A more up to date version of this story exists under the name, OUR ONLY HOPE, authored by Richard T. Douse. The Next - an omen is no longer available. Kelly Mason is a typical teenager . . . except for one small detail. She was born with a unique gift that sets her apart from family and friends. It will even place her in mortal danger. As all hope of a normal life fades, Kelly in despair begins a journey to find purpose and meaning for her existence. She discovers her true value in a wilderness and, in so doing, becomes part of a new generation of humanity. Dr. Samuel Morrison is, like Kelly, a gifted human being. But Sam entertains no doubts about his purpose in life. His hurried and single minded goal is to save our planet from depletion of natural resources through over-population. Sam not only has a plan, he has the skills to carry it out. What he lacks is one small and perhaps insignificant detail. A simple oversight that could lead to total disaster if not for a young woman he has never met and never will. A girl named Kelly.