Dominions

23-3

A couple of faces appeared on Leopold’s wall screens; a man and a woman, both wearing lab-coats buttoned to their knees, although the man had his cuffs rolled back. Both wore glasses, and as the image didn’t appear that old, Rodin assumed this was some kind of image statement.

“Gantiz and Schoeler,” Leopold said. “They were the true pioneers. They developed a system of algorithms that, with a great deal of initial data, produce a fairly accurate prediction of the subject’s adult life.”

Leopold turned, and he must have caught Rodin’s unbelieving expression. “Yes, I too was sceptical. But these two visionaries provide copious notes with their research. They said their method should only be used on subjects already beyond their formative years, suggesting a minimum age of thirteen. Before that, there were too many catalytic variables to work with. And even after that age, the algorithms they produced only gave predictions of potentiality, not indications of certainty.”

Leopold watched the screen as he spoke, and he tapped to bring up individual images of the two scientists. “There has been a resurgence of interest in their work,” the Councillor continued, tapping away. The scientists’ images disappeared, replaced by complicated-looking graphs. “Over the last couple of years, they’ve run the Gantiz-Schoeler test on many individuals, and these are but a few of the results. First, Schoeler’s own line.”

He then proceeded to explain the graphs. There were separate readings and lines for different facets‌—‌speed of calculation, information retrieval, cardio-vascular fitness and so on. Some proved difficult for the Councillor to accurately define, and he started using terms such as spiritual growth and empathy.

“Notice how Scheoler’s intellectual graph stretches above average, but the empathy graph shows lower results. Schoeler, by her own admission, often found herself irritated by others, and preferred solitude to large gatherings.”

Leopold didn’t turn as he spoke, and Rodin held back from making any comments. He noted the way Leopold leaned over the desk, the movement of the wheels on the chair’s legs, the proximity of the sharp corner of the desk.

“But let me show you some current examples.”

He tapped away, his body on the edge of the chair. Rodin shifted to a better position as Leopold talked through these new graphs. He mentioned Authority a few times, and Rodin understood that these test subjects had undergone Correction. He spoke of predictors for unacceptable behaviour, but also predictors for civic pride. He spoke fast, becoming more absorbed in his monologue.

A nudge of the chair, then Rodin could grab the man’s arms, prevent him from placing them on the desk. Maybe force his head down hard, but he’d have to make such a move count. He knew from experience how tricky it was to knock an opponent out.

“I have one more series of results to show you.” Leopold tapped, and the graphs changed once more. “Tell me, Terrell, what do you make of these?”

The moment was gone. Leopold turned, and Rodin cursed himself for not acting sooner. Being in the Dome was slowing him down.

He looked at the screens. Surprisingly, the charts they displayed made sense to him‌—‌the part of his mind conscious of the Councillor’s talking had clearly taken something in. There was strong empathy in this subject, but physical and intellectual areas were lower than average.

“What would you say this indicated about the upbringing of this individual?” Leopold sat back, one eyebrow raised. Rodin knew there was something he was missing, and he studied the screens for a couple of long minutes.

“I’d say they had a nurturing upbringing,” Rodin said, each word pronounced with care. “They learnt from an early age how to put the needs of others before their own.”

“Very good. And that’s exactly what I first thought. But what if I were to tell you that this person was left abandoned at an early age? What if I were to tell you that great harm was done to this person as a child, both physically and mentally? What if I were to tell you that some of their youthful actions would have been sufficient to attract the attention of Authority, and that such attention would undoubtedly have resulted in a period of Correction? What would you think if I were to tell you that?”

One phrase leapt out at Rodin. The actions of this person would have been sufficient to attract the attention‌—‌not had been of interest. Why did the authorities miss them?

would have beenhad beenThe answer seemed obvious‌—‌and also unbelievable. “I would ask where they were from,” Rodin said, choosing his words with care. “The person you describe doesn’t sound like someone brought up within the embracing Society of the Dome.”

“Very good. Oh, my dear Terrell, I’m impressed. Your analysis is correct‌—‌these graphs are not of someone brought up in the Dome. They live outside, in all the squalor and lawlessness of that desperate existence. And yet the results indicate that they would function without difficulty within Society. Their unfortunate start in life might account for their low intellectual potential, and maybe disease accounts for their hindered physical potential. But their empathy surely indicates that, if they were placed in a different environment, they would flourish.”

Someone from the districts who would fit in with Society. Was such a thing possible?

Someone from the districts who would fit in with Society.“I could show you many similar examples‌—‌those performing this study managed to gain access to individuals living beyond the glass, although the details of their work has never been made public knowledge. And for obvious reasons‌—‌the results speak to one shocking conclusion.”

“That those from outside are not necessarily a risk.”

Leopold nodded. “You can understand why this work is not common knowledge. It takes a particular kind of person to lay aside their natural prejudices and accept the results. And you, Mister Terrell, are one such individual.”

For a moment, anger rose in Rodin. Was Leopold saying that he knew Rodin’s truth, that he came from the districts? But that was ridiculous paranoia talking. Leopold simply saw Rodin as one who was capable of thought beyond the normal social confines.

“I apologise if this is upsetting‌—‌after our misadventure on the lake, the last thing I intend is to cause you any pain. But I believe you have the strength of character to consider what I have shown you with logic, and I would dearly love to hear your thoughts on this.”

Leopold coughed, doubling over and holding his stomach. He held one hand out, maybe warning Rodin away, maybe telling him to wait. Then he sat back up with a groan. His face was pale. “But maybe not today,” he said, his smile painfully forced. He half-closed his eyes. “Please excuse me. I believe my carer might have been correct in judging me still unfit to return to work.”

Rodin sat still, watching the Councillor. “Can I assist with anything?” he asked, because he had to appear concerned.

Leopold shook his head, waved a hand. “I only need a moment of solitude, a chance to close my eyes and relax. I don’t wish to burden you, but thank you for the offer.”

Rodin nodded. “I’ll see myself out. And thank you for what you’ve shown me. It’s given me a great deal to think about.”

It was only when the door closed behind him, and as he made his way to the stairs, that Rodin realised that, from the moment Leopold had shown those final results, Rodin hadn’t once sought an opportunity to remove the man.

That should have annoyed him‌—‌and on one level it did. He’d been alone with the target, with little chance of them being observed. And the target was already ill. It should have been easy to stage an accident and remove the man.

But‌…‌Rodin’s mind reeled. Leopold’s words still hadn’t sunk in. The very notion that someone from outside could live within the Dome was‌…‌preposterous. The two places were so unalike, especially when it came to attitudes.

Yes, Rodin himself was under the glass, and he wanted to think he was doing a good job of fitting in. But this was only for a while‌—‌days, weeks at the most. He was acting, playing a role.

Leopold was talking about full assimilation.

And Rodin was shocked to realise how much that excited him.