The Epicene Effect
By Jerry Leckie

PROLOGUE

    No one knew what caused it, but everyone had an opinion. People blamed it on global warming, the Earth's magnetic field, sun spots, the wrath of God, you name it. About one hundred seventy years ago—shortly after the turn of the twenty-second century—, the human birthrate began to drop. Initially, it decreased slowly-but-steadily, until about eighty years ago when it plummeted.

    At first, the phenomenon began to affect the global economy, but technology came to the rescue with more machines to automate production. However, as the birthrate continued to decline, the structure of society began to fall apart and governments became involved. In short order, children were sent to school as soon as they could walk. Youths graduated from school and entered the work force at thirteen and retirement age was extended to eighty. But, Mother Nature had not finished visiting disaster on humankind, for it soon became apparent that the vast majority of the few children born were male.

    When the declining birthrate went into a rapid landslide eighty years ago, every society in every nation, united to save the human race from extinction, for it was running out of time. Cultures changed dramatically, because the production of children became paramount. Women were sequestered in government sponsored Propagation Centers. They were pampered with every luxury imaginable, but their sole purpose in life became to birth babies. The scientists who ran the centers experimented with thousands of drugs and hormones - on both males and females. With medical treatments, the average age of puberty worldwide was reduced to age ten. By the age of thirteen, males and females were mature adults, mentally and physically.

    At the beginning of the crisis, scientists tried artificially inseminating females, but they ultimately found that women conceived more often when impregnated the old fashioned way. Thus, the governments began testing the semen of all males who had achieved puberty. Those males who produced the highest quality semen were required to make daily visits to a propagation center. This approach to the problem seemed to be successful. All children born in the propagation centers were raised in government complexes until they graduated from school at age thirteen. Then, another phenomenon gradually occurred.

    Scientists began to see it as they gene-typed the males. Whatever the cause, it became apparent that more homosexual males were being born than heterosexual males. This worked both for and against the human race. On the one hand, with all females removed from the community, homosexual relationships were encouraged, to keep some domestic order in the culture. When a man graduated from school, he was expected to enter the workforce, find a male mate, settle down and become a happy productive member of society. On the other hand, with more and more homosexual men reaching the age of puberty, soon the majority of men eligible to propagate would be naturally reluctant to have intercourse with the females. And, it was propounded that forced intercourse would have a negative effect on conception. The potential for global disaster was becoming worse.

    While scientists and politicians were wringing their hands in panic, religion came to the rescue. Under the guise of religious service, homosexuals were expected to participate in the propagation of the planet, but their support was couched in religious terms, designed to inflict guilt for non-compliance. Thus, church leaders--with government sanction--initiated the sacrament of Holy Conception, and homosexuals were bid to make an offering of their seed to God as active celebrants. By and by, churches became part of the government-sponsored propagation centers and the scientists, politicians and priests held their collective breaths.

Chapter One

    Toby Lawrence773 had celebrated his thirteenth birthday and graduated from school. His dormitory mates were planning a great going away party; he had recently been hired by a large accounting firm in the city; the Housing Authority had found a nice apartment for him; and he was dating a great guy that might be the love of his life. He was ready to go out and conquer the world!

    The rays of the rising sun burst through the window of the dormitory room as Toby packed his personal effects. He was humming to himself, wondering just how much better life could get, when he turned to the open doorway at the sound of his name. A messenger handed him an envelope and left. With a slight frown, he tore it open and began to read the contents. Isaac, his roommate, strolled in at that moment, gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and puckered in distaste. With a finger, he lifted his friend's chin and said, "Tobe, you're the most handsome man in this dorm, but you ain't going to please your fella tonight unless you shave. Your whiskers feel like a porcupine." Toby, as well as the other boys his age, had been shaving for the past two years, due to the male hormone treatments. When he didn't respond to the tease, Isaac looked over Toby's shoulder.

    "Whatcha reading my man?"

    "It's from the Department of Propagation. I have to have my sperm tested this morning. I forgot about having that done."

    Isaac flopped down on his bed. "I thought you were supposed to have that test on your thirteenth birthday."

    Toby looked both guilty and a little upset. "I was, but I forgot about it. I hope I'm not in any trouble. This is serious stuff."

    Isaac sat up and gave Toby a broad smile. "Son, when they test your sperm, it'll be so sweet they'll give you a bouquet of roses." Toby and Isaac did not have a romantic relationship; but, because of the artificially accelerated sperm production of their bodies, they routinely had sex to give themselves relief.

    "Next year when they test my shitty sperm, they're gonna castrate me, unless I run fast enough."

    Isaac's infectious humor had done it's work; Toby fell on his bed laughing. They continued to giggle for some minutes, then Toby looked back at the letter in his hand. Sobering, he said, "Well, I'm due at the Center in an hour." They rose and Toby gave his buddy a hug. "Thanks man. You're the best."

    Isaac held on to him for a moment longer. "Man, I'm going to miss you. You've been a hoot to live with. When are you moving out?"

    "Day after tomorrow."

    "Okay, we'll have a blowout tomorrow night: dinner, dancing, the works. Maybe you can introduce us to that hunk you've been dating for the last couple of months."

    Toby smiled brightly at his friend. "Deal." He pulled away and put on his jacket. "I'd better be on my way."

    Isaac placed a hand on either side of Toby's face and scratched the whiskers with his fingernails. "Ya better shave first."

§ § §

    Eight hours later, Tom Hansen912 opened the door to his apartment to behold a bewildered looking Toby. A porter stood behind him with his hand on a cart bearing all of Toby's worldly possessions. Tom swung the door wide with a smile. "You must be Toby Lawrence. Father Benton said I would be getting a roommate this afternoon." At Toby's hesitation, he said, "Come in. Come in."

    Toby slowly walked through the doorway followed by the porter with the cart. The man unloaded the cases and departed. Tom placed an arm around the boy's shoulders. "I'm glad you're here. I haven't had a roommate since I was assigned here." He gestured to the room. "Welcome to your new home." Toby saw a pleasant enough place, a couch and several comfortable chairs positioned before an entertainment center, a dining table near to an efficiency kitchen, and two beds and dressers against the back wall. The west wall was all glass, giving on to a private balcony and a spectacular view of the city from the eightieth floor. The apartment actually looked luxurious, and was certainly better than his old dormitory room. Tom pointed toward another door. "The bathroom, laundry facilities, dressing room and walk-in closet are in there." He gently squeezed Toby's shoulder. "I hope you'll be happy here."

    Toby gave him a wan expression. "Thanks Tom, but I don't know what I'm doing here."

    The smile slid from Tom's face. "They didn't tell you that you would be serving in the church?" Toby shook his head. "Come on, sit down and we'll talk." He sat Toby at the dining table, rummaged in the refrigerator and poured drinks. Seating himself at the table, he said, "Okay, now tell me what's happened to you."

    Toby recounted the events of the day, beginning with his plans and expectations for his life and ending with, "So, I went to the Propagation Center to have my sperm tested. After I got naked, they strapped me on this table and put this machine on my penis and a bunch of electrodes all over my body. Then, they turned it on and it kept me on the edge of orgasm for the longest time, maybe hours. I finally had the biggest orgasm of my life. I must have ejaculated for two minutes. They unstrapped me and told me to get dressed and wait in the next room. A couple of hours later, this guy comes bounding through the door with a smile that could have sold a ton of toothpaste. He tells me that I've been reassigned, to go back to the dorm, pick up my stuff and come to this address."

    Tom reached across the table and took Toby's hand. "You poor guy. Your world has been turned upside down all in one day."

    A lone tear trickled down Toby's cheek. He looked up at Tom and asked, "Can you tell me what's happening to me?"

    Tom's voice momentarily stuck in his throat as he met Toby's pale gray eyes. His own eyes were light gray, but Toby's were almost colorless, and, he thought, quite beautiful, stunning even. Recovering quickly, he adopted a reassuring manner. "From the reaction of the doctor at the Propagation Center, your sperm test must have gone off the charts. Normally, that would mean you would be a daily visitor to the House of Propagation and also maintain a life in society. But, since they sent you here, you must be homosexual." Toby nodded. "Prime sperm donors who are homosexual are consigned to the church. No doubt you soon will be a daily celebrant at Holy Conception." Toby's eyes grew large. Tom was afraid he had said too much, and he didn't want to upset the man further. He gave Toby's hand a gentle squeeze and continued, "However, Father Benton said he would drop by this evening to welcome you. Perhaps he can explain more then."

    "Thanks Tom. I don't mean to be a big baby, but I'm so confused my head is spinning. I didn't get a chance to say good bye to any of my friends, not to mention the sweet guy I've been dating. And what about the job I just got hired for and the apartment I just rented? Shit!" he fumed in frustration.

    "I'm sure Father Benton can answer all your questions. In the meantime, relax. I'll be here to help you. Come on, let's get you settled in."

     As they unpacked the cases, Tom talked casually about himself to take Toby's mind off his problems. "I turned thirteen six months before I graduated from school. So, I was sperm tested before I had a chance to make the kind of plans you did." He gave a self-deprecating chuckle. "My test went off the charts too. Anyway, I've lived here for the past year, serving at church services in the mornings and teaching sex education classes at the school in the afternoons."

     Toby was not familiar with all the details of the sacrament, but he knew enough to give Tom a critical look. "You celebrate Holy Conception every day?"

     Tom chuckled. "Yep, I have intercourse with a different female 365 days a year."

     "I learned the art of intercourse with females in sex education class, but I can't imagine doing it every day."

   Tom smiled wryly. "Well first, it's our duty to God, and second, the acolytes make it bearable for us." His smile turned mischievous. "But, I'll deny I ever said that last part."

     Toby laughed at the remark without knowing why as he put away the last of his clothes. Tom stacked the cases in the closet and said, "I'm hungry. Let's fix dinner."

     They moved over to the kitchen area and Toby watched with fascination as Tom cooked. Having eaten in the dormitory cafeteria and in restaurants all his life, he had never seen food prepared for consumption and had never enjoyed such delicious smells in the process. He followed Tom's every move, so much so, that Tom kept bumping into him.

    "Can I learn to do that? It looks like fun and smells so great."

"Sure you can. I'll teach you." With that, Tom began a running account of his activities until they sat down to eat.

     At the table, Toby picked up a utensil and taste tested a bit of each item on his plate. "Um, this is fantastic! We never had anything like this at the dorm."

    Tom snickered. "Dorm food is mass produced. I have a bit more quality control here."

    "Please teach me to cook like this," Toby pleaded.

    "How could I refuse those beautiful eyes. I'll teach you how to plan a menu, then tomorrow we'll go grocery shopping."

    Toby was becoming quite animated, looking at Tom with big eyes. "I've never done that before."

    Tom gave him a warm smile, pleased to see that he was leaving his funk behind. "You'll love it. It'll be fun."

    As they ate the last bites, the door chime sounded. Tom admitted Father Benton and made introductions. Benton shook hands with Toby, holding his grasp longer than necessary to stare at the boy's eyes.

    "I'm pleased to meet you Toby," he said sincerely.

    "Likewise Father," Toby responded with a smile. He liked the man immediately. Benton was not much older than Tom, sixteen at most, and he was dressed in casual clothes. The only sign of his office was the mark of the church that he wore on a chain around his neck.

    Once seated in the lounge area, Tom began the conversation. "Father, Toby was only sperm tested today, then he was sent here immediately. Consequently, he has some concerns about some unfinished plans he had made."

    Toby explained the details, and Benton nodded sympathetically. "It is policy for the Center to act as it did, but they could have given you time to take care of unfinished business. Tell you what, tomorrow I'll make things right with your prospective employer and landlord, then tomorrow, after your duties are completed, you and Tom can make a proper goodbye to your dorm mates." Toby nodded appreciatively. "Now, as to your boyfriend, have you two made a commitment to each other?" Toby shook his head and Benton sighed with relief. "Then I strongly recommend that you break off with him now, for you will soon become a celebrant, and that will require all of your focus. In the past, celebrants who have tried to maintain romantic relationships have been bitterly disappointed."

    Toby looked down at his hands to hide another tear that trickled down his cheek. Benton leaned forward to make his point. "I want you to be happy and content here Toby. Tom is a good man and will guide you well." He sat back and referred to a folder in his hand. "Toby, please verify something for me. Your legal name is Tobias Lawrence773, and you were born January 12, 2257?" Toby nodded in the affirmative. Benton smiled. "For your information Toby, Tom's legal name is Thomas Hansen912, and he was born December 2, 2255." Then, he regarded both boys for a moment. "Toby, I've decided that I want you to work with Tom for the next few weeks as an acolyte when he celebrates Holy Conception and as his assistant in teaching his sex education classes."

    Toby nodded his acceptance. "As you wish Father." But, Tom was momentarily taken aback, for it was unheard of for the same acolyte to assist a celebrant at every service. Then, he mentally shrugged; it was not his place to question the church; his priest had spoken. The boys knelt as Father Benton recited a blessing and made the sign of the church over them. Then, he took his leave. Tom decided not to comment on the working arrangement Benton had set for them. Instead, considering the emotionally draining day Toby had had, he suggested that they retire for the evening. Toby readily agreed.

§ § §

    The dark tinting of the glass of the west wall cleared, admitting the bright morning light, and the coffee maker turned on. A metallic but distinctly male voice said, "It is seven o'clock Tom, time to rise. You are scheduled for the nine o'clock service of Holy Conception." The voice of the house computer paused, and the tuft of light brown hair visible from under the covers of Tom's bed did not move. The computer increased the decibel setting of its voice unit.

    "TOM, IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO RISE."

    The covers jerked in spasm. "Okay, okay! I'm awake," Tom responded.

    The house computer continued, "Thank you for responding. I have downloaded the morning news headlines for you to read later. Otherwise, you have received no personal messages." It paused once more. "Tom, are you going to rise?"

    "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Lay off. Go prepare breakfast or something."

    "As you know, I am not programmed to prepare food for human consumption. At best, I can only activate the coffee machine."

    "Then go inspect your internal clock. It's too early to get up."

    "I recall a human saying that says 'Sticks and stones may break my ...'"

    "Oh, shut up!" Having made its point, the computer effected a smug silence. With a jaw-popping yawn, Tom slithered out from under the covers and surveyed the room with one eye. But, when his gaze rested on Toby, both eyes opened. The boy had not wakened, and must have had a restless night, for he lay naked and exposed, having kicked off the covers. Tom took in the sight of the tall, slightly-built vulnerable-looking form. His body was perfectly proportioned--except for his artificially enlarged genitals. A mop of ash blond hair covered his head. Long lashes--the highlight of his almond-shaped eyes--rested on his cheeks. The smooth planes of his muscles were decorated with pale blond hair, in all the right places. Tom thought Toby was truly beautiful. The boy would begin a whole new life this day. He hoped Toby would like it here, or at least be content. Tom led a lonely existence and longed for a friend. As he reached out a hand to wake Toby, Benton's unprecedented working arrangement came to mind and he chuckled. He didn't think he would mind that arrangement one bit.

    Before Tom touched him, Toby stretched and opened his eyes. Momentarily disoriented, he frowned, then smiled when he saw Tom. "Good morning. What is that wonderful smell?"

    Laughing, Tom sniffed his armpit. "It can't be me because I haven't bathed yet, so it must be the coffee. Come on and help me prepare breakfast. We've got a busy day ahead of us and we'll need our strength."

    Toby leaped out of bed. "If the rest of the meal will smell as good as the coffee, lead me to it."

    And, he did. Tom walked Toby through the preparation of their breakfast, letting the young man do the work while he gave instructions. Both were delighted with the arrangement. They were a sight to behold: two young, handsome, animated, nude men having fun preparing a meal together.By the time they set the table, Toby was drooling with hunger and fell on his food with abandon. Tom smiled contentedly, enjoying the company of this delightful young fellow.

    After consigning the breakfast things to the dishwasher, they pulled on workout clothes and headed for the gym. At Toby's question, Tom explained. "For optimum performance at Holy Conception, it is best to exercise beforehand, to tone the muscles and get the respiratory and circulatory systems flowing."

    During the half-hour workout, Tom explained the duties of an acolyte, much to Toby's distraction. Ignoring the boy's raging erection, he concluded by making the point that they were to participate in a sacred service as a gift to God. Back at the apartment, Toby's erection did not soften while he eyed Tom's body--in a new light--as they bathed. Tom was slightly taller than he, with a more sturdy build. His pectoral muscles were crowned with large nipples that invited lips to nurse there. He had regular features, deep-set eyes under heavy brows. Wavy light brown hair covered his head, and the flawless skin of his chest, arms and legs was dusted appropriately with the same light shade. Flat stomach, narrow hips and flared thighs complimented his appearance. His pubic hair was neatly trimmed and his testicle sack was shaved as they had been taught in sex education class. Toby's mind ran riot thinking about the religious service in which he was about to participate with this handsome man. Suddenly, Toby had to look away. Another ten seconds and he would have ejaculated on the spot.

    At eight forty-five, they were properly groomed and dressed and departed for the church. They entered through the door to the mens' sacristy. Father Benton was already there and in vestments of white, gold and scarlet. He introduced Toby to Joseph, the aged sacristan, who disrobed the boys and vested them in full-length blue cloaks that concealed their bodies. Curious, Toby turned to view himself in a full length mirror, seeing his head floating atop a column of blue cloth. He felt a moment's guilty pleasure knowing that he was completely nude underneath. The second acolyte entered the sacristy at that moment.

    Benton introduced him as Allen. When Allen was vested, Benton checked the clock and said, "Then, let us begin." The priest began to intone a list of prayers beseeching God to look with favor upon the sacrament. As the last prayer ended, the boys chorused, "And let it be thus." They turned and processed reverently into the sanctuary.