The fifth vial

CHAPTER 16

Socrates, welcome back to the council."

"Thank you, Laertes. My next term actually doesn't begin for another two months, but I assure you I am looking forward to it. Is everyone on?"

"They are."

The four members of the council, speaking at the same time from three continents, greeted one of the founders of their organization.

"So?" Socrates asked.

"So," Laertes said, "we are calling you about H, client number fourteen on your list. With little warning, his health has begun a fairly rapid deterioration. He needs his procedure done within ten days, his physicians estimate — sooner if at all possible. As you can no doubt extrapolate from his name, there is a great deal at stake politically and financially. We know you have been very busy on our behalf, but we need to know if you can take this case."

"I will make it my business to be available. Donor?"

"We have three possibles. Forty-year-old male baker from Paris, eleven-point match."

"Information on him?"

"Some. He's a pretty typical Producer. Doesn't own the bakery, never will. Two children. People in his neighborhood say he makes excellent bread."

"Themistocles here. It seems to me that to remove even one good baker from the world would be a sin. I vote we look elsewhere."

"The next two are from the United States. First is an actor from Los Angeles — thirty-seven years old. Eleven-point match."

"What has he been in?"

"Grade B horror films, mostly. He's already been married at least four times, has a gambling problem, and is loaded with debt. Credit rating is poor, doesn't seem to have much respect in the industry."

"No matter," Glaucon said. "However untalented, he is still an actor, and that makes him an Auxiliary. And furthermore, he's an eleven. I vote last resort only."

"I agree," Polemarchus chimed in. "Producers before Auxiliaries. That is our policy. Besides, I'm sure Socrates would be first in line for a twelve if we can get him one."

"That is true," Socrates said, "even though our work has shown that the difference in outcome between an eleven and a twelve is minimal. Still, all else being equal, I would certainly prefer a perfect match. An adult Producer, negative health history, the younger the better."

"I am pleased that we have such a match," Laertes said. "Thirty-six year-old female. Lower-level Producer. Works waiting tables in some sort of restaurant. Divorced. One child. Doesn't do much of anything outside of her work. Our investigator reports that some of the married women in her town do not trust her."

"And she's a twelve?"

She is.

"What state is she from?" Socrates asked.

"Let me see. I think it's…yes, Tennessee. She is from the state of Tennessee."

"Probably listens to that ghastly country music all day," Polemarchus muttered.

"We will do her the honor of selection. Objections'"

"None."

"None."

"Good choice."

"Okay, then, Socrates. As of now, you are on standby. Good day, gentlemen."