After removal from the island to the mainland, 2 of the Panda-human children died, plus a few from the other species types, of some unknown malady.After removal from the island to the mainland, 2 of the Panda-human children died, plus a few from the other species types, of some unknown malady. it was rumored that some religious fanatic poisoned them, but this has never been proven. Another surprise awaited when the pure animal females of different types---bears, wolves, and others---were removed from the island and found to have been already impregnated with embryos as surrogate mothers. They began to give birth several weeks to a few months later, and this added 4 new Panda-people to the population, among 12 of other gene-types. As they grew, due to their gene-selected gentle nature and high intelligence and eagerness to learn, the Animal-children were allowed to mix and play with human children of their own general weight- range. There were a few non-serious accidents, mainly because the animal- children were surprised to find that their human playmates were so much weaker and more easily injured than they were. But it was not at all uncommon to see kids and non-kids playing together on a playground, or the 'weird' kids being invited over to their friend's house for dinner. And someone thought of giving these geneomorphs average American first names, and last names relating to their background in some way... as in the case of Bruce Pong, who was one of the original 17 Panda-kids! One final surprise came in the last few years when it was learned that some of the animal-people of the same mixed species type had managed to impregnate each other. Far from being sterile, these were not 'hybrids' at all, but an entirely new genetic variation or race of creatures that were fertile! Russell had done his work well. And it was found out that when the mothers gave birth, the babies were true to form to their parents....no freaks, throwbacks, or deformities. |