The Edge of Tomorrow Read Free Page B

great deal on the question of environment, and the wisdom and judgement and love necessary to create this environment. I think it would be helpful if you could send me a few words at least concerning this environment you are establishing.
    We have now sent you four infants. Tomorrow, we leave for Rome—and from Rome to Casablanca.
    But we will be in Rome at least two weeks, and a communication should reach me there.
    More seriously—
    And not untroubled,
    Harry
    By diplomatic pouch
    Via Washington, D. C.
    February 11, 1946
    Mr. Harry Felton
    Rome, Italy
    Dear Harry:
    Just a few facts here. We are tremendously impressed by your reactions to Professor Goldbaum, and we look forward eagerly to his joining us. Meanwhile, Mark and I have been working night and day on the environment. In the most general terms, this is what we plan.
    The entire reservation—all eight thousand acres—will be surrounded by a wire fence and will be under army guard. Within it, we shall establish a home. There will be between thirty and forty teachers—or group parents. We are accepting only married couples who love children and who will dedicate themselves to this venture. That they must have additional qualifications goes without saying.
    Within the proposition that somewhere in man’s civilized development, something went wrong, we are returning to the pre-history form of group marriage. That is not to say that we will cohabit indiscriminately—but the children will be given to understand that parentage is a whole, that we are all their mothers and fathers, not by blood but by love.
    We shall teach them the truth, and where we do not know the truth, we shall not teach. There will be no myths, no legends, no lies, superstitions, no premises and no religions. We shall teach love and cooperation and we shall give love and security in full measure. We shall also teach them the knowledge of mankind.
    During the first nine years, we shall command the environment entirely. We shall write the books they read, and shape the history and circumstances they require. Only then, will we begin to relate the children to the world as it is.
    Does it sound too simple or too presumptuous? It is all we can do, Harry, and I think Professor Goldbaum will understand that full well. It is also more than has ever been done for children before.
    So good luck to both of you. Your letters sound as if you are changing, Harry—and we feel a curious process of change within us. When I put down what we are doing, it seems almost too obvious to be meaningful. We are simply taking a group of very gifted children and giving them knowledge and love. Is this enough to break through to that part of man which is unused and unknown? Well, we shall see. Bring us the children, Harry, and we shall see.
    With love,
    Jean
    In the early spring of 1965, Harry Felton arrived in Washington and went directly to the White House. Felton had just turned fifty; he was a tall and pleasant-looking man, rather lean, with greying hair. As President of the Board of Shipways, Inc.—one of the largest import and export houses in America—he commanded a certain amount of deference and respect from Eggerton, who was then Secretary of Defense. In any case, Eggerton, who was nobody’s fool, did not make the mistake of trying to intimidate Felton.
    Instead, he greeted him pleasantly; and the two of them, with no others present, sat down in a small room in the White House, drank each other’s good health, and talked about things.
    Eggerton proposed that Felton might know why he had been asked to Washington.
    â€œI can’t say that I do know,” Felton said.
    â€œYou have a remarkable sister.”
    â€œI have been aware of that for a long time,” Felton smiled.
    â€œYou are also very close-mouthed, Mr. Felton,” the secretary observed. “So far as we know, not even your immediate family has ever heard of man-plus. That’s a commendable