Ever since joining Scudamore High, Danielle Jenkins had been the centre of attention. Her relative youth, and her rather unconventional style had led to particular interest from some of the older boys, as well as the teachers, at the school.
Still, Danielle wasn’t fazed. She had a job to do, and she was going to do it well. A specialist in Maths and Science, Danielle knew a dangerous proposition when she saw one. Which is why, when reading the paper I’d handed in, she made me stay back after class to discuss it.
“This is a very impressive paper, Paul.”
“Thank you, Miss Jenkins.”
“Please, Paul, we’re off duty now. Call me Danielle.”
In the back of her mind, she thought this might come across as rather forward, but that voice was quickly dismissed.
“Impressive, and yet…problematic. You see, Paul, if what you’re proposing is true, then it would be extremely unethical to publish, or even circulate it.”
Danielle jumped down from her position on the desk, and stood beside me, so we could both see the paper, laid out on the table.
“Come now, Paul, you understand as well as I do, what the implications would be, if someone were to actually build the device you’re talking about…”
Danielle took my hand, and held it, like a friend.
“But surely, Danielle, you’d agree, that in the interests of science, such a device should be built, and tested, if only to be destroyed afterwards…if there’s ever going to be any progress-”
Dani rested her head on my shoulder, smiling, and lowered her voice to a whisper.
“Of course I agree, Paul. But whoever built this…why, they’d have the power to influence…and control minds…to bend people to their will…they’d be like…puppets.”
I stroked her hair.
“Well, more like pets at first. Devoted little things. Only too happy to do anything to please their Controller. Isn’t that right, Dani?”
“Mmmm….yes Paul…”
Dani stepped away, gazing at me adoringly.
“You’re my first subject, Dani. You should feel honoured. Now – show me how much you want to obey. For science, obviously…”
Dani giggled, and shuffled on both feet, shyly. She lifted her top over her head.
“For science…” Dani sighed, blissfully…