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  “Well, I know that whatever we have, there will be no shortage of aunties bringing up the rear. I can’t believe they are going to run all the clones at once.”

  “I think they are going for a bit of natural population. They are going to keep meticulous records, of course, but I think they want to try to grow their own from scratch.” Lynni wrinkled her nose. “Of course, they don’t have to grow them. Having babies is dangerous.”

  “I know. Remember the stories that Gran used to tell about her sisters and how they died having kids?”

  Lynni shuddered. “Remember? When I realized I didn’t have to actually bear the kids, I was so happy I nearly passed out.”

  Ty smirked. “Me too. As I told the council, I just got control of my body again. I want to keep it.”

  “Well, I got this lovely colouration and I would hate to see what stretchmarks do to it.”

  “Is there any word on the other Terrans?”

  Lynni nodded. “Yes, but it is classified.”

  Ty blinked. “What?”

  “You heard me. There are things that I can’t discuss as an elder. Blame yourself. You nominated me and seconded the nomination.”

  Ty frowned and tried to figure out a way out of the trap she had made for herself.

  * * * *

  Leko looked over at the ladies from across the common area. “So, what are you hoping that she chooses? Boy or a girl?”

  Brex smiled. “A boy for her, a girl for me. Ty has told me over and over that there will be plenty of girls around. I want to know what a little boy with her genes will be capable of.”

  Leko shuddered. “That sounds like a prescription for endless sleepless nights.”

  “I know. Staying up with Ty is an excellent way to spend an evening. How about you? Boy or girl?”

  Leko looked over at his bi-coloured Bride. “A girl for her and for me. She has all the traits that we were told the ancient Lrrko women have, and there can’t be too many of them out there for me. She is strength, grace, intelligence, all combined with a streak of aggression that is kept in check. I think our world would be richer for her contribution.”

  Brex looked at him and scowled. “I want to change my answer.”

  They laughed together and continued to plan the future of their genetic heirs.

  * * * *

  Lynni looked at the men and shook her head. “I am not going to figure them out in a hurry.”

  Ty nodded. “I am not even going to try. So, how do you want to go about finding a chocolate substitute?”

  Lynni shrugged. “I dunno. Go into the market and start licking things?”

  Ty paused for a moment, and then, she broke into a cackle that brought Brex’s head around, pointed toward her.

  Lynni grinned and winked at Leko. She might be of two minds about a lot of things, but her Familiar wasn’t one of them. They had a future together, and she was looking forward to every moment.

  Author’s Note

  Well, I have done it. I am going to end the Terran Times Second Wave series in eight more books. I have been writing this series in one version or another for ten years, and I am done. Look for Quit next summer.

  I am working to create a new universe to take the place of the Terrans and I hope that it will meet with your approval.

  Thanks for reading,

  Viola Grace

  http://www.violagrace.com

  [email protected]

  About the Author

  Viola Grace (aka Zenina Masters) is a Canadian sci-fi/paranormal romance writer with ambitions to keep writing for the rest of her life. She specialises in short stories because the thrill of discovery, of all those firsts, is what keeps her writing.

  An artist who enjoys a story that catches you up, whirls you around and sets you down with a smile on your face is all she endeavours to be. She prefers to leave the drama to those who are better suited to it, she always goes for the cheap laugh.