said nothing the entire time, leant forward on
his knees, rubbing his temples with his forefingers. He looked as stressed as I
felt. Sad even. “Should we go home, Ariet?” I nodded as tears welled in my eyes
and began to stream down my face.

I spent the rest of the day curled up in a fetal position on
my bed. Mason brought lunch to my room, a warm broth he had made. When the dark
had taken away the light, he knocked gently at the door. “Ariet, it’s time to
scan.” I walked robotically to the scanner and noticed he had spread a lavish
meal on the table. I paused to look at it. Fresh flowers scented the room. “Trying
to cheer you up a bit,” he said quietly. I smiled softly at his attempt.

Mason tried to get through dinner, chatting about stories from
his youth in the Children’s Centre with Thor; getting up to mischief with Thor’s
strength and his photographic memory. They had caused all sorts of trouble. But
fun trouble, he explained. I just couldn’t let go of what was coming. We had to
do this every night for two weeks. As I started to panic again, realizing it
was only a few minutes away, I remembered the vial Jules had given me. Without
thinking, I got up from the table, asking Mason if he could make me some tea
and bring it to my room while I got ready. I scampered down the passageway.

Mason arrived a few minutes later, tea in hand. Placing it
on the table next to the bed, he looked at his feet awkwardly. “So, where do
you want to do this?” I look at him strangely. “My room or your room?” he
explained.

“Your room!” I almost shouted.

“Okay. I’ll wait for you in there?”

Nodding, “Please close the door behind you.” I hurriedly fished
the vial out from under my mattress. Placing exactly four drops in my tea as
Jules had directed, I returned it back to its hiding place. Gulping down my tea,
I nervously paced the room, waiting to feel something different. Nothing
happened. Nothing at all. I couldn’t wait any longer without drawing attention
from Mason. I cursed inwardly, feeling alone all again.

Let’s just get this over and done with
, I commanded myself. I tiptoed down to Mason’s room, hoping
he would be asleep and we could skip tonight. As fate would have it, he was
pacing his room as well. He turned as I entered the room and walked towards me,
slowly placing his arms on my shoulders. Looking deeply into my eyes, he
whispered, “Are you ready? Please know this is difficult for me, too.”

With that he leant down and kissed me. Gently, probing my
mouth open, stroking my arms. As the kiss deepened, I noticed my body
responding involuntarily, leaning in to kiss him back. Without saying anything
he walked us towards the bed and sat down, removing his shirt, waiting for me
to join him. Sitting down tentatively, I slowly removed my suit, following his
lead. As we lay down looking at each other, barely touching, I suddenly felt at
peace. As if I had accepted my fate. Closing my eyes, I allowed myself to drift
off to another place, always aware of his body touching mine, responding,
despite my lack of emotion for this man. When it was over, I drifted off to
sleep, blissfully unaware of Mason lying next to me, watching me angrily.

I woke up feeling refreshed. It was the best I had felt
since I had arrived at Centre Town. Stretching my limbs, I opened my eyes.
Wait
a second. This isn’t my room. Where am I?
I jumped up and ran to the
doorway, fearing that I had been taken again. Yanking the door open, I collided
with Mason.

“You’re up.” Ok, this was Mason’s room. My panic subsided. “Your
morning meal is almost ready. Don’t forget to scan after you have washed up.”

I padded back to my room, the sheet still wrapped
protectively around me. My memory was muddy. I remembered the tea, walking
towards Mason’s room, then nothing until this morning.
Oh my goodness, the
drops. They worked.
I made a mental note to talk to Jules about this at our
next visit. Freshly dressed, I went to scan.

Mason was sitting patiently at the table waiting for me. “Good
morning,” I said softly, aware of the awkwardness that hung between us. Or was
it tension. His posture indicated the latter.

“Tea?” he asked sternly.

“Yes, please.” I added honey to it, something which I had
grown to love since being in Centre Town.

“Is that it?” he asked as I sipped it gently. “Aren’t you
going to lace it?”

“Excuse me?” I choked.

Mason pushed back angrily from the table. “I know what you
did, Ariet. What did you take? Where did you get it from?” The rage flashing
across his eyes frightened me.
How did he know?

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

Jumping up suddenly, knocking his chair over, he banged his
fists on the table. “I will only ask you one more time, Ariet. Where did you
get it?”