Of Love, Lies, and Dreamers
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Fantasy & Science Fiction › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
4
Views:
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Category:
Fantasy & Science Fiction › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
4
Views:
2,564
Reviews:
0
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The author holds exclusive rights to this work, unauthorized duplication or use of the characters is prohibited.
Of Deception, Correction, and Futures
They say that with new endeavors the learning curve is quite steep, such that in the beginning you learn lots and as you progress you steadily learn less for each unit of time. I constantly find my life supporting this idea, and while I realize it is stupidly obvious, it is also, in my mind, quite profound. Looking at the first chapter of this, my first step into the creative writing process, I can already see certain mistakes, in grammar, style, etc. that I would change if I had a time machine. But alas, Stephen Hawking has shown us that backwards time travel is impossible. Anyway, hopefully I will continue to learn, that I might improve my work product, in an effort to make an even better story. Gag me with a spoon. What am I talking about? I went all sappy and self-depreciating on you. My apologies. As recompense I offer you chapter three!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Doctor Crensworth Folson watched as the last of the students filed out of his section of the placement examination. He let loose a small sigh of relief that his part was almost finished. While he understood the necessity, he hated the actual process by which they weeded out the figurative diamonds in the rough. He particularly hated putting on the act of a sociopathic brute. In spite of his bulky outward appearance, almost ogre like in size, what he prided most himself on was his mind. He had doctorates of psychology in the areas of clinical, forensic, and general practice. Mind over matter was his motto, and whenever he found himself resorting to physical intimidation he felt unclean. Why use his physical prowess to intimidate some foolish children into submission when the future of their academic success (oh so important when one is young and naïve) already rested in his hands? Nonetheless, the board of directors felt that the added emotional push of a looming physical threat made the incoming students more receptive, and they wanted to ensure that students were forthright during the all important first section.
Really, all the board cared about was that final question. It would be the entire first section of the exam if it wouldn’t alert the students that something was out of sync. He could just imagine a test with only a single question. Even the most ignorant of laymen would be on their guard for a trick in that kind of situation. Not the ideal scenario for getting an unguarded, gut response. Instead they’d have a contrived answer, created for the purpose of impressing test graders.
Even though they ignored the enormous value of having such a large test pool of psychological candidates for his studies, the profiling he had begun when he started here 7 years ago had also vastly improved teacher/students relations. Teachers were now able to choose the types of students they wanted in their classes instead of randomly selecting them in a painfully ineffective lottery. While not everyone would see the unique value his experiments could have, he had thought surely they would value something so closely related to school functions. In the end, however, they had only let him include his psychological profiling because it served as such effective camouflage. After all, by the time a student reached the end of a long profiling they would hardly suspect that one more question was anything special.
Sighing once more he began separating the pages with completed final answers from the ones without. Once he gave the successfully complete sheets to the board of directors he would be free to get to the enjoyable task of compiling his data. He noted with satisfaction that all of the candidates that had been flagged submitted a completed answer, but was surprised to find a few extra from the general pool of students. From everything he had seen, it was unusual for even one student to go unnoticed. Double checking that the final question was printed using the special ink for the ceremony, he saw that everything was in order. So… Not an error on his end. That meant that the recruiters would be in trouble. Oh well, not his problem, and he might even get some extra funding because he had caught these extras. He had designed the test so that all those with a spark would be pushed towards completing the ritual, and his efforts appeared to have paid off. They thought it a waste to streamline the process so candidates would be drawn in. Ha, see if the other professors questioned his methods again.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
In the same building that a test, which was not what it seemed, was held, there sits a large wooden table. About 14 ft long and 8 feet wide, it is rectangular in shape. It is surrounded by nine, tall, leather chairs. In front of each chair is a laptop. The room is dark and cold, not fit for anyone to enjoy the expensive leather chairs which surround the masterfully crafted table. This doesn’t matter to any great extent, however, because this room is rarely occupied by the people who would use it. Instead the computers are used, to allow the individuals to communicate without physically occupying the room. The faces on the screens are cloaked in shadow, and should anyone come to this room they could learn little of its users save the sound of their voices.
Those voices filled the room at this moment as they discussed the news of the test which was held in building where the table sits. The peoples who voices are heard now are full of anger and mistrust. The news of something unexpected is not appreciated. The members of the board of directors hate few things more than a surprise, and news of unregistered individuals with a spark is unexpected.
“This would never have happened if we kept a tighter leash on the recruitment process,” one thick, gravelly, voice complains. “A thorough investigation and restructuring of that department is past due.”
“That seems excessive,” was the response of a smooth cultured voice. The baritone filled the room like a finely aged red wine, expressing extreme disapproval of the first voice’s idea. “It would be a fool’s errand to go to such extreme lengths over this little problem.”
“Are you saying that I am a fool? I won’t let you insult me again.”
“Your inability to see subtlety does you greater insult than anything I could ever conceive. I merely meant to say that recruitment manages to keep its success by virtue of a lack of oversight by the board. The informants necessary to fulfill its role require certain promises of anonymity. Any sort of investigation would set them back years. Worse it could risk a spread of those we have yet to identify. We must see this anomaly or what it is, a fluke.”
“While his plan may be overenthusiastic, I confess I feel that some reassurances as to the proper management of recruitment would seem prudent.” Another voice chimed in, its nasally tone bringing a new element to the conversation. “Your assurances are appreciated, but considering the circumstances, I fear they are insufficient.”
A final voice spoke up, this one holding a weight of authority none at the table questioned. “I agree, while a full inquiry might be harmful, a detailed report as to what caused this to escape your division’s notice as well what is being done to remedy should suffice. As we have quorum I move that we vote on the issue. All in favor of this plan?”
“Aye.”
“Sure.”
“Aye.”
“I suppose.”
….
“All opposed?”
….
“Hearing none, the vote stands as 4 for, 0 against, 1 abstaining. Next, let us move to the matter of what to do with these prospective students. Thoughts?”
“While, I agree that the lack of forewarning is disagreeable, the addition of ….13 I believe it was…new individuals could be fortuitous. I don’t see why we shouldn’t take this bounty for what it is. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth know.”
“Of course you want us to simply accept them,” was the angry retort of the guttural voice, “That way you can shuffle this under the carpet as quickly as possible. What if your oversight in monitoring their existence allowed rebel conversion? Have you considered that? They could very well be spies! Let’s just put them on the rack for a week and see what comes out.”
“Ahhh, because we all know how well torture works,” was the sarcastic reply of the cultured voice. “But you may have a point. Look at these two applicants. They look quite odd. I can think of nothing more suspicious than two brothers trying to go into the best college in the country. Oh my! I also seem to remember someone saying that twins were an omen of evil. Or was that something I saw in a documentary on medieval England? Oh well, there is more evidence, after all, it looks as though one of them is a baseball fan! Quickly, we must lock them up and throw away the key. You are far too suspicious. It is not unusual for a recently graduating student to seek admittance from a premier university”
“For all we know that could just be a cover!”
“My department has done thorough research into each and every one of these children’s backgrounds. Considering the surprise we received about their existence, I though it prudent to take corrective actions with reference to our lack of knowledge. If you had read the initial report all members of the board were forwarded you would know this.”
“Hmph, if I read the books you forward us before every meeting I’d still be reading.”
The nasal individual, once again, interrupted the verbal sparring, “I see no need to come to a permanent solution at this point. Why not table the issue for now to see how they perform on the remainder of the test? At the very least I would like to see what the results of the ritual are for each of them. I’ve always been curious if our monitoring of potential students has impaired their development.”
“A motion to table has been made,” was the quick response of the chairman. “Is there any discussion?” After a short moment of silence he held the vote to table. It passed unanimously and with that final piece of business completed, the computers unceremoniously began to shut down, save one. A click signaled the opening of an automatic lock on the door and a figure, covered from head to toe in black, walked towards the remaining computer.
“How did it go master?” the figure asked.
“About as well as can be expected,” was the simplistic answer of a polished voice. “I fear this mistake will cost us dearly. How on Earth did you allow those children to escape our notice? This could lead to the other members of the board looking where I don’t want them sticking their noses.”
“I have no excuse. Looking into these individuals we have seen none of the normal signs normally expected, but that they were present at the exam without you having some notice is unacceptable. I throw myself upon your mercy.”
“Oh, be quiet you old fool. You know I couldn’t survive without your help. Just make sure this doesn’t happen again, and keep track of them. I doubt it, but there is a chance they are rebels attempting to infiltrate.”
“Of course, you will know if they so much as sneeze.”
And with that confirmation of his minion’s cooperation the last computer shut off leaving nothing but an empty room. Soon, the shadowy figure also went about his business. This meant, however, that no one was present to see another shadow detach from the wall, leaving through the same door as the first man, with none the wiser for its having been present.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Doctor Crensworth Folson watched as the last of the students filed out of his section of the placement examination. He let loose a small sigh of relief that his part was almost finished. While he understood the necessity, he hated the actual process by which they weeded out the figurative diamonds in the rough. He particularly hated putting on the act of a sociopathic brute. In spite of his bulky outward appearance, almost ogre like in size, what he prided most himself on was his mind. He had doctorates of psychology in the areas of clinical, forensic, and general practice. Mind over matter was his motto, and whenever he found himself resorting to physical intimidation he felt unclean. Why use his physical prowess to intimidate some foolish children into submission when the future of their academic success (oh so important when one is young and naïve) already rested in his hands? Nonetheless, the board of directors felt that the added emotional push of a looming physical threat made the incoming students more receptive, and they wanted to ensure that students were forthright during the all important first section.
Really, all the board cared about was that final question. It would be the entire first section of the exam if it wouldn’t alert the students that something was out of sync. He could just imagine a test with only a single question. Even the most ignorant of laymen would be on their guard for a trick in that kind of situation. Not the ideal scenario for getting an unguarded, gut response. Instead they’d have a contrived answer, created for the purpose of impressing test graders.
Even though they ignored the enormous value of having such a large test pool of psychological candidates for his studies, the profiling he had begun when he started here 7 years ago had also vastly improved teacher/students relations. Teachers were now able to choose the types of students they wanted in their classes instead of randomly selecting them in a painfully ineffective lottery. While not everyone would see the unique value his experiments could have, he had thought surely they would value something so closely related to school functions. In the end, however, they had only let him include his psychological profiling because it served as such effective camouflage. After all, by the time a student reached the end of a long profiling they would hardly suspect that one more question was anything special.
Sighing once more he began separating the pages with completed final answers from the ones without. Once he gave the successfully complete sheets to the board of directors he would be free to get to the enjoyable task of compiling his data. He noted with satisfaction that all of the candidates that had been flagged submitted a completed answer, but was surprised to find a few extra from the general pool of students. From everything he had seen, it was unusual for even one student to go unnoticed. Double checking that the final question was printed using the special ink for the ceremony, he saw that everything was in order. So… Not an error on his end. That meant that the recruiters would be in trouble. Oh well, not his problem, and he might even get some extra funding because he had caught these extras. He had designed the test so that all those with a spark would be pushed towards completing the ritual, and his efforts appeared to have paid off. They thought it a waste to streamline the process so candidates would be drawn in. Ha, see if the other professors questioned his methods again.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
In the same building that a test, which was not what it seemed, was held, there sits a large wooden table. About 14 ft long and 8 feet wide, it is rectangular in shape. It is surrounded by nine, tall, leather chairs. In front of each chair is a laptop. The room is dark and cold, not fit for anyone to enjoy the expensive leather chairs which surround the masterfully crafted table. This doesn’t matter to any great extent, however, because this room is rarely occupied by the people who would use it. Instead the computers are used, to allow the individuals to communicate without physically occupying the room. The faces on the screens are cloaked in shadow, and should anyone come to this room they could learn little of its users save the sound of their voices.
Those voices filled the room at this moment as they discussed the news of the test which was held in building where the table sits. The peoples who voices are heard now are full of anger and mistrust. The news of something unexpected is not appreciated. The members of the board of directors hate few things more than a surprise, and news of unregistered individuals with a spark is unexpected.
“This would never have happened if we kept a tighter leash on the recruitment process,” one thick, gravelly, voice complains. “A thorough investigation and restructuring of that department is past due.”
“That seems excessive,” was the response of a smooth cultured voice. The baritone filled the room like a finely aged red wine, expressing extreme disapproval of the first voice’s idea. “It would be a fool’s errand to go to such extreme lengths over this little problem.”
“Are you saying that I am a fool? I won’t let you insult me again.”
“Your inability to see subtlety does you greater insult than anything I could ever conceive. I merely meant to say that recruitment manages to keep its success by virtue of a lack of oversight by the board. The informants necessary to fulfill its role require certain promises of anonymity. Any sort of investigation would set them back years. Worse it could risk a spread of those we have yet to identify. We must see this anomaly or what it is, a fluke.”
“While his plan may be overenthusiastic, I confess I feel that some reassurances as to the proper management of recruitment would seem prudent.” Another voice chimed in, its nasally tone bringing a new element to the conversation. “Your assurances are appreciated, but considering the circumstances, I fear they are insufficient.”
A final voice spoke up, this one holding a weight of authority none at the table questioned. “I agree, while a full inquiry might be harmful, a detailed report as to what caused this to escape your division’s notice as well what is being done to remedy should suffice. As we have quorum I move that we vote on the issue. All in favor of this plan?”
“Aye.”
“Sure.”
“Aye.”
“I suppose.”
….
“All opposed?”
….
“Hearing none, the vote stands as 4 for, 0 against, 1 abstaining. Next, let us move to the matter of what to do with these prospective students. Thoughts?”
“While, I agree that the lack of forewarning is disagreeable, the addition of ….13 I believe it was…new individuals could be fortuitous. I don’t see why we shouldn’t take this bounty for what it is. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth know.”
“Of course you want us to simply accept them,” was the angry retort of the guttural voice, “That way you can shuffle this under the carpet as quickly as possible. What if your oversight in monitoring their existence allowed rebel conversion? Have you considered that? They could very well be spies! Let’s just put them on the rack for a week and see what comes out.”
“Ahhh, because we all know how well torture works,” was the sarcastic reply of the cultured voice. “But you may have a point. Look at these two applicants. They look quite odd. I can think of nothing more suspicious than two brothers trying to go into the best college in the country. Oh my! I also seem to remember someone saying that twins were an omen of evil. Or was that something I saw in a documentary on medieval England? Oh well, there is more evidence, after all, it looks as though one of them is a baseball fan! Quickly, we must lock them up and throw away the key. You are far too suspicious. It is not unusual for a recently graduating student to seek admittance from a premier university”
“For all we know that could just be a cover!”
“My department has done thorough research into each and every one of these children’s backgrounds. Considering the surprise we received about their existence, I though it prudent to take corrective actions with reference to our lack of knowledge. If you had read the initial report all members of the board were forwarded you would know this.”
“Hmph, if I read the books you forward us before every meeting I’d still be reading.”
The nasal individual, once again, interrupted the verbal sparring, “I see no need to come to a permanent solution at this point. Why not table the issue for now to see how they perform on the remainder of the test? At the very least I would like to see what the results of the ritual are for each of them. I’ve always been curious if our monitoring of potential students has impaired their development.”
“A motion to table has been made,” was the quick response of the chairman. “Is there any discussion?” After a short moment of silence he held the vote to table. It passed unanimously and with that final piece of business completed, the computers unceremoniously began to shut down, save one. A click signaled the opening of an automatic lock on the door and a figure, covered from head to toe in black, walked towards the remaining computer.
“How did it go master?” the figure asked.
“About as well as can be expected,” was the simplistic answer of a polished voice. “I fear this mistake will cost us dearly. How on Earth did you allow those children to escape our notice? This could lead to the other members of the board looking where I don’t want them sticking their noses.”
“I have no excuse. Looking into these individuals we have seen none of the normal signs normally expected, but that they were present at the exam without you having some notice is unacceptable. I throw myself upon your mercy.”
“Oh, be quiet you old fool. You know I couldn’t survive without your help. Just make sure this doesn’t happen again, and keep track of them. I doubt it, but there is a chance they are rebels attempting to infiltrate.”
“Of course, you will know if they so much as sneeze.”
And with that confirmation of his minion’s cooperation the last computer shut off leaving nothing but an empty room. Soon, the shadowy figure also went about his business. This meant, however, that no one was present to see another shadow detach from the wall, leaving through the same door as the first man, with none the wiser for its having been present.