Published by Accent Press Ltd 2018

Octavo House

West Bute Street

Cardiff

CF10 5LJ

www.accentpress.co.uk

Copyright © Trish Moran 2018

The right of Trish Moran to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

The story contained within this book is a work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the written permission of Accent Press Ltd.

ISBN 9781786155405

eISBN 9781786155399

CHAPTER ONE

‘Really, Abel, I’m not ill at all! Just pregnant!’ Ruby protested as Abel helped her out of bed that morning. ‘The midwife told me it’s normal to feel tired at this stage.’

‘I’m sure the midwife is correct,’ he replied. ‘But I’d like Dr Jensen to take a look at you. It’s a good idea to have a second opinion.’

‘I never thought you would end up fussing over me like a mother hen.’ Ruby complained.

‘Another of your quaint Non-Lab sayings.’ Abel kissed her brow. ‘He’ll be here in an hour. Oh, and he’s bringing a colleague with him. Dr Amanda Harrison, a psychologist.’

He saw a dark look pass across Ruby’s face and took her hands in his.

‘Dr Jensen has promised there will be no publicity. He fully understands we want our privacy. Beth and Frank have always found his advice and help invaluable with Frankie and Grace.’

‘Well, as long as this new doctor understands that, too. It’s time we mixed Lab and Non-Lab couples were given some peace. We’re not that unusual anymore. There are many couples like us with Hybrid children,’ Ruby said.

‘I know, I know,’ Abel nodded, ‘but we do need to be sure all is well with our children. We still don’t know enough about Lab development yet, let alone Hybrid development. Maybe people like Dr Jensen and Dr Harrison can help us.’

Ruby gave him a smile. ‘OK, Abel. Perhaps Dr Jensen and Dr Harrison will show you that I’m absolutely fine - and our baby is, too.’

Patrick Jensen turned to his companion as they drew up outside the office building.

‘Well, Amanda. Here we are at The Compound.’

‘The admin building is part of the old Centre, isn’t it?’ she said, getting out of the car.

‘Yes. The research rooms have all been closed down now,’ he replied. ‘The Nursery and Children wards are empty and there are only a handful of the capsules in use in the Adolescent Ward. Most of the Labs there will be moved into the Mature Ward by the end of this year.’

‘Soon there’ll be no need of any of the wards, will there? Looks like there are still quite a few people living in the Compound though,’ Amanda Harrison said, looking at the rows of small houses on their right. ‘Are they all Labs?’

‘Some of them are single Labs and there are quite a few mixed couples here, too, now. The majority of the couples have a young child or a baby on the way.’

‘Ah, yes, the Hybrids. How did they get that name?’ his companion asked.

‘One of the national newspapers coined the term first when Beth and Frank had Frankie, the first mixed background child, and it stuck.’ Patrick looked up. ‘Here’s Abel now.’

A tall, broad-shouldered young white man was walking towards them accompanied by a slender black woman almost as tall as him.

‘Abel, Celia!’ Patrick said, holding out his hand, ‘Let me introduce you to the new psychologist on our team, Dr Amanda Harrison.’

‘I’m so pleased to meet you. It was very good of you to let me come along.’ Amanda smiled and shook hands with them both.

‘You’d like me to take a look at Ruby, Abel?’ Patrick continued.

‘Yes. As I said, she insists she’s fine, but I’d feel better if you can check all is well,’ Abel said.

Celia turned to Amanda as the two men walked towards one of the small houses.

‘Would you like to wait over here while Abel and Ruby speak to Dr Jensen? Abel will let us know when they are ready.’

‘Of course,’ Amanda replied, as she followed Celia into a spacious reception area in the office building.

‘Would you like tea or coffee?’ Celia asked as Amanda settled herself into a large comfortable sofa.

‘A coffee would be lovely, thank you,’ Amanda smiled. She looked around the room. There were several other sofas and a coffee table with a neat pile of newspapers and magazines. A notebook with a picture of a dinosaur on the cover was lying on the table. She flicked through it. There were pages of mathematical formulae. She looked up as a small boy ran into the room.

‘Oh, can I have my book, please?’ he held out his hand for the notebook.

‘Is this yours?’ Amanda raised her eyebrows, ‘Has someone been writing in it for you?’

The boy frowned and flicked through it.

‘No!’ He breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Sometimes Grace tries to scribble in it. I have to hide it.’

‘Frankie! We’ll be late if we don’t leave now.’ a voice called.

‘Coming, Mummy!’ he shouted. He had climbed on to another sofa and was pulling something from under the cushion.

A woman appeared in the doorway.

‘Frankie! Have you been taking the nursery toys again?’

‘Helen and I need these cars!’ he said, clutching two toy cars to his chest.

‘But you can’t keep taking them,’ his mother said, ‘That’s almost stealing!’

‘It’s nothing like stealing, Mummy! It’s only borrowing. I have every intention of returning them to their rightful owner,’ he replied indignantly.

‘Why do you have to take them home anyway? You can always play with them when you get to nursery,’ his mother continued.

Frankie scowled. ‘On Thursdays they let the red room children choose first and they take the best ones that we need.’

‘Well, they should have a chance to go first sometimes.’

‘They’re just babies. It doesn’t matter which ones they play with. They play silly games. And they put them in their mouths. Then they’re all wet when we get a chance to use them.’

‘Well, you were a baby once!’ his mother said.

‘That was ages ago. I’m four now.’ Frankie pulled himself up to his full height.

‘You’re only four?’ Amanda blurted out.

Frankie’s mother spun around.

‘I’m sorry! I didn’t notice you there,’ she said.

‘No, I must apologise,’ Amanda replied. ‘I didn’t mean to startle you.’

Frankie glared at her. ‘You said I was only four!’

Amanda patted his mother’s arm as she opened her mouth to speak.

‘I was just surprised at how bright and articulate you are, Frankie. And the work you have done in your book …’ She took a deep breath. ‘Oh, but you must be …’

‘A Hybrid! Yes that’s right!’ he nodded. ‘There are quite a lot of Hybrids now, like my sister, but the ones here are quite young; so I can’t play with them yet.’

Amanda looked at his mother.

‘So you must be Beth,’ she held out her hand. ‘What an amazing child you have!’

‘Thank you.’ Beth smiled. She glanced at the clock. ‘We have to go now, Frankie, we’ll be late!’

‘OK, Mummy.’ Frankie pushed the cars into her hands and ran to the coffee table. ‘Just let me get that magazine about the turbo engine. I can read it while the others have their afternoon nap.’

Amanda sank back onto the sofa as the two hurried out.

‘Are you OK?’ Celia asked as she came in holding a tray.

‘I’ve just met Frankie,’ she replied, shaking her head. ‘Are all … Hybrids … so bright?’

‘There are only a handful of Hybrids around Frankie’s age and they do tend to be more advanced than Non-Lab children, though we haven’t made a full assessment up to now.’

‘How many Hybrids are there now?’ Amanda leaned forward.

Celia’s brow creased. ‘Around a hundred would be a safe estimate. Most mixed-couple families prefer to get on with their own lives, the same as Non-Labs.’

‘Of course.’ Amanda held up her hands. ‘I’m just so amazed. That little boy! His mother is Lab and his father is … Non-Lab, isn’t he?’

Celia nodded.

‘Are there any children with both parents Labs?’ Amanda asked.

‘No,’ Celia shook her head. ‘No Lab has chosen another Lab as a partner.’

‘There must be a reason for this,’ Amanda continued. ‘Has any research been done on Lab relationships?’

‘Some of our people have started some investigations; but we don’t publicise our findings,’ Celia answered.

‘It would be fascinating to be involved in such research.’ the doctor sighed.

Celia turned to say something but the phone rang.

‘I’ll take you over to speak to Ruby now. She insists on a short interview as she is feeling quite tired.’

‘Oh, I won’t take up too much of her time, I promise. Just a couple of questions.’

Ruby was seated in a large comfortable armchair when Amanda and Celia entered her home. Outside on the balcony Patrick and Abel were talking.

‘Well, Dr Jensen says I’m absolutely fine.’ Ruby said. ‘Now Abel has got to believe me.’

‘You look to me as if you are growing by the minute, Ruby!’ Celia joked.

‘I feel it. Dr Jensen thinks, like all Hybrids, our baby will be here at least a month early. I must admit, that was good news for me!’ Ruby groaned.

Amanda sat down beside her as Celia went out. ‘How much longer have you got to go, Ruby?’

‘I’m five months pregnant, so probably two or three more months,’ she replied, ‘going by other Hybrid pregnancies. Hybrid babies seem to develop quicker than Non-Lab babies.’

‘I met young Frankie. What an amazing child. Celia tells me all Hybrids are like him. So we have a generation of highly talented youngsters growing up here. Think of what they can offer to society in the future.’ The doctor’s eyes shone.

‘As long as our baby is healthy, that’s our main concern,’ Ruby pointed out gently.

‘Of course,’ Amanda quickly agreed. ‘Anyway, what I really wanted to talk about was your life in a mixed relationship; any concerns you may have for your child? What about special educational arrangements? Frankie, for example – are his obvious talents being nurtured?’

‘He seems happy enough at the nursery, and at home here on the Compound,’ Ruby said.

‘I hardly think a local nursery will be sufficient to meet his needs. I would be quite happy to put into place some alternative arrangements for his education, and the same of course for any other Hybrid children,’ the doctor continued.

‘Thank you, but I think the arrangements we have in mind for our baby will be fine,’ Ruby said.

‘Well, you could give it some thought,’ Amanda gave a rather brittle smile. ‘I’d just like to ask you one or two questions about your life here. You all seem to get on well together, Labs and Non-Labs. What would you say your common interests are?’

‘Most of the couples here are parents with young children, or soon to be parents.’ Ruby smiled. ‘This is our first child, and it’s so reassuring to have other parents to talk to.’

‘And I expect all of you are thinking about the best future for your children?’

‘Of course we want the best for our children.’ Ruby said.

The doctor looked around as Abel entered. ‘Ruby and I were just talking about the future of your son or daughter. It’s so exciting, isn’t it?’

Abel smiled and nodded, ‘It certainly is! And of course, our little one will have plenty of companions of his or her age; there are five other Hybrid babies due around the same date.’

‘Could I perhaps speak to some of the other expectant mothers, Abel? Just a few questions?’

‘Dr Jensen is with three of the other mothers-to-be now. I will ask them if they would like to speak with you, I’m sure they won’t object,’ he replied.

Amanda stood up and shook Ruby’s hand. ‘I look forward to seeing you again, Ruby. It’s been such a pleasure to meet you.’

She looked up at Abel as she walked beside him.

‘You know, I’d really like to get to know more about Labs, your way of thinking – the differences and similarities with us ordinary humans, Non-Labs. And of course how Hybrids develop. From what Celia was telling me, Hybrids are certainly more advanced than Non-Lab children. Would you be willing to spare me some of your time, Abel?’ she asked. She noticed his hesitation. ‘It would be for the best for all Labs and their children.’

‘Yes, you’re right,’ Abel nodded finally.

She pulled a diary and pen out of her bag. ‘How about Friday morning? Ten o’clock?’

CHAPTER TWO

‘Thank you so much for coming today, Abel,’ Amanda said. ‘Ali is just going to attach a few monitors to record your heart rate, lung capacity, muscle density and a few other things as you exercise. We can then compare the results with a typical Non-Lab male of what we’d judge to be your age. Dr Jensen told me that Labs also have a rapid healing rate. He told me about your own recovery rate after you were shot five years ago by an anti-Lab supporter.’

Abel smiled. ‘Lab age is difficult to establish – we were awakened when we were Mature, at about sixteen Non-Lab years of age. As to the rapid healing rate, it was programmed into us when we were created as spare parts for the Non-Lab subscribers. The healing process after the transplant was accelerated.’

Amanda patted his arm, ‘Luckily those dark days are behind us now, Abel. The Labs and their Hybrid children can look forward to a promising future.’

Nearly two hours later Amanda smiled as Ali handed her a sheet of results.

‘Thank you, Ali,’ she said as she sat down at a desk with Abel.

She raised her eyebrows. ‘The Labs have a much higher level of fitness in all the areas we looked at today.’

‘All Labs are very aware of the need to keep healthy. Fitness has been high on our priorities from our time in The Caves. We also encourage our Non-Lab friends to follow a strict fitness regime,’ Abel replied.

Amanda smiled, ‘I couldn’t agree more. Without making time for exercise and the gym, I feel very sluggish. Most of my friends would agree with you, too.’

Abel nodded appreciatively as Amanda stood up and walked to get a folder from the far side of the room.

‘I can see you take care of your physical well-being.’

Amanda gave him a coy glance as she sat down opposite him again. ‘I must confess, a little vanity does play a part in my fitness regime.’ She opened a notebook and looked up at him. ‘I’ve done some research since I last saw you and it seems there has been a rise in Hybrid births all over the UK and America in the past six months.’

Abel nodded. ‘Yes, our Lab research has already established this fact. And the probable reason for it.’

His companion looked at him. ‘It’s directly related to the closing of the Nursery Ward, isn’t it?’ She continued as he nodded. ‘Soon all the Labs will have been released from the Centre wards. The Labs are now feeling driven to … procreate … to ensure the future of the Lab species. Is this the conclusion your research team came to?’

He nodded again. ‘Many Labs are in relationships and have started or are planning on having young soon.’

‘And a Lab always chooses a Non-Lab partner. Have your researchers any views on this?’ she continued.

‘Yes, we believe that Labs are not attracted to Labs as partners as this may lead to the same problems that cloning a clone instead of the original would mean. It would increase the chance of magnifying any defects in the programming. Much the same as most Non-Labs do not partner close relatives,’ he told her.

Amanda nodded. ‘This is very much what our own researchers came up with. You say “in relationships”. Aren’t some of the young Labs, at least some of the male Labs, considering having young with more than one female? Wouldn’t that make sense? They are capable of fathering more than one child with different mothers. Female Labs of course are more limited as they are restricted by the gestation period.’

Abel looked abashed. ‘I don’t know if our research factored in the length of the relationship between the Lab and Non-Lab.’

‘It would be worth considering for many of your young men, if you are seriously concerned about Lab numbers. The Labs should, of course, be assessing their potential Non-Lab partners carefully, to ensure the young are of the best quality. The male Labs should ensure the women they choose are of a high standard, physically and mentally. And that they are women who would appreciate the honour it is to be chosen to bear a Hybrid child.’

Her hand moved across the desk and touched his lightly. ‘I know of one woman who fits all categories; if you are willing, Abel … perhaps it is almost a duty of suitable male Labs to ensure the future of their race …’

He raised his hands. ‘I can see the logic in your ideas, Amanda, but Ruby …’

She stood up. ‘Think about it, Abel. I will see you this time next week. I’ve also got a meeting with Joel Harvey, the head of the top performing primary school in the UK. I want his advice on planning a suitable education programme for the Hybrids. Frankie’s talents are wasted in the local nursery, good though it may be. And what about your own child?’

Abel shrugged. ‘Well, Ruby and I must discuss this, and you will have to see what Beth and Frank think of your idea. They are happy that they are finally settling down to a more normal family life.’

‘We are quite happy with the local nursery -’ Ruby began a few days later as she sat opposite Amanda.

‘Don’t you think you should be putting your child’s interests first?’ Amanda persisted. ‘Don’t you realise what an honour has been bestowed on you? You have been chosen to have a Hybrid child! Surely you are going to do all you can to nurture and encourage this child to fulfil his or her full potential?’

Ruby shifted in her chair. ‘Well, of course, we’ll give our child the best opportunities we can …’

‘Can I just ask, what qualifications do you yourself have, Ruby? What was your career previously?’

Ruby shifted uneasily again under the other woman’s scrutiny.

‘Well, I didn’t actually … I thought I might apply for college … maybe when the baby is …’ she stammered.

Amanda shook her head sadly. ‘Ruby, you are a lovely person; I am sure you will be a caring mother, but you are certainly not equipped to educate a child with the IQ levels of the Hybrids we have interviewed. At two years old they are capable of carrying out tasks that many ordinary children would find well beyond them at five or six years of age. How will you answer the questions your son or daughter will be posing then?’

Ruby gave a sigh of relief as Abel and Frank came in.

‘Ah, Amanda,’ Abel said, ‘Celia told me I would find you here. Frank is interested in hearing about your plans for educating our youngsters.’

Frank pulled up a chair and sat down with them. ‘Yes, I know our Frankie is bright, really bright. And I want him to have all the chances we can give him. I don’t want him messing about at school like I did!’

Amanda nodded and gave a little smile to Ruby. ‘I’m sure we all want the best for our children, those born and yet to be born.’

Ruby sat back as the other three sat earnestly discussing schooling ideas.

‘Of course, Joel Harvey is highly qualified and has much experience in nurturing the potential of many generations of children,’ Amanda was telling the two men.

Ruby quietly sighed. She watched Frank’s intense expression as he hung onto Amanda Harrison’s every word. Abel’s expression was more guarded, but she could see he was also impressed with the psychologist’s ideas.

Amanda brushed Abel’s arm lightly as he opened the car door for her later that morning.

‘And have you considered my offer, Abel?’

He cleared his throat. ‘It is very flattering to be propositioned by such an intelligent and beautiful woman. I am sure that you would make a fine mother,’ he gave a smile, ‘but I have my own commitments and responsibilities …’

Amanda squeezed his arm. ‘You also have commitments and responsibilities to the Labs, Abel. To the future of your own race.’

Abel gently patted her hand and removed it. ‘I am sure that there are plenty of men – Lab or Non-Lab – who would be honoured to have a child with you, Amanda.’

A brittle smile froze on her face as she climbed into the car.

‘I’ll be in touch with you, and the other couples interested in Joel Harvey’s plans.’

‘I’d be happy never to see that woman again!’ Ruby groaned as Abel returned to the house.

‘We will need to discuss Harvey’s education plans. They are sound,’ he replied.

‘She makes having a baby sound like being part of a production line!’ Ruby scowled.

‘She is right about many things, Ruby. And she cares deeply about the future of our Hybrid children.’ ‘Don’t I know it! Amanda Harrison keeps making it very clear how honoured a silly thing like me should be to be chosen to have a Hybrid child. I wouldn’t be surprised to find she has her eyes on a male Lab to provide her with such a wonderful child.’

‘Well, she is intelligent, and physically attractive; I don’t think it will be long before she does find somebody willing. Actually … Amanda thinks all male Labs have a duty to father as many children as they can, as the last of the Labs are being awakened. To ensure the future of our species.’

‘Did she ask you to …?’ Ruby’s voice trailed off as she saw his expression. ‘Just wait till I see her! I’ll …’ ‘Ruby! Calm down! I can see the logic in her thinking, but I told her that I would not be interested personally.’

‘You can see the logic? You think it would be a good thing for Lab males to impregnate Non-Lab women and then abandon their children?’ Ruby cried.

Abel put his arms around her and pulled her close to him. ‘No, Ruby. It is better if they have a stable family background, as we plan for our children.’

Ruby nestled into his shoulder. ‘Abel?’

‘Mmm?’ he replied.

‘Were you tempted … by her offer? Even slightly?’ ‘Well, she is an attractive woman, with a convincing argument …’

He grinned as she looked up suddenly, horrified. ‘But no, not in the least!’