A little over two years earlier
Ikrisia drummed her fingers against the desk as she listened to the scientist in front of her drone on about his plans and ideas. Clearly he had excellent poise - otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to reach an audience with her. Most projects, actually, nearly all projects, didn’t require her attention. But this one was a little different. It was funded from old money, on what could be considered radical ideas.
“As we all know, milady, the enemies of Vekaiyu will continue to improve and strengthen their resolve against us. It’s inevitable that their efforts will try to destabilize our nation and the union we share with other vulpine-majority claims. Sure, we can maintain the classic route of military-funded technology and thousands of men and women in our military, but I propose something different.”
Ikrisia was hoping the meeting would end sooner than later. After all, there were other more pressing needs at hand. “Yes?”
The scientist continued. “I would like to utilize the various experiments that have been kept under close guard by the Vekaiyun government and the Vekaiyun military to create super weapons. In short, hand-picked Vekaiyun citizens to create a super army of individuals who, armed with particular powers, are able to do the work of entire divisions.”
Ikrisia scoffed. “How do you propose to do that, Kivio…”
“Reyneskoyey. Ives Reyneskoyey. Milady, I was on the project that achieved magnetic flight. I believe we can apply this and other powers to living beings. Magnetism, for instance, could be applied by simple corruption of the Gaussian Laws as they relate to quantum mechanics, in short, by playing with the time scales utilized, we would be able to ‘magnetize’ cognitive thought. Better known as telekineses. Other projects are just as potent.”
Ikrisia leaned forward in her seat. “And you believe it is that simple?”
“I can’t precisely say one way or another, to be honest. I would require your approval for such a dangerous endeavor, however.”
“Dangerous?”
“Yes, milady. We haven’t isolated all scenarios. We would need proper testing subjects. Preferably younger individuals while their minds are still malleable.”
Ikrisia paused. A wealth of memories flooded back into her mind, of how she herself was a test subject by the Maxist government in a secret program known as “Project Uveshk”, which sought to train children into uper soldiers for the Vekaiyun military. While the project had long since been disbanded, remnants of its heinous and horrifying acts left scars on those who were unfortunate enough to have “graduated” the program, those who were still among the living. Ikrisia, being one such unfortunate individual, knew all too well of the dangers and heartbreak with tearing children from their families at a young age to become property of the state and its whims. She knew all to well of the “nurturing” aspects these madmen had.
“Absolutely not,” she snapped. “I cannot, will not allow such testing to be done on my watch. Not now. Not ever.”
Ives’s face darkened. “But milady, I believe we are so terribly close. Allow me the funding necessary to conduct such experiments and, if they are successful, we could, why, we could render whole divisions obsolete. Vekaiyu would be a much stronger nation!”
“And if they were to disobey? What then? What if these individuals happen to grow a conscience?” She paused as her ears bent back. “What if they earn the right to a soul? And realize who and what attempted to take their free will from them?”
“I don’t follow. If trained correctly, they can be devoid of any free will.”
“You are not allowed to conduct these experiments, Reyneskoyey,” she replied coldly. “Return to your work and abandon all thought on the matter.”
The scientist hesitated, then piped up. “But we’re so close! All the theory is correct - my research assistants have all checked over the work! We just need the approval, that’s it!” He held up his hands. “It’s forward progress! The next natural step! We cannot stifle progress!”
“You are out of order, Reyneskoyey. Leave me and return to your work. Alone.”
“We must begin the experimentation, milady! Why don’t you comply?”
“I’m not sure I like your tone,” she replied. “No children! Prisoners are for experimentation.”
“The mind of a prisoner is already corrupt!” he exclaimed. “We need an uncorrupted mind!”
“Then you will have no test subjects,” Ikrisia said as she gritted her teeth. “So long as I am alive, such experimentation will never transpire.”
“You cannot stop progress!” Reyneskoyey cried. “Think of what all this will accomplish. If this experiment of ours works-”
“Our experiment?” Ikrisia interrupted. “Oh no. Not ours. But you will have plenty of time to cognate that thought. For I have heard enough. Kivio Reyneskoyey, your work is henceforth defunded, your research assistants shall be re-assigned, and you shall be barred from participating in the field of research and development at any level in Vekaiyun society. I will not tolerate careless and crass behavior when it comes to the lives of the individual. Nevertheless, I must thank you for interfacing with me today, Reyneskoyey. The display of your true colors has indeed preserved the nation and the individuals within it, and will for years to come. Your removal is one of addition. Onward toward Vekaiyun progress, as you so eloquently put it.” She pointed to the door. “Good day.”