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Corporal Tommy Reynolds, formerly of the 10th Light Horse regiment, an Australian Army unit based in Perth was the sole survivor of his unit. While he was an exceptional soldier, having served in Afghanistan, out of uniform he would appear to vanish in a crowd. A somewhat tubby build, ginger hair and freckles, he was never going to win any modelling contests. He'd always been that mate "everyone relies on," putting others before his own needs for most of his life. People universally loved him for it, but he'd led a hermit-like existence because of it when it came to finding a partner. Women confided their problems to him, and he'd always be there for them. Tommy had that mysterious ability of an empath; the "walls" people put up around strangers out of reflex (few people in their right mind would tell a stranger their darkest secrets) didn't exist for him. People opened up to him whether he wanted them to or not. Never did he use that information to his advantage, only to help the individual. Having such a strong moral code meant that he passed on many opportunities for one night stands and even flings.

On April 12th, Tommy awoke in an empty hospital ward. He was the sole occupant in a 4 bed room. As he focused his eyes, still a little blurry from what he assumed was a long sleep, a tall redhead walked into the room. Her sapphire blue eyes swept over him. She reached for a chart at the end of the bed and introduced herself. "

Mr Reynolds, I'm Gloria O'Reilly. I've been assigned as your chief assistant. How much do you remember?"

"I was put into cryo sleep........the Black Widow virus was deadly to males. That is about it. What's the date please?"

"April 12th, 2030."

"2030?! What the......?"

"Sadly the Black Widow virus killed most males on the planet. You are one of the .001% that survived."

"And my unit?"

"I'm sorry to say that you're the only survivor. I really wish I could be more positive than that."

"My dad?"

"Sadly, no. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Stay with me for a while, if you don't mind."

"Of course. See if you can get up for a moment."

Tommy swung his feet to the floor and stood on unsteady legs. "Hold me. Please." Gloria hugged him, his head resting on her shoulder. "I'm supposed to be the strong one for everyone else," he sobbed, "but here I am, breaking down to a stranger. I'm sorry."

"Don't be," said Gloria, her soft Irish brogue comforting him, "the rest of us have had time to process all of this. You've been in the dark, literally for seven years, and most of the people you know are no longer around. I'd be a blubbering mess too if I were in your shoes. Don't go anywhere, stay here for a moment." She walked over and locked the door. "I'm not judging you in the slightest for breaking down. You're a soldier, you're used to being tough, pushing aside the emotions to get through it. I'm saying that anything you admit to me, or whether or not you just want a good long cry, I'm not telling anyone. If they make fun of you for it, there will be hell to pay......from me, personally!"

"Thanks. Can you explain the personal assistant thing to me? I don't understand why I need one, no offence."

"If nothing changes, the human race faces extinction. Every male counts. We need you to help us restore the balance of male to female."

"So you need me as a sperm donor?"

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