Elsa raised her hand to speak first. “Chloe has been a huge asset to our medical and science team. I know she'll return soon to Torv but I'd like to invite her to stay on staff permanently.”
“Is that even an option?” I asked, perturbed. I glanced around the table, waiting for someone else to question it as well.
Chancellor Collins glanced at me briefly with a hint of warning in his eyes. “We'll consider your request, Elsa. What have you found this week, anything?”
Elsa nodded eagerly. “We've been breaking apart the different hormones pregnant women have, infertile women have, and then what Olivia has.”
I felt all eyes on me. I hated when discussions involved my reproduction. It felt invasive, like they were dissecting me.
“Continue,” the Chancellor answered, wanting to know what breakthrough they'd had.
“It's Chloe's theory, but we think women no longer have the ability to ovulate and for that reason can't conceive children. The old-world terminology for the condition was anovulation. Now we know there are a few medications that induce ovulation but none of them have been successful. We're hoping we can synthesize a new hormone.” Everyone stared at Elsa, confused. “I believe with the right tools and help it can be reversed. At least the women who want to conceive can have the chance if they have hormone injections. In fact, we think giving the proper injections to the pregnant women in Torv might lower the chances of hemorrhaging while in labor. It's risky; please don't underestimate how dangerous the experimental hormone injection we're suggesting doing is. I just don't see another option.”
Maya spoke up, “No one has discussed using Mindonsiphan to heal these women. I think it's something we should talk about.”
I glanced at Joshua, wondering if he knew what Maya was talking about. Elsa had briefly mentioned it before but hadn't brought it up again. We both knew about the procedure; we'd experienced it nearly a year ago against our will.
Hazel answered, “Using Mindonsiphan is a temporary fix, a Band-Aid. Nothing more, nothing less. Maybe we could save a mother or two but one of us would always have to be there.”
Cate chimed in. “Do we know how Torv has managed to carry out any successful pregnancies? We've studied for years and have been unable to get a single woman pregnant.”
“Cate's right,” Mason nodded. “I hate to admit it but what does Torv know that they haven't shared? Didn't you guys say Chloe was from one of the Genesis projects? Are you sure she can be trusted?”
The room erupted in loud chatter and Chancellor Collins raised his hands. “That's enough!” His voice echoed against the walls and everyone grew quiet. “We trust Torv with our knowledge; I'm sure in the same way they entrust us with theirs.”
Elsa spoke out, “I trust Chloe, and I'm confident she and her town of Torv have no ill will towards us at all. They've been nothing but nice, helpful, and forthcoming with information when I've asked questions. I don't know about the rest of you.” Her eyes narrowed looking at each of us one by one. “But she seems to be exactly what she is.”
Somehow I knew what she meant. We, in Shadow, were harboring secrets of the Mindonsiphan, of our abilities, of what it had done to us and allowed us to do. There was no way we could share that knowledge without endangering ourselves, or the entire town's population.
Chancellor Collins cleared his throat. “On the matter of sending Chloe, Elsa, and Olivia to Torv, I am in favor. Is there anyone opposed?”
Joshua raised his hand. “I'd like to come with and see Torv, offer any assistance that I may on the trip.”
Chancellor Collins sighed, knowing that sending Joshua without me or vice versa was a disaster waiting to happen. “You two are inseparable,” he remarked. “Fine, you'll join them. Is there anyone else who would like to tag along?”
No one raised a hand.
Chancellor Collins nodded. “Good, now that's settled. Olivia, you and Jaxon will travel from Torv to Genesis after you help Chloe and Elsa with the pregnant women. I see no reason to bring you all the way back to Shadow when you're most of the way there already.”
I didn't see any reason to disagree. I knew Joshua wasn't happy with my decision to return to Genesis, even if I was glamoured and pretending to be someone else. It had to be done though. “Okay,” I answered.
“Joshua and Elsa, you both will return back to Shadow when Olivia travels to Genesis. How far have you come with the drones? Will you be ready in time to use them to attack the Governor's mansion?”
Joshua stared at Collins, no hint of humor on his face. “I was ready yesterday.”
“Good,” Collins smiled, “that's what I like to hear. You will be responsible for manning the five drones. Can you handle all of them on your own or will you require additional help?” Even though Collins was asking, I suspected there wasn't anyone else capable of manning the drones.
“I've got it covered,” Joshua assured the Chancellor. “Anything else?”
“It will only take you a few hours to travel to Genesis by plane. The rebel soldiers will need a head start. Can you handle your duties alone in Shadow?”
“I told you, I've got it covered. I've already done a test run with the drones. Obviously I can't test the bombs but I can fly from here to Genesis undetected.”
“When did you test the drones?” Hazel asked. She was as perplexed as I felt.
“Yesterday, and again this morning. I assure you,” he glanced from Hazel to Chancellor Collins, “if I didn't know what I was doing, Cabal soldiers would be all over Shadow by now.”
A soft murmur of chatter erupted throughout the room. Collins held up his hands to hush everyone. “Very well. On the matter of clothing,” he glanced at Aidan, “we're running low on supplies. I think it's time you took a short trip home to Fora. I feel confident they can provide us with enough cotton and materials to run our production through summer. In return we'll send food with you from our orchards. We have more than enough in the greenhouse.”
Aidan nodded. “I'll leave first thing in the morning.” It was too late today to head out and back before nightfall.
The Chancellor glanced around. “Is there any other order of business we haven’t discussed?” No one called to attention any other ideas or problems. “Then we will meet again the same time next week for those who will be here. Our meeting is adjourned.”
I stood up, following Joshua down the stairs and outside. “You want to come to Torv with us?” I wasn't surprised but wanted to make sure the decision was entirely his.
“You want me there, don't you?” Joshua stared at me.
“Of course!” I couldn't believe he'd ask me that. I wrapped my arm around his waist, resting my head on his shoulder as we walked together down the main dirt road. “It goes without saying. I just wonder if you're going because you want to or you think you're doing it to support me.”
“What's the difference?” Joshua shrugged. “I want to be there for you, and the two of us together, we're unstoppable.” He smiled. “You want me to come along, don't you?” he asked, giving me that boyish look that melted my heart and made my stomach flop.
I laughed. “Of course I do. I just know you've been busy lately, but if you have it all handled,” I insisted, “I'm happy for your company.”
He leaned in, brushing his lips against mine. “Are you ready for another adventure on the road?” I laughed nervously, unsure what to anticipate. I wasn't thrilled with having to help a woman deliver a baby, and had even less confidence on how I could keep her from dying.
He kissed my forehead once more before taking my hand as we walked back to our home. “After Haven getting destroyed the last time,” he shook his head, “this trip should be a breeze.”