The Pattern
Darrell watched the screen on his desk. The child on the monitor was smiling, happy perhaps to have been selected for something special. He knew without question that the child would indeed choose to accept the mission. What he was watching for in this case was to see how much thought the child gave the choice before deciding.
Decisions making is key at The Pattern. Being able to reason things out quickly is essential but also the ability to analyze far in advance. It would in the end help Darrell place the pupil in the appropriate group. He watched thoughts flicker in the depths of the child's eyes, watched a few hopes and dreams balancing with realities and fears.
These days, The Pattern sent invitations to only extremely bright children. It had begun in the fifties as an obligation. The children were yanked from their beds in the dark of night, and some minority or religious sect or hippy was blamed for the loss. The child was then circulated through the training and forced to endure hardships. The lead psychologist decided shortly after the "Rodney" Incident that children should be given the choice at least as an illusion. So, letters were written and sent, children were offered a choice. The security of the mission was maintained, and all went well.
Each year The Pattern made more connections, and each year more children were brought in bright eyed and excited. The results were astonishing brilliant motivated young people are such a blessing.
Darrell relaxed when the child's pen marked the yes box. The world would never genuinely appreciate this child's endeavors. This child's life work would be the backbone of the future, but all too few people would be aware of it. As Darrell surveyed the child, he thought to himself that he could provide this child with a good future, certainly better than what it was at the present.
Darrell flipped off the monitor and placed a phone call, the child and the letter needed to be collected immediately. Children liked to brag about being selected for something special, but this wasn't exactly the same as winning the spelling bee. The child wouldn't grasp that and Darrell hated cleaning up the accidental messes children sometimes created in their ignorance and haste.
Darrell slipped a stack of files onto his desk. He carefully began to read up on the children being brought out in the next 24 hours. He wanted them grouped accordingly before their arrival. There was something special about the group he was organizing. It had the greatest potential for growth and success. He just wanted to reread the files again to be certain it was the right decision.
Decisions making is key at The Pattern. Being able to reason things out quickly is essential but also the ability to analyze far in advance. It would in the end help Darrell place the pupil in the appropriate group. He watched thoughts flicker in the depths of the child's eyes, watched a few hopes and dreams balancing with realities and fears.
These days, The Pattern sent invitations to only extremely bright children. It had begun in the fifties as an obligation. The children were yanked from their beds in the dark of night, and some minority or religious sect or hippy was blamed for the loss. The child was then circulated through the training and forced to endure hardships. The lead psychologist decided shortly after the "Rodney" Incident that children should be given the choice at least as an illusion. So, letters were written and sent, children were offered a choice. The security of the mission was maintained, and all went well.
Each year The Pattern made more connections, and each year more children were brought in bright eyed and excited. The results were astonishing brilliant motivated young people are such a blessing.
Darrell relaxed when the child's pen marked the yes box. The world would never genuinely appreciate this child's endeavors. This child's life work would be the backbone of the future, but all too few people would be aware of it. As Darrell surveyed the child, he thought to himself that he could provide this child with a good future, certainly better than what it was at the present.
Darrell flipped off the monitor and placed a phone call, the child and the letter needed to be collected immediately. Children liked to brag about being selected for something special, but this wasn't exactly the same as winning the spelling bee. The child wouldn't grasp that and Darrell hated cleaning up the accidental messes children sometimes created in their ignorance and haste.
Darrell slipped a stack of files onto his desk. He carefully began to read up on the children being brought out in the next 24 hours. He wanted them grouped accordingly before their arrival. There was something special about the group he was organizing. It had the greatest potential for growth and success. He just wanted to reread the files again to be certain it was the right decision.