The Darwinians

 

 

“Impossible!” the raven-haired man says. “Protocol requires that they remain isolated until they merge.”

Deborah stands across the conference table from her three bosses. “Lake is spending too much time alone. That’s why I want them to meet.”

“This could easily backfire,” the white-bearded man says. “The girl is questioning if Sophie is dead, while the boy already believes Bjorn has detached. We have to take extreme caution not to magnify any subconscious beliefs.” He takes a moment to gaze upon one of the portraits. A woman with salt-and-pepper, curly hair. “It may not be possible for the subjects’ minds to overcome such obstacles.”

“They have names, you know,” the woman rasps.

“It’s prudent at this point not to foster emotional attachment.”

“But what if they can help each other figure out how to merge?” Deborah asks.

“They’re strangers,” the bearded man says.

“Strangers who have something unprecedented in common.”

The bearded man nods at the door. “Give us a minute please, Doctor.”

“I believe they’ll be less anxious if they realize they’re not the only ones experiencing difficulties,” Deborah says with determination.

They hold their discussion until her footsteps trail off.

The raven-haired man speaks up first. “It’s quite concerning that Sophie hasn’t appeared yet.”

“Have you ever known her to give up on anything?” the bearded man asks. “One way or another, she’ll break through.”

“I’m starting to have my doubts.”

“Don’t be so insensitive,” the woman says. “Sophie is more than a test subject.”

“I apologize. I didn’t mean to imply … I blame the girl.”

“The girl?” the woman challenges. “After learning what we did from Sophie’s autopsy, Lake’s chance of success was—”

“We have to respect Sophie’s decisions,” the bearded man says. “She took her time finding this Candidate, and I have to believe they will merge. Need I remind you of what will happen to the girl if they don’t?”

“We all understand the consequences of failure,” the raven-haired man says.

The woman lifts a cloth handkerchief to her mouth and coughs. “Given the alternative, what harm is there if they meet once?”

“I concur. If there is any chance to save Sophie, we must allow it,” the bearded man adds.