In midst of the population crisis half a century ago, Men seized social and legal dominance over women to “promote birth rates.” Because there were so few women left, the “Rebalance” was initiated. Each month men were “selected” to be transformed into fully functional women and then given to “breeding stewards” who were responsible for impregnating them.
Rebalancers were supposed to be randomly selected, but political dissidents, labor organizers, intellectuals, and journalists always seemed to show up on the draw while the Party faithful remained immune.
Birth Rates normalized within a couple years, yet half a century later, the practice continues. Everyone knows that Rebalance is a lie, but no one dares speak out. Any man who challenges power is feminized and enslaved.
So Rebalance has become a part of the culture and a fact of life. Young men, come of age knowing that every draw they risk their manhood and their freedom. The only safety comes from complete loyalty to and elevation within the ruling party. Maybe then they can earn the status of “breeding steward” and be given Rebalance Girls of their own.
“Something has to change,” Marcus thought as she watched her Steward boast about her. Impregnation was no longer required as the crisis was over, and Marcus was on birth control, but she was still expected to obey and perform for him. It was all part of the Rebalance Lie.