Perfect People Read Free Page A

work.’
    ‘It was a big experiment,’ John said. ‘It took nearly four years.’
    John had developed a computer simulation showing the evolution of a dog for one thousand generations into the future, using a set of selectors.
    ‘And your conclusion was that they have become so linked with humans that as we evolve the dogs will evolve too. In effect they will grow smarter as man’s domination of the planet increases. I liked that. I thought that was ingenious thinking.’
    John was flattered that a scientist of Dettore’s eminence should have read his work, let alone praise it. ‘It was really the development of a few key algorithms devoted to how overcoming epistasis is the rate-limiting step in adaptation,’ he replied, modestly.
    ‘And you haven’t yet run a simulation on how man will evolve over the next thousand generations?’
    ‘That’s a whole new set of parameters. Apart from the challenge of creating the program, there isn’t that kind of computing power available for academic research at USC. I—’
    Interrupting him, Dettore said, ‘I think we should talk about that. I’d be interested in giving a donation, if that would drive it forward?’
    ‘I’d be happy to talk about it,’ John said, excited by the thought that funding from Dettore could make a difference to his research work, but not wanting to get sidetracked at this moment. On this ship it was Naomi who was important, not his work.
    ‘Good. We’ll have plenty of time over the next few weeks.’ Then Dettore paused, looking first at John then at Naomi. ‘I’m really sorry about what happened with your son.’
    She shrugged, feeling the same twist of pain she always felt when she talked about it. ‘Thanks,’ she mouthed, emotion choking her voice.
    ‘Tough call.’ Fixing those grey eyes on her he said, ‘Folks who’ve never experienced the death of a child can’t even begin to understand.’
    Naomi nodded.
    Dettore, looking sad, suddenly, glanced at John as if to include him. ‘My ex-wife and I lost two kids – one at a year old from an inherited genetic disease, and one at six from meningitis.’
    ‘I – I didn’t know that. I’m really sorry,’ Naomi said, turning to John. ‘You didn’t tell me.’
    ‘I didn’t know either,’ he said. ‘I’m sorry.’
    ‘You had no reason to, it’s not something I go around broadcasting. We made a decision to keep that private. But—’ The geneticist opened out the palms of his hands. ‘It’s a big part of why I’m here. There are certain things in life that happen which shouldn’t happen – which don’t need to happen – and which science can now prevent from happening. That essentially is what we’re about at this clinic.’
    ‘It’s why we’re here, too,’ Naomi said.
    Dettore smiled. ‘Anyhow, so how was your journey? You caught the red-eye from LA last night?’
    ‘We took a day flight and spent last night in New York – had dinner with some friends. We like eating out in New York,’ said John.
    Butting in, Naomi said, ‘One of my husband’s interests is food – except he treats each course like it’s some scientific experiment. Everyone else has a great time, but there’s always something not quite right with his.’ She grinned at John affectionately.
    John rocked his head defensively, smiling back. ‘Cooking is science. I don’t expect to pay for some chef’s laboratory tests.’
    ‘I’ll be interested how you rate the food on board here,’ Dettore said.
    ‘The way I’m feeling,’ Naomi said, ‘I’m not going to be able to face any food.’
    ‘A little seasick?’
    ‘A little.’
    ‘Forecast is bad for the next few hours, then it’s clearing – should be a great day tomorrow.’ He hesitated and there was a moment of awkwardness between the three of them. The ship lurched suddenly, and he put a hand against the cabin wall to steady himself.
    ‘So, here’s the plan. I just want you guys to relax tonight, have dinner in your