Fantasy The People Makers

"Hello, Laura," said Shelly, in a less than warm voice.

"Hello, Shelly. Aren't you going to introduce me?" She asked sweetly.

"Laura, this is Abner. Abner, Laura."

"So nice to meet you, Abner." She took his hand and held it for a long moment, sending shivers down his spine. She really was beautiful. She was older than him, that much was clear, but not as old as Shelly, perhaps in her late twenties. "I see Shelly has gotten her hooks into you first."

"You always have such a beautiful way of putting things, Laura," said Shelly dryly.

"Don't I?" She turned to Abner. "Tell me, Abner, has she asked you about your hometown yet?"

Abner nodded.

"Did she tell you how nice it sounded and how she wished she could visit it?"

He nodded again.

"Did she ask about your parents, and tell you what decent people they sounded like and how you must miss them terribly? Did she express sympathy for your girlfriend and tell her how lucky she must have been to have you? Did she ask about your hobbies, and tell you she's interested and wants to learn about them too?"

And with that, Abner's conception of Shelly went up in a puff of smoke. Gone was the kind, caring, empathic woman. Shelly was just another woman who wanted his genes for the Experiment.

"I was just trying to put the boy at ease!" said Shelly defensively.

"Sure you were, Honey."

"And what do you want from him?" Shelly demanded. "Go on, Laura. Tell us that your motives are pure."

"They're not," said Laura, giving Abner a smile which sent chills down his spine. "But I say to you, Abner, if you're going to eat at a fancy restaurant, why eat sushi when you can have filet mignon?" She leaned down, showing him the tops of her breasts, and whispered, "We could make the most wonderful kids together."

For a moment Abner was spellbound by her beauty. Then he snapped out of it, got up, and simply left.

"Congratulations, Dracula, you did it again," said Shelly.

"He'll be back," said Laura confidently.

Abner found himself in the reactor room, sitting with his legs dangling over the narrow walkway. He watched the enormous energy stream shoot down from the ceiling to the floor of the massive, spherical shape room. It would be so easy to jump right into it.....

He caught movement out of the corner of his eye. A woman had entered the catwalk. "Go away," he said.

"You go away!" she replied.

Abner looked startled.

"This is my place, where I go to think," she said.

"You...."

"I just want to be alone too," she said.

"Oh," Abner got up to go.

"Wait," said the woman. She was beautiful and blonde, like Laura, but younger, much younger, about Abner's age. "If you're not going to propose to me, you can stay."

"Oh. All right." He sat back down.

They sat staring at the energy stream for a long time. Finally Abner said, "It's not fair."

"What's not fair?" the woman said.

"Everything. My family, gone. Anna, gone. The Earth gone. "

"I know what you mean," she said. "I lost my family too. I wake up here, and they tell me 500 years have passed. 500 fucking years! It feels like a total nightmare!"

"Yes!" said Abner excitedly. "It does!"

"And then the minute I get into the general population I am surrounded by men who just want to fuck me."

"To partner with you?"

"That too," she gave a wry smile. She extended a hand. "Susan. Susan Shinn."

"Abner Dune." he shook her dainty hand.

"Good to meet you, Abner Dune," said Susan. "At least, as good as possible under circumstances like these." She gestured to the massive energy stream in front of them.

They got to talking. Susan asked a few questions about his life, but didn't seem to be as transparent as Shelly had been. Mostly she talked about her own life, how she missed her family and friends and her husband, Doug.

"You were married?" She looked very young for that.

"Yes," said Susan. "Six months. The man of my dream. And now... and now... he's gone! Dead, forever!" She started to sob.

Abner found himself wrapping an arm around her. "I'm so sorry."

She sobbed in his arms. "You're so kind." She looked up at him longingly, and then planted a kiss between his lips. Her lips were soft and warm. Abner felt a glow in his body.

When she pulled back she whispered. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean-"

"It's all right," said Abner. "Really."

"Really?"

"Yes."

She kissed him again.

Susan took him back to his quarters which was a good thing because he would have had no way of finding it on his own. She curled her lip when she saw the tiny bed and wall compartments. "Looks a bit cramped, doesn't it?"

"Well....."

"Computer!" She issued a series of commands. Suddenly a quaint farmhouse appeared. Behind it were miles and miles of golden hills, as far as the eye could see.

"How is this possible?" said Abner.

"Everything is possible here," said Susan. She walked to the door of the farmhouse. "Coming?"

She took him to the bedroom. There was an old fashioned mattress and dresser there over a wood floor. It looked charming. She sat down in the bed, feeling it bounce. "Charming." She patted the space next to her.

Abner sat down. "Oh! I feel so tired!"

"You should," said Susan. "It's been a long day for you. A very long day."

"I... I feel I just need to close my eyes, just for a moment," said Abner. He lay back in her arms.

"Just for a moment," Susan agreed.

Abner woke up in the dark. Where was he? Then the memory came flooding back to him. It hadn't been a dream. He felt hands fumbling with his clothing. Inside his clothing.

"What-"

"Shhhhh." Lips pressed against his. He felt a hand gently squeezing his penis.

"Susan, we just met!" said Abner.

"I know," she said, between kisses. "But I like you. And you like me, I think. One of the things we learn here is to take advantage of opportunities. You never know when you're going to wake up freeze dried and dead." she rubbed her body against his. "Live life while you can, Abner. Live life while you can."

He felt the warmth of her breasts against him, her body against his, and he responded. He let her remove his white jumpsuit and soon they were both nude.

"Oooooh!"

"You like?"

"Your body feels incredible!" said Abner. "Just like I imagined Anna would feel."

"You... you're a virgin, aren't you?"

Abner nodded in the darkness.

"Don't worry. I'm going to take care of everything," said Susan. Her firm lips pressed against his, and she took him on a golden ride through honey scented clouds.

They lay together in bed, arm in arm. Abner felt incredibly relaxed, for the first time since he had come to this place.

"Nice?"

"Huh? Oh, yes!" Abner once again was brought home to the fact that he had just had sex with a woman he had just met, in fact had given her his virginity. Anna wouldn't have understood--but Anna was long dead, over 500 years ago.

He felt her body squirming against his. "We should get ready for breakfast. They serve great pancakes in Oregon."

"They do?"

"Yes." She paused. "You know, when we go out again, the women will be all over you again. It's only natural. You're new here. All the girls will want to sample your genes for the Experiment."

The Experiment.

"I know," said Abner.

"I just want you to mentally be prepared to deal with it."

"How do you deal with it?"

"What do you mean?"

"All the men who want to partner with you?" Abner asked.

Susan waved a hand dismissively. "I've put them all in their place. They know better than to hit on me. But it's still going to be new for you. They'll swarm all over you, unless...."

"Unless what?"

"Unless you choose someone for the Experiment."

There was a long pause. Then Abner said, "Would you like to?"

"Like to what?"

"Do the Experiment... together?"

Susan paused. "I'd be delighted! But... listen... I don't want you to think I slept with you because...."

"I don't!"

"Because I didn't, really I didn't! I just wanted to help you out."

"I know," said Abner. "That's why I'm choosing you."

She kissed him. "How sweet. All right. Let's get breakfast."

Susan went off to fetch some food while Abner sat alone at a table in Oregon. He felt the eyes of the women on him. Then Craig Cobin and Roland Miller walked by. "Hey, you," said Craig. "How was she?"

"Who?" said Abner.

"Who? Who?" Craig imitated an owl. "Susan, of course."

"How did you-"

"The nose knows," said Craig solemnly, tapping his large, twisted nose. "Was she good? You seem more relaxed. She must have really drained your balls something good."

"What?" said Abner.

"When you pounded her pussy," said Craig. "Did you do it hard? Susan always likes it hard. At least she does with me."

Abner jumped up out of his chair. Roland restrained him. "Easy, Abner. Craig just likes to provoke people. Don't let him get to you."

Abner slowly sat back down.

"So, are you going to do it?" Craig asked.

"It?"

"Partner with her for the Experiment," said Craig.

"Yes," said Abner. "It was my idea."

"I'm sure it was," said Craig, giving a smile that Abner didn't like. "Bessie will be pleased."

"Why? Why will Bessie be pleased?"Abner asked.

"Because Susan is one of her little birds. Didn't you know?" said Craig.

At that moment Susan came back, bearing two plates of food. "Hey, everyone!"

"Hey, Susie dear," said Craig. He put an arm around her waist and kissed her on the cheek.

"Craig!" Susan squealed. "You'll make me drop the food!"

"Then drop it," Craig grinned. He turned to Abner. "Have a hearty breakfast, loverboy." He winked at him and left with Roland.

Susan sat down next to him. "That Craig is such a joker. What did he say to you?"

"Nothing," said Abner. He looked at Susan with new eyes. Could it be true? Could Susan be working for Bessie?

"Before we go before the full Committee we have to get the First One's approval to partner together," said Susan.

"The First One? You mean Bessie?"

She nodded.

"Why is she called First One?"

"She was elected in a vote to represent us. She sits on the Committee, in an advisory role," she said. "While Graylor makes all the actual decisions, he often relies on the First One for advice."

"Decisions? What decisions?"

"Whether to approve a pairing or not," said Susan. "It's not enough for both of us to agree to it. We have to convince Graylor that it has a chance to succeed. The Federationistas have to put forth a lot of resources to make each attempt. We have to convince them that it's worth it. And I know we will." She squeezed his hands. "Is something wrong?"

"No," said Abner.

As they left breakfast hand in hand Hot Dog and Hamburger suddenly appeared, literally, out of thin air, like cartoons which had just been drawn into their real world environment.

"Good morning, Abner!" said Hot Dog.

"Good to see you again!" said Hamburger. "How are you feeling today? Are you acclimating well enough?"

"Well enough," said Abner.

"I see you've taken Susan for a friend," said Hot Dog.

"It's nice to have friends," Hamburger opined.

"Yes it is," said Hot Dog. "And Susan is a good friend to have. Where are you going, Susan?"

"To see the First One."

"Oh, how exciting! Does that mean you two are a match?" Hot Dog asked.

"We hope so," said Susan, giving a small smile.

"Wonderful! I hope you get her approval!" And then they both vanished in the wink of an eye.

"Bessie can turn us down?" Abner asked.

"Not officially. But she can signal her disapproval. Don't worry, she owes me a favor or two," said Susan.

What kind of favors?

Bessie had a broad smile on her fat face as they entered her tiny office. Like most rooms on the Space Station it was bright white. The room was so small that Bessie's tiny desk barely fit into it. The room was so small that somehow it made Bessie look even fatter.

"Abner! So good to see you again. And I see you've made a friend. A good friend!"

"Yes," said Abner uncertainly.

"Well sit down, sit down! Tell me all about it!"

But it was Susan who did most of the talking. "We met, and hit it off immediately, and now Abner wants to partner with me."

"And you with him?"

"Of course," said Susan, rubbing his hand.

"How wonderful," said Bessie. She didn't seem the slightest bit upset that Abner had turned down her own request to pair with her. "Normally I ask a bunch of questions, but knowing what I do about both of you, I think you'll be a great match. And it just so happens that Graylor and the Committee are meeting later this afternoon."

"How fortunate."

"Who is Graylor?" Abner asked.

"Graylor is the Federationista in charge of the Genetics Committee," said Bessie. "He's the one you'll have to ultimately convince. But don't worry, I'll put in a good word for you! Susan, are you going to do any modifications?"

"No, First One. I think we'll use our genes as they are," said Susan.

"All right," said Bessie. "You two have my blessing. Come to the Committee Room at two. See you then!"

The Committee consisted of Graylor, Frog, and Bessie, though Graylor seemed to be in charge. Graylor was an alien like Frog, though not like Frog in that he was an entirely different species. If Frog looked like a cricket or preying mantis, then Graylor looked like a lizard wearing a hood. The other important difference was that Graylor spoke English without a translation device like the one Frog used. He spoke in a low, hissing voice and had a forked tongue.

"You are the new one," he said, staring at Abner with harsh yellow eyes.

"Yes, his name is Abner Dune," said Bessie. "He and Susan wish to partner in the experiment."

Graylor studied a Pad in front of him, hissing in a way that sent a chill down Abner's spine. "You have made 14 attempts before," he said, looking at Susan.

14 attempts?

"Yes," said Susan. "I realize now I was pairing with the wrong kinds of men. Abner doesn't have the same kind of ego problems and mental complexes that the others did."

Graylor hissed again. It was impossible for Abner to determine what those hisses meant. He suddenly realized that the entire future of the human race was in the hands of an unknown alien species. He had to wonder if they had humanity's best interests at heart....

"Abner is a gentle, humble, decent man. A real follower. A new race of mankind is going to need followers," said Susan.

A follower? That's what she thought of him?

"Combined with my warmth and empathy and intelligence, we could produce an ideal breed who could last a thousand years," said Susan.

Graylor studied his Pad for a long moment. Bessie tried not to look anxious. Frog fiddled with his fingers and shifted uneasily from foot to foot. Then Graylor turned to Bessie. "Your opinion?"

"I concur. I think this is a matching with good potential."

"You have said that many times before," said Graylor.

"The search for perfection is a difficult one. We will only learn more by trying to inject new genes, which is what Abner represents."

Graylor considered and finally he nodded. "Very well." He pressed a button on his Pad. Then he slowly got up and left.

Abner looked at Susan. "What happens now?"

"Now we see the results of the pairing," said Susan.

"What? He just gave his approval a few seconds ago."

"You don't understand," said Susan. "They immediately sent a message forward in time, to the Federation facility on New Earth. They started mixing and matching our genes on file to produce the first batch of 69 fully grown human beings who are given rapid flash learning and then inserted into the environment to start lives on their own. The process takes a matter of months, but because the Federationistas can jump ahead to any point in time and observe what has happened, from our perspective the results are immediate."

Holographic screens appeared before them.

"This is the results two hundred of your years into the future," said Frog, pointing to the first display. A city was seen before them. "This is what the descendants of your original 69 children have produced."

"Wouldn't 69 children with the same two parents produce a lot of inbreeding?" Abner asked.

"That is a very simple problem we have long since solved for by using greater recombinations of your respective DNAs," said Frog. "At year 200 your descendants have an E1 rating for technology. The age of steel. They have an E1 rating for Art, which is very basic, an E1 rating for standard of living, basic food and shelter, an E1 rating for population, an E1 rating for Emotionality and an E1 rating for Community."

"E1... what does that mean?" Abner asked.

"E1 is the lowest rating," Bessie explained. "A society needs at least an E4 or E5 rating by the year 1000 for the project to be deemed a success."

"But an E1 rating in the first 200 year interval is also normal, and very common," said Susan hastily. "Let's see what the rating is 400 years into the experiment."

"It's coming up now," said Frog, indicating the next holoscreen. "Technology is E2, Fossil Fuels, Art level is E2, Moderately Discerning, Standard of Living is E2, Full food and shelter, Population is E2, Emotionality & Self Awareness is E2, and Community is E2."

"So far so good," said Susan, flashing Abner a brilliant smile. "What about at the 600 year mark?"

Frog reported at the 600 year mark that most of the ratings were at E3, except for Art, which was still at E2. Susan was ecstatic. If the ratings bumped up to E4 and stayed that way to the year 1000 they would have produced a viable race of humans.

But the report from the 800 year mark was not so rosy. Standard of Living and Community were E4, but all other measures were still at E3 (except for Art, which was still at E2). By the thousand year mark both E4 ratings had dropped to E3 and the Emotionality and Self-Awareness score had dropped to E2. Overall the project was given a score of 550, when a passing score was 800 out of a thousand.

The Experiment had been a failure.

"Don't feel bad," said Susan, putting a hand on Abner's shoulder. "It was just a first attempt. It's really difficult creating a viable human race which can thrive after a thousand years." She squeezed his shoulder. "But we can try again."

"How will that make things any different?" Abner asked.

"By altering our DNA sampling," said Susan.

"What do you mean?"

"We did a straight, unfiltered DNA matching, taking truly random DNA from you and me to create those 69 human beings," said Susan. "But next time we can be more selective. We can handpick selective traits from both of us that we feel will produce better offspring."

"We can do that?"

"The Federationistas can do that. All we need to do is to tell them what we want," said Susan.

"And they've never tried doing that themselves?"

"In the beginning, they did, so I am told," said Susan. "But their results were even worse than ours. Please don't be discouraged, Abner, it was just a first attempt. It doesn't mean anything."

Abner had another thought. "What happens to all the people we've created--those 69 people, and their descendants for the next thousand years or more?"

"They're already gone."

"What?"

"Already gone," said Susan. "Each time the Federationistas restart the experiment, they go forward in time to just before the time when they started the experiment and stop themselves from doing it. So the people who were created... no longer exist."

"Dead... all dead....."

She grabbed his arms firmly. "They never existed."

Three days later Abner sat in the committee room with Susan and Bessie and Frog and Graylor again. He had very mixed feelings about doing this again. Susan had been his constant companion all during this time, spending time with him, holding his hand, speaking encouraging words, and of course having sex with him. Even though her motivations were now more than a little suspect he found that he needed her companionship. Having been ripped from his home and family and everything he knew, it felt reassuring to have someone who cared for him, or at least seemed to care for him.

"How will this be different from last time?" Graylor asked.

"We'll be more selective about our DNA," said Susan. "We've decided to give my DNA a ten percent weighted advantage over Abner's. Abner's genes, which represent individuality and creativity, can be very disruptive for long term emotional development and communitarianism, will be slightly deweighted and replaced with appropriate substitutes from my genome."

Abner's eyebrows shot up. This was the first he had heard about this. Susan had told him they would use select genes from both of them, but she had never revealed her precise plan... until now.

Graylor studied his Pad, hissing repeatedly. Finally he said, "It might work."

"It will work," said Susan. She clenched Abner's hand. "I just know it will."

Graylor stared up at the ceiling. Finally he gave a curt nod. "Very well." He turned to Abner. "Do you agree to this?"​