The Darwinians

 

 

“Wakowski’s program is an interesting alternative, although of course, we’d only consider it in extreme circumstances,” Richard says, slicking back his raven-black hair.

“We may be at that point,” Dr. Price says, solemnly.

“Nonsense,” Sarah wheezes. “We need to move forward as planned with the next Candidate in line.”

“You mean, Juliette,” Richard says.

“She told me she doesn’t want to wait any longer.”

Richard looks skeptical. “I’d prefer to hear that from her.”

“Are you questioning me?”

Dr. Price holds up his hands. “Let’s stay focused on dealing with these particular Nobels and Mentors.” He looks at Sarah. “For now. Imagine being able to communicate directly with our Mentors without the filter of a sixteen-year-old’s perceptions.” He turns to gaze at the portrait of the woman with curly, salt-and-pepper hair.

The man in gray-blue leans forward. “I suspect some will choose to be implanted directly into Bat’s program and forego merging with a Candidate altogether.”

“And I can see how some would still prefer the experience of mentoring the next generation.” Sarah coughs violently.

Dr. Price glances at the man in gray-blue, who nods. “We’ll begin with Martin,” Dr. Price states. “He hasn’t been in his current state as long as the others.”

“We need to maintain the status quo,” Richard argues. “Can you imagine the implications if Martin wakes up and Angus is the one controlling his body?”

“An intriguing option,” the man in gray-blue says.

“I will never agree to purposely destroy a child’s mind so the Mentor can have use of his body,” Sarah says.

“Yet you keep pushing us to begin your merging process,” Richard says.

They glare at each other.

Dr. Price slaps his hand on the table. “Enough! Let’s keep this conversation to our current dilemma. We first need to confirm if Wakowski’s program will actually work.”

“And consider Stryker’s offer,” the man in gray-blue says. “Can we confirm that he isn’t exhibiting Bjorn’s symptoms?”

“Nothing yet, although it’s not the kind of thing one can test for,” Richard says.

“We’ll have to hope,” Sarah says.

“We’re scientists,” Dr. Price says. “Everything we do is because of hope.”