Settlement Name : Terra Nova
Population : 1000
Average Birth Rate : 1 child per couple
Time Left Until Population Collapse : 1 generation
…...
The situation was serious. Only one generation. Hope Plaza had not done the best job of recruiting couples with children. Hell, they hadn't recruited many couples at all! Most had been the best docs, scientists, and professionals there were to be had. The only problem was that Terra Novans were not marrying. Whether due to their advanced professions or because of social pressures from back in 2149, most never married. Most of the people brought through the portal were single. Brilliant... but single. Now, Terra Nova would have to go out on her own. The population would have to grow. The status quo would collapse, but the answer to the problem was, in some ways, worse than the problem itself.
"So, as you can see Commander Taylor, we have a bit of a situation on our hands." "I understand that Malcolm, but I don't think you are grasping the enormity of what you are asking me to do." The Commander fell back into his chair. The months since the Phoenix Group had occupied Terra Nova had changed everything. Some for better and some for the worse. The worst situation being the lack of a portal.
"I want to talk to the other doctors and scientists. At least give me a while to think this totally through. Making marriage mandatory is not a light topic, you understand." Malcolm sighed. "I understand the enormity of what I am asking you Commander, but it is for the best. At least for a couple generations. People are nervous about marrying and having kids in a time of worry and fear. But if children are not born, Terra Nova will collapse."
"I propose we use Genetic Identification Pairing. The system works by taking a sample of DNA from every person in Terra Nova, and comparing them to other Terra Novans. The program will match Terra Novans with people who are genetic matches. People who they would be compatible to have children with. It can't, on the other hand, promise happiness. However, I have found that people matched using the program tend to be reasonably happy. When someone is a genetic match, it usually means they are temperamentally and emotionally compatible as well."
"I'll consider it Malcolm. I'll call you." "Of course, sir. How is Lucas?" The Commander smiled. "He is doing well. He received his Physics certification last week. He'll be working in the Theoretical Science Department from now on."
The Commander stood and walked Malcolm to the door. "You do realize that what you are asking would involve my own son? I would be taking away his right to choose his wife. We would taking away the right to choose from every citizen. I love my son, Malcolm. I wish there was another way."
"I understand Commander. This will take away the right to choose from every person. This is the only way though. Goodnight Commander, and tell Lucas I said Congratulations!" The Commander smiled. "I will Malcolm, and I'll call you later with my decision. Goodnight."
The Commander was exhausted. Finally getting rid of Malcolm was a relief. He had never been fond of Malcolm, but he had a point. There was little that could be done. And what could be done was as drastic as it was depressing. The Commander couldn't help but think of his son. He couldn't help but think of everyone's kids. They all had such promising futures that he hoped the decision he was about to make would not negatively impact.
The Commander reached for the telephone. He dialed the number he was so familiar with and asked to speak to Malcolm. "Malcolm, launch the program. I'll announce the new law tomorrow, and be careful Malcolm. We can't afford to mess this up." "Yes sir, I understand," and with that, the Commander walked home. The future of every Terra Novan was about to be changed forever.