The guard laughed. "You living free and easy, camping under the trees, like a nomad? Well, I'll be. How convenient. But, you listen here. You're lucky I'm alone right now...another guard wouldn't be this easy on you. You can't just take food without doing your share...yeah, I noticed you haven't been to work in some time. I'll let you go today, but you can't goof off any more. You better all be at work tomorrow, you understand? Make sure you bring No Name, too. You hear?"
Loni nodded energetically.
His pack was handed back to him; yet Loni still waited until the overseer had turned his back, and strode away. When he was out of sight, Loni quickly blended into the surrounding trees, where there were no cameras, so he would not be seen, or followed.
****
His worst fears had been realized; the dreaded day had come.
Loni and Da had helped their two women to the work site, but they had little energy to be of any use. Lydia could dig, and lug things; she and Da worked well together, but the woman had little desire for life, and simply sat there, if you didn't prod her.
Gem sat down to weed; her level of energy depleting quickly.
Their work patch had become so over grown, the weeds were taller than the infant seedlings. At least, before all had been abandoned, Da had done a replanting.
Between them, they had managed two days of constant maintenance, bringing the patch to near normal, again. Then the overseers came around to check on them; and...they also noticed Gem's condition. Of course, they had to report it.
A short time later, using their usual method of communication, Loni was accosted, rudely grabbed from behind, and spun around to face the messenger.
"Flaw! Listen! Bring your females to the Physicians. They haven't had a check up in a while. You understand?"
Loni nodded.
What else could he do? If he didn't comply, they would forcefully take the women, whether he liked it or not.
Now, quaking with dread of what might happen, Loni stood with the other three, waiting in line to be seen.
****
With Da on the other side of the examining table on which she sat, a Physician stood over Lydia. He had just finished the full body scan. Uncomfortable and rebellious, Lydia sat up as soon as he was finished.
Da didn't need to be told how much she hated the Physicians now. Gem and Loni could also sense the anger in both of them.
Lydia's doctor turned to the Physician still examining Gem; spoke with satisfaction in his voice, as he addressed his companion.
"This one has recovered quite nicely. Think we should separate the pair...try another male?"
The other shook his head. "Naw. They mate well. Give No Name another chance to father a male. The last one they had may have been female, but it's still healthy."
The first nodded in agreement.
"How is Flaw's partner?"
The second man, stepped away from Gem, huffing in disgust. "I can't figure how she got this bad off...needs a better diet, and more rest. She is so close to term...it's a little late now. And, this stupid monitor won't show me the sex...faulty again!"
Both Loni and Gem knew what was wrong with the instrument, but neither would ever tell. Gem had willed the screen to go fuzzy. Loni heaved a sigh of relief when she was successful.
He knew his offspring was a female, also, and if they ever found out, they'd do to Gem what they had done to Lydia...only they would kill his child. It would come out white.
From the conversation between the two Physicians, Loni realized, they were still keeping Da and Lydia's baby alive; experimenting... Something needed to be done about that!
"Should we keep the pregnant one here, maybe?"
Loni cringed.
"Naw. No need for that. I think she's better off active. Send her back with Flaw...see that she's given a protein supplement."
Over my dead body! They use human meat to make that!
Loni resolved to throw those away, as soon as they were given the capsules.
****
With relief, Loni lead the way out of the med center, but at the door, was abruptly brought up short by a large door guardian. He was gripped by the shoulders, and pulled up close to the face of the bearded giant.
"Hold up, Flaw! The Review overseer wants a word with you. He needs a few questions answered. Bring the other three along."
The four followed obediently, to stand before a desk in another room. As they waited for the director to look up, and deal with their case, Loni gazed about apprehensively.
What was it all about?
It was then, Loni noticed Scar, standing off to the side. His two hearts began knocking together in panic; fear became the taste in his mouth.
The Director stood up, rounded the desk, so he was next to Loni. He was irate; meant to get right up and personal. When Loni backed away, the hulking beast seized him by the shoulders. Stooping a bit, the Director made certain they were eye to eye. He shouted to make sure Loni would not mistake his attitude.
"Do you understand me, Flaw?"
Shivering, Loni nodded.
"Good! Now...WHERE...IS...GALAR?"
Loni swallowed with difficulty; chose to pretend innocence. Shrugged.
"Did you kill him?"
That one Loni could answer honestly.
Loni's eyes went wide, an excellent imitation of shocked innocence.
"Don't you con me!" growled the Director.
Suddenly, threateningly, a huge guard, twice her size, forced Gem up next to them. At his first touch, she let out a startled, terrified squeak, and stood trembling.
The Director turned to address her.
"Did your she kill him?"
The large guard shook Gem violently for
