The Darwinians

 

 

“The possibility that Sophie would actually die is relatively low,” Richard says. “I recommend we have them prepare the interview questions.”

Dr. Price shakes his head. “I am not willing to take that risk.”

“You’re not seriously thinking of inserting Sophie into a prototype?” Sarah asks.

“The documents Bat provided us validate the experience Kevin described. Plus, our best software developers and engineers have reviewed the specs and confirmed there is a high probability it will work.”

“Sophie would never agree to this,” she insists.

“I’d be able to talk to her again,” Dr. Price says. “See her face every day.”

Sarah erupts into a coughing fit and holds a handkerchief to her mouth. Red specks dot the cloth when she lowers it.

Richard says, “Sophie’s new direction is intriguing. We need to explore how it organically evolves with the benefit of a second human intelligence.”

“Which means continuing to keep her consciousness in Lake’s body,” Sarah says.

“You both have valid arguments, but ultimately it’s my decision.”

Richard leans forward. “Sir, if I could just add—”

“I’ll let you both know what I decide. In the meantime, are you certain the girl doesn’t remember the incident?”

“Her memory lapses have been too inconsistent to be sure either way,” Sarah says.

“This is not an issue,” Richard says. “We put someone in place to monitor her that next morning. And we had Deborah confirm it. The girl doesn’t remember seeing him being taken away.”

“I still can’t believe we lost Alex. You both assured me his condition wasn’t critical.”

“No one could have predicted that a psychosomatic event would be powerful enough to stop his breathing.”

“We were wrong,” Dr. Price says. “But it will be far more devastating if the Nobels learn about it.”

“Should any of them begin to suspect the truth, a course of action has been put in place,” Richard says.

They avoid each other’s eyes. Then Sarah clears her throat, letting out a wet noise. “One other thing. Please inform them that I want to begin the procedure immediately,”

“Surely you don’t want to put your niece at risk,” Dr. Price says. “On top of a deceased boy and a girl who has threatened to kill her Mentor, we have all those unresponsive subjects.”

“I’ve been told I have less than a month.”

“I am sorry to hear that, but we need to wait and see if the other Nobels start to exhibit life-threatening symptoms.”

“What we need is a success story,” Richard says.

“I assure you, I’ll provide it.” Sarah turns away and coughs into her handkerchief again.