Unnatural Selection

By J.E. McKnight

In a world where the male population outnumbers the female eight to one, the survival of the human race depends on the advent of a breeding program, outlawing marriage and monogamous relationships. This is all anybody knows as there isn't a generation that hadn't had to participate in some breeding program or another. Martin 11 od Coddlebury and Eric 23 of Coddlebury grew up together in the same nursery and dreamed of the day they would be old enough to enter the breeding program. Everything changed, for Martin, the day he met Desiree 9 of Peppercoll. Now he is torn between his duty to the program - not to mention the law - and his feeling for a woman he knows he can never have...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dream Write Publishing
• Release date: Aug 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9781988723655

Book preview

Unnatural Selection

J. E. McKnight

Dream Write Publishing Ltd.

P.O. Box 57083 RPO Eastgate

Sherwood Park AB

T8A 5L7 Canada

www.dreamwritepublishing.ca

Copyright ©2019 J. E. McKnight

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Without limiting the rights under the copyright reserved above, no part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the author, except for quotations in book reviews and interviews. Please contact the publisher for use. Dream Write Publishing and the author are committed to providing quality literary products for all ages and provide the following in-house book rating:

Adult – sexual content that some readers may find offensive.

Unnatural Selection

ISBN # 978-1-988723-65-5

Cover artwork / photography by J. E. McKnight

The content and characters are of the author’s imagination and creativity; therefore, any resemblance to a person either living or dead is purely coincidental.

Photos used are the property of the author; images supplied by the author.

Library and Archives Canada Cataloging in Publication

Unnatural Selection

McKnight, J. E. (b. June 20, 1975 -)

Gibbons AB

Look for this novel in E-Book and POD

This book is dedicated to Mark and Shawleen Beattie who,

on June 22, 2019 – according to the world in this book

– broke a major law and entered into holy matrimony.

Congratulations to the both of you.

Thank you to my lovely wife, Robyn for her love, support, and patience

as I commit myself to this endeavor.

And, to the rest of my family –

parents, Andrew and Edith, brother, Patrick, sister, Tara, brother-in-law, Dwayne, and my younger brother, Jackson for all their support in my dream.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Epilogue

About the Author

One of the most exciting and enticing topics to speculate about is the idea that our reality – our Universe the way it is and the way we experience it – might not be the only version of events out there. Perhaps there are other Universes; perhaps even with different versions of ourselves, different histories, and alternate outcomes, than our own.

– Ethan Siegel (Starts with A Bang)

Before continuing into the story forget everything you know about our current universe and imagine you have lived your entire life in the world you are about to visit – it is the only life you have experienced and all you know – this is important because when you have nothing else to compare your world to, you don’t question it.

Chapter One

October 7, 2011

Pale Rock, Alberta

Martin 11 of Coddlebury strode into the forum, excited to attend his first ever fight. He had just turned fourteen years old, which meant he was of breeding age and it was time to move from Coddlebury – the ward two nursery – to the ward one male dorm. He knew, from that point on, his life in the northern Alberta town was never going to be the same.

The forum was filled to capacity, as it normally was on Friday fight nights. As the male population outnumbered the female, men were forced to fight for breeding rights since the beginning of time. At some point – the history books can't seem to agree on exactly when – the fighting matches became regulated. Every Thursday an auction was held where three eligible women – in three groups of three – were lined up in front of a crowd of men and each male would put his name down in an entry box for the woman of his choosing. When all eligible men voted for their favourite, two names from each box were drawn and those would be the combatants for the desired female. Since only the elders kept record of births and family trees, each name was carefully matched against the lineage of his chosen female. Once combatants were selected, they prepared for the Friday night match where the winner would win a weekend with the chosen woman and they would use that time to commence breeding in hopes of becoming pregnant and adding to the human race. The hope for every encounter was to give birth to a female. Male to female ratio was eight to one, so the odds of that occurring were not in any one pairing's favour.

Martin was unable to get a seat in the full house, but he was just as excited to stand on the sidelines and watch his first match. The following Thursday would be his first opportunity to select a woman from his age group. He felt excited about the prospect of getting into the ring to battle it out in true heroic fashion; he didn't realize he should be nervous. He had been training for the matches since he was ten years old but then, so had everyone else.

Fists flew through the air. Although facial contact wasn't against the rules, the referees made sure too much attention wasn't paid to the head and face. No one wanted to be in rough shape when meeting the lady on the weekend – as well, aside from fingerless fighter gloves, the only protection worn by the combatants was an athletics cup. It wouldn't do to cause injury to that area and render the fighter infertile.

Martin watched two matches before he was escorted out by security. He exited the arena with a huge grin on his face. He managed to catch two great fights – more than he could have ever imagined. One day I will get a seat in the bleachers and stay for all nine matches. Better yet, one day I will rule the ring and win every fight I'm matched in.

Martin stared up at the exterior of the forum and fantasized about being champion, until a familiar voice cut into his thoughts. Behind him he saw his close friend, Eric 23 of Coddlebury, standing on the other side of the busy street. He crossed both lanes of asphalt when he caught a break in traffic.

How much did you see? I couldn't even get in. Eric shoved his hands into his jeans and shrugged. His disappointment resonated on his face.

I watched two whole matches before they realized I was there. We need to try and earn some money so we can afford to attend for real.

What's it like? This is what we'll have to do soon. Eric turned and continued in the same direction as Martin.

It's nothing we can't handle. We've been training for this for years.

Martin, everybody has been training same as us.

Oh, but Eric, the women I saw were so beautiful. They're worth fighting for.

Everybody feels the same way. What makes us any different?

It just occurred to me, one day we might have to battle each other. How do we handle that? Martin purposely changed the subject to avoid having to admit he might not actually become the champ he was in his dreams.

We handle it like any other match, I suppose. If we don't wish to fight each other, we make sure we never vote for the same woman.

It's going to feel weird not living in the same building anymore. I can't believe we were moved to different dorms.

I know. But it's not like we're that far away. The ward two dorms are less than ten minutes from ward one. Besides, we're still in the same school. We will still see lots of each other.

Eric stopped to pick up a stone from the sidewalk and rolled it between his fingers before tossing it to the ground.

What's your mentor like?

So far he seems nice. I think I can learn a lot from him when it comes to the breeding program. He's entered two hundred times; his name has been drawn fifty times, and he’s won thirty-five of those matches.

Wow! How many of those resulted in pregnancy?

Eighteen. Five of them turned out to be females.

My mentor hasn't told me that much. He mostly tells me what to eat and when to exercise and go to bed.

He seems like a barrel of laughs. Maybe he'll come around.

Desiree 9 of Peppercall sat at the edge of her top bunk. Her mentor, when she came to bed, would be on the bottom. She was told, because of the difference in numbers between men and women, the men had to bunk four to a room – two teens fourteen to eighteen with their mentors. When anyone reached the age of eighteen, they would get teens of their own to mentor. The time in her new room in the ward one female dorms was a lot different from her time at the crowded ward one Peppercall nursery. She was pleased to have a room almost all to herself – her mentor didn't stay in the room except to share her wisdom and to sleep.

As happy as she was not to have to share a room with three other women, she really needed someone to talk to. Where is Diane? For a mentor she sure isn't around when I need her. Desiree jumped down from her bunk, slid into her slippers, and headed down the corridor to the main room. Hopefully Diane is there. I don't know if I'll ever get to sleep if I can't speak to her.

She entered the main common room and searched the many faces enjoying coffee and conversation, playing pool, or having a friendly game of cards. She couldn't see Diane anywhere. She moved past all the women relaxing in the quiet atmosphere, passing the door to the library – she knew her mentor better than that – and headed for the door she was prohibited to enter. Strange, I'm old enough for the breeding program but not old enough to enter the dorm bar.

Pushing the door open, Desiree entered the establishment with a quiet confidence as if she had every right to be there. As she scanned the faces in the noisy bar, it came as no surprise to her when she saw Diane sitting with three other women – all sipping colourful drinks except Diane who sucked back a bottle of beer.

Diane nearly choked on the amber liquid when she caught sight of her charge heading straight for her table. Pardon me, ladies. I need to take care of something. Diane stood and made a beeline for the young girl.

Diane, I was looking everywhere for you! I'm so worried...

Are you out of your mind? You're going to get us both in trouble.

Desiree grabbed a chair and started to pull it out. Well, I...

Not here! Are you mad? Come on! Let's go for a walk. She grabbed the girl's arm and led her to the exit.

The two women walked down the permitted trail, which traveled far from the male dorms. Men and women weren't prohibited from interacting during the day or in a professional capacity. Nighttime activities were limited to breeding activities. Everyone knew unregulated breeding was strictly prohibited as was any form of contraceptive – medicinal, manufactured, or surgical.

What's bothering you, kid? New room a little much to get used to?

It is quite different. The nursery is so noisy. I got used to the racket but that's not what's bothering me. I'm nervous about next Thursday.

Ah, you're slated to be put up for auction, eh? I can understand. I was nervous my first time, too. I take it you've already submitted your blood and urine samples?

Yes, they've done all the STD checks and they've also run all their tests to be sure I am able to reproduce, and they took DNA samples. As far as all that's concerned, I'm good to go. I just don't know what to do about the actual night. What if I don't like the guy? I'm not going to want to do… ‘that’ with a guy I don't like. It could be so yucky. Desiree crossed her arms, scrunched up her face in disgust, and shivered against the chill of the night.

Diane nodded her understanding as she peered at the male dorm in the distance hoping to catch the eye of her next match. She liked to toss a little bait out to lure in the ones she wanted to have a go at.

Listen, kid, it's probably best if you don't like the guys you hook up with. You don't want to confuse the situation. You'll wind up wanting to be with them again and again and, if they don't win their bout, you could end up searching for illegal hook ups. You don't want to face legal action for a night of fun. Trust me. It's not worth it. I've seen the results of it – we’re talking jail time and fines – and you don't want that.

Desiree, too, peered in the direction of the male dorms and wondered if she would see the man she would be matched with on her first night. She couldn't see much in the dark of night. The streetlights did little to assist her in her quest.

I won't know what to do. What if I'm no good?

You're going to be matched with a male close to your own age. Whether he's experienced or not, it shouldn't matter. You two will figure it out together. You have the whole weekend to try. But, if you'd like, I can go over a few things with you.

Oh wow! Thank you, Diane! Thank you! Desiree threw her arms around her mentor and squeezed tight.

Okay, okay! Diane laughed as she patted the girl on the back. You're welcome. But for tonight, I'll take you back to our room. I'll be coming home in about an hour. I trust you'll be able to sleep well tonight.

Chapter Two

May 30, 2019

Martin and Eric sat amid the crowd in the forum and watched as each woman was introduced with a brief description of her character. She was paraded across the stage for all to view.

Are you going to enter your name this time? Eric whispered, elbowing Martin in the ribs.

I don't see anyone who interests me.

What are you talking about? You'd be lucky to spend your next weekend with any one of those girls.

They just don't do it for me, okay? I don't know what to tell you.

You can start by telling me what's changed. You started off so excited about this whole process that you would put your name down every week in hopes of being picked.

And where did that get me? I've lost the majority of my matches. I'm not the champ I thought I was going to be.

Ah, but you haven't lost them all. Eric playfully jabbed Martin in the ribs. Okay, so tell me, if you're not going to put your name in, why have you been training so hard?

I have my reasons.

You're going to get into a shit load of trouble if you're caught not voting for your favourite. Eric looked at Martin's face and noticed how his expression changed when he mentioned 'his favourite' – his head was no longer held high; looking his friend square in the eye. He was now avoiding eye contact and his mouth was no longer smiling but twisted as if trying to force a grin. Unless, of course, your favourite isn't in this group.

Martin sheepishly grinned and turned away.

Oh shit! You're waiting for a specific girl to be presented, aren't you? Are you insane? You could get some serious penalties for a move like that. Eric stood and peered down at his friend trying to keep his voice so no one else could hear. You go ahead and put your life at risk if you wish but I'm going to enter my name. There's a little Asian beauty I'd like hook up with. She and I could make beautiful kids together.

Have fun with that, bud. Martin grinned, slapping his friend on the back as he made his way to the stage to slip his name, amongst all others, into the box marked with the young woman's name.

Eric winked at the young lady who stood straight, shoulders back, with her hands crossed in front. He slipped the card into the slot and turned to head back to his place next to his friend wearing a big grin on his face. He looked forward to seeing her – even if it wasn't that weekend – even if she appeared to view it as purely a business transaction. He was convinced he could make her see it as an opportunity for a weekend of adventure and pleasure.

I have a feeling about this one, he said, beaming.

Until you've had her; then you'll have a feeling about the next one.

What can I say? I'm just assisting the fight for the human race.

Desiree sat in the common room eating a muffin when Sue 20 of Peppercall strode into the room and headed straight for Desiree's table. She pulled out a chair and grabbed a muffin from the basket in the center of the table.

I saw him in the crowd again today.

Desiree swallowed hard and closed her eyes. Did he put a vote in?

No. I've only seen him vote on days you're up for a match.

When is he going to learn? I can't be the only one he can try and match with. The odds for the human race rest on everyone breeding as often as they can. Desiree ran her fingers through her shoulder length auburn hair.

How long has this been going on?

We had sex once five years ago. He's been waiting for my scheduled turn ever since. I'm not sure if it started earlier or not.

And nothing since then?

I've been pregnant three times since then. Other than that one time, he hasn't won another fight.

More of a lover than a fighter, eh? Not exactly a superman, huh?

No but he is a sweet guy. I’ve bumped into him around town and he’s always friendly; not like some of the guys who can be crass and rude. I’ve had to file harassment charges on some guys; even going as far as to blacklist them if their name ever appears in the ballot box.

You’re not the only one who has that problem. I don’t know what more they can do.

Desiree swallowed the last of her muffin and checked the time on her cell phone. Oh crap! I didn’t realize what time it was. I’ve got to get going. I’m meeting my new charge this afternoon. I’m supposed to show her around.

I’ll walk with you. I’m meeting my new charge tomorrow. Sue picked the garbage from the tabletop and the two women stood to leave. What is your old charge doing now that she’s graduated from high school?

They tossed their trash and then headed in the direction of the auditorium where young women were to be matched with mentors.

She’s going into medical school to go for her nursing degree. I’m really proud of her. She is such a sweet girl. She told me she’d try and make it home as often as she could to visit. Desiree smiled to hide the pain she felt – she knew she would miss the young woman terribly. They shared a room for four years and now she was leaving the small town of 5,500 for the big city.

Sue stopped at the auditorium doors when she saw the packed room full of women, from teenagers waiting to be matched with mentors to middle-aged women who were near the age of retirement from the breeding program. Desiree said good-bye to her friend and smiled because she knew she would have to go through the same thing the following day. The young woman weaved and bumped her way through the throng mingling and partaking in the catered lunch and snacks. Events like that almost made her doubt the twelve per cent margin between men and women. She stood so close to those women it felt like an intimate encounter. She could tell which women showered recently and which ones had held off a few days. If I was caught this close to a man I could end up with a serious fine.

An announcement crackled over the speakers hanging from each corner of the auditorium, announcing the start of the evening. The group of women, who were there to be matched with a charge, lined against the wall under one of the basketball hoops while the teen girls lined up across from them under the opposite net – she counted fifteen in total. All other women, caregivers, organizers, caterers, and women who just liked free food and the entertainment of mentor-matching pushed to the other end of the gym and took a seat on the bleachers. Desiree breathed a sigh of relief; she could actually breathe again without smelling the overwhelming aroma ranging from perfume to body odor. She folded her hands in front of her and scanned the young faces staring back.

I wonder who I will be assigned. Cheri was a sweet child but she took a lot of work and was more nervous than even I was when faced with the registration into the breeding program. She turned out all right, though. I still can’t believe someone I mentored is going into nursing college. I’ve heard from other mentors and charges that’s not always the case but I haven’t experienced the other side of the coin yet. I wonder. She studied each face and poise to see if she could pick out the one girl she thought looked the most nervous. It became a game to see if she could pick out the girl with whom she would be matched.

All the girls stood still with their hands folded in front; their little legs poked out from under plaid skirts that came to just below their knees. The proper way to stand and wait – for mentor pairing, breeding matches, and just about any other assembly where girls were the focus – I remember all the rigorous training I had to go through. No doubt the girls have already had a couple hundred hours of etiquette training to prepare them for the program.

The little blond girl on the left seemed to have a little bounce to her, when the coordinator who inspected the young women wasn’t looking. That could be nerves or excitement. If it were nerves, though, could she turn it off when the coordinator came back around to her?

Desiree couldn’t tell if the little black girl in the center was nervous or not. She didn’t move a muscle. You could barely tell she was breathing but Desiree could swear she saw her twiddling her thumbs on occasion. The coordinator didn’t seem to notice. Not much of an inspector. Maybe the rules were stricter in my day. As she went down the line, Desiree noticed a red-headed girl with ringlets in her hair. Her knobby knees visibly shook as the coordinator approached her.

"Stiffen those legs! How are you supposed to get positive attention from a man when he sees you’re scared to death? Only proper ladies with confidence will get the votes. These women in front of you are here to be your friend, to teach you in the ways of life, and the breeding program. This is not the time when