Broken Mirror by Cody Sisco Page B

to mirror resonance in yours.”
    Victor understood what she was saying. Granfa Jeff had referred to the plasticity of his brain too. But drugs that could rewire brain chemistry? He felt bile rise in his throat. She was lumping together drug addicts and people with MRS in a dregs-of-society research program. It was worse than being ignored.
    “I need you to work on the sequencing plan in support of the lab and clinic research teams,” she continued. “Figure out what data they will want from us and how we can deliver it. There will also be a ceremonial role. You’ll need to hone your public speaking skills and work with some pretty senior people in the organization and in government, so that will be a challenge. That’s what coaching is for. But you have the face for it — remember, dissonant micro-expressions aren’t a problem when you’re speaking to a crowd of people.”
    “I don’t know,” he said, unsure of what to make of her newfound confidence in him.
    “Victor, this project is going to revolutionize biomedical research. We are talking about the sequencing of millions of patients’ genetic codes and tying that to detailed information about their medical histories. Researchers will use this data for decades to understand why some people get sick and others don’t, how genetic defects arise and get passed on, how to create targeted medical treatments. This is the future of health care, and you’ll get to be a part of it.”
    Karine looked at him with focused intensity. Could she really have that much faith in his abilities?
    Victor sat up and puffed out his chest, though he didn’t feel he deserved her confidence in him. “Why me?”
    “Isn’t it obvious?” she asked. “You’re talented. Our best data jockey by far. More than that, you are the nephew of our chief, heir to a fortune that owns a controlling interest in this company, and a high-profile mirror resonance patient. In other words, a unique asset, and I would be a terrible manager if I didn’t take advantage of it.”
    Victor imagined her jaw unhinging to swallow him, like a giant python devouring a flightless bird. He remained silent. The scope of the project impressed him. A large-scale comparison of genomics and pathology could change medicine as completely as had the sequencing of the human genome and the cure for cancer.
    He stared at a metal vent on the ceiling and considered his options. Karine was describing a great opportunity, but he didn’t like the feeling of being manipulated.
    She cleared her throat. “You’ll need to decide quickly. I suppose an immediate answer isn’t necessary, but I can’t really see there’s much of a choice for you. Things are changing, Victor. You need to keep up.”
    She rose and brushed her hands over the arms of her aquamarine synthsilk suit as if some odious substance had settled on her in the past few minutes. “Now, I’ve spoken to Circe and we agree on several points. You need to take your medication, drop this silly fantasy about Jefferson’s death, and start seeing a therapist again. Agreed? We can’t afford to take any chances with your mental health.”
    A lump formed in Victor’s throat. She’d been discussing him with his family. Losing his grip on reality, they must have said, poor thing, needs to get back on his pills. How disappointed Dr. Tammet would be if she knew how foolishly he’d been acting, indulging in dark fantasies and scandalizing his family.
    Karine was right. This was his opportunity to put the past behind him, and he had to take it. But that would mean going back on Personil, losing his newfound clarity of mind.
    Karine was waiting for him to answer.
    “Agreed,” he said. He could take a half-dose, intermittently, and probably get away with it. Still, it felt like a loss to agree to her terms. Victor closed his eyes and visualized Granfa Jeff’s casket, imagining the click the lid made as he shut it tight.
    “Good.” Karine’s real leather boots clicked