Page 10 - Tales Apocalyptic and Dystopian

The Stars Impel

is easily predictable, and I do not wish to be the bearer of bad tidings.
Further, I do not believe in the simple-minded microcosm-
macrocosm correspondence at the foundation of divinatory theories.
As the old-time astrologers used to say, ‘the stars impel, they do not
compel’. I hope I’m making myself clear, ladies: truth will be as I see
it. The fee will be ten ampules of morphine. In advance.”
Minu Savelo, like her companion, showed no surprise at these
remarks. Without removing her attention from scanners and sensors,
Minu removed a package from her kit and passed it over the counter.
Yarsis switched off the ComPort image and placed the drugs on the
desk.
“We brought fifty. You may have them all.”
The astrologer examined the payment, and then slid it into a
drawer. “All right. I have an idea why you’re here, but you might as
well state your case in your own words.”
Yarsis returned to her console. “The facts are these,” she intoned
evenly. “The second and third generations on Eufloria have
appeared, increasing the population to its present three hundred
twenty-four. Given the genetic make-up of the first generation, the
Agency was fairly certain that all its desired traits would be passed on;
and, in fact, no hidden recessive genes or significant mutations have
been found in the DNA of the descendants of that original breeding
stock.”
“But.” said Jay Trovu.
“But those descendants, natives of Eufloria, are exhibiting
personality types and behavior traits the Agency neither anticipated
nor particularly desires. The uniform suitability of the population no
longer exists. Some people are committing what can only be
described as crimes, for no apparent purpose. Others are forming
organizations whose goals have no function, and use up valuable
resources. This deviance has, in turn, forced changes upon the
remaining percentage of people still within our parameters of
normalcy. In sum, the emergence of unpredictable human variation
has threatened the future of the colonization program.”
She paused for instant, frowning.
“Needless to say, the Agency has applied every scientific technique
at its disposal to solve this problem. Environmental factors on
Eufloria have been reconsidered, to no avail. The biomathematics

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