Ladies Night — Claudia Rose

No wrinkle to mar Dr. Helena Jewels' skin, not in the future. She paid top dollar with the leading derma-surgeon to eradicate her imperfection. Wouldn't it be nice to go into a place like Figure Shape, Inc and choose any body type, or facial feature you wish?

Helena has striven to overcome adversity by gaining a Chief Sociologist position at New Washington. When the former Chief Sociologist was killed, she was appointed to the position over many other people.

Helena goes to a 'cage fight' to evaluate the pros of this form of fighting to control the population so that the citizens can live vicariously though the fighters. This is not a new form of entertainment. There has been fighting for ages, from cock and dog fighting to male pugilism.

Helena is awarded the match champ who is Brandt de Vos, a convict. He is hers to do with what she pleases for a whole week. The announcer tells her that most women would use Brandt de Vos as a sex toy. OK what is she going to do with a convict for a week? She can't just bring him home; how is she going to explain him to her live-in partner, Professor Nigel Snively?

Brandt has a week to live; after that they will execute him by brain cauterization and harvest his organs. Brandt is tall, muscular, but with dignified grace. He was in that cage for one reason, to win. Winning means he can live for another day. Brandt is also very intelligent; he once was New Washington's Hydro Engineer. Brandt looks familiar, but Helena can't place him. She finds out later why he looks so familiar. Until she brings him home.

Helena's character goes from a wimpy, insecure female to someone who can stand on her own two feet. The balance of power has now been changed to her favor. No longer will she her ex-boyfriend or any man walk all over her. But watch out for the last pages. As the climax builds, and you read faster, you will find yourself jumping up out of your chair shouting for the bad guy to get his and Brant to get the girl.