Kandryl went about to each section in turn, checking on the progress and work that each of the boys had done that day and speaking with the various supervisors. The boys had been dismissed from their work over an hour earlier, so Kandryl was able to speak freely with the supervisors without concerning himself with how the boys may interpret his words. He found that most had been perfectly compliant and ready to work, willing to do whatever was asked of them. The supervisors of Jaeger and Detrin both said that those two had shown at least small signs of stubbornness at times, but it had not yet led to conflict. Wysire’s work was difficult to judge: Moru said that he had no way of verifying its accuracy and that he didn’t trust the boy, though he couldn’t say exactly why.
Kandryl had much to consider as he walked back through the halls towards his own quarters. This project was enormous, and there were innumerable contingencies which must be considered and evaluated. It would have been so much easier if Djaisiuk had not been among this group! The project would succeed regardless; Kandryl had no doubt of that. His only concern was whether he ought to continue to allow Djaisiuk to work, given his apparently obstinate nature, or to simply lock him away for the time being, until the rest of the boys were well settled and Kandryl had time to devote himself fully to this young recusant.
The question that continually arose in Kandryl’s mind was this: why was Djaisiuk refusing to answer his questions? If it was arrogance, then that would be acceptable. If it was willfulness, that would be unacceptable unless it was confined only to the area of speech. If it was open defiance, wanting only to show that he could not or would not be controlled, then it was certainly intolerable. In the latter case, Djaisiuk’s will must certainly be broken, quickly and mercilessly. In one of lower intelligence, Kandryl would not be so concerned; he would simply lock the boy away with the other three. But Djaisiuk was too valuable to simply lock away. He must be used. If Kandryl could make him serve them willingly, or even only indifferently, Vukosava would have gained a great asset indeed.
Kandryl decided that if Djaisiuk persisted in this apparent defiance, he would interview some of the other members of the crew in order to find out all he could about Djaisiuk’s personality. This could help to determine why Djaisiuk was acting like this and whether Kandryl ought to expect it to continue. In the meantime, however, Djaisiuk would have to be shown that Kandryl would not put up with open defiance of any sort.
In his own quarters, Kandryl sent for Drayl, the head of the medical unit. When the latter arrived, Kandryl briefly explained the situation regarding Djaisiuk.
“He could be an invaluable worker, but he’s not entirely obedient,” said Kandryl. “He’s stubborn, and he seems willful, though it could be simply arrogance. It’s hard to say for certain. The only thing about which I am certain is the fact that I don’t trust him. I am going to need a way to break his will; I want him to obey me in everything without question.”
Drayl raised his eyebrows. "If I may say so, I'm a little surprised that this is the only one with whom you are having such difficulties."
"The others can be controlled easily; their emotions betray their every thought," Kandryl replied with a note of disgust. "This one shows nothing. It has, thus far, been impossible to even guess what he is thinking. If it weren't for his stature and features, the boy could be Vukasovian." He sighed. "I must have him. What methods can you offer to bring him fully under my control?"
“There are many possibilities available,” said Drayl. “We have the mind-altering device that was invented by Coriani some time ago. That’s proved very effective on Vukasovians and Udolians, although it hasn’t been tested on Komislavians yet. We also have a mind drug that could be administered; that would probably be the quickest and easiest method. Or, if you want something a little more drastic but generally more effective in complete and permanent breaking of the will rather than temporary manipulation, there is always physical torment. We’ve innumerable options there.”
“I know that I don’t want to try the mind-altering device,” said Kandryl. “That would be too risky. It has been known to damage the intellect of some of its victims."
Drayl shook his head with a gesture of dismissal. "A paltry few," he said. "A quite insignificant percentage."
"Even one would be too many," replied Kandryl firmly. "I need a way to break this one's spirit without any possible damage to his mind. Physical functions are easily repaired or replaced, but intellect of that level is not something with which it is safe to gamble; it is entirely irreplaceable.”
“There is also the mind drug,” Drayl suggested. “It does no damage to the intellect, though it does render the personality submissive. The subject may not be as easily controlled through that route as with the Coriani device, but I think that it would serve your purpose.”
Kandryl nodded thoughtfully. “Perhaps, but that has not yet been tested on Komislavian minds; there is no way to be sure that there would be no ill-effects. Remember that they are not like us mentally. They are far closer to the Londarians, in that respect.”
“It's never been tested on a Londarian either,” replied Drayl. “We certainly could perform such a test easily enough, for we have several Londarians available, but they are so pathetically cringing as a race, that we wouldn’t necessarily be able to tell whether the drug made them more submissive. But it would, at least, show whether or not the drug damages the mind.”
Kandryl shook his head. “The Londarians are idiots,” he said. “Even if the drug did no damage to them, I wouldn’t feel safe using it on this one. I would first want it proven that it could not, in the least, damage the intelligence level of one so high.”
“Even that could easily be done,” said Drayl. “We do have three Komislavian subjects of high intellect that are to be used for testing and observation, you said. I only suggested the Londarians because I know that they are more expendable.”
“Yes, we might use one of those three,” Kandryl considered. “But not yet. I want to wait first and see whether any of them will relent and join their fellows in working for us before I do something that may irrevocably damage them. What other options are readily available?”
“We have many devices created to inflict physical pain, if you’d like to go that route,” Drayl replied, a cruel smile playing about his mouth. “But few of these were designed to minimize long-term damage, and none have been tested on Komislavians, though in physical makeup there is generally very little difference between our races.”
Kandryl nodded. “It would certainly be my preference to try the effect of physical pain before resorting to any mind-affecting drugs, but I do want to avoid long-term physical damage. We may have to invent something completely new. Can you come up with something quickly that will inflict pain without causing any permanent or long-term damage? It will not need to be too barbarous; he’s only a young student. I doubt very much whether he’s accustomed to having to bear any pain at all. His tolerance is doubtless very low.”
“He is a Komislavian, if I may say so,” countered Drayl cautiously. “They’re a hardy race, and many of them have a very high tolerance for pain.”
“Drayl, I do not want one of your usual machines,” said Kandryl firmly. “I want something tame. These are students, not physical laborers. You may make something with varying levels of intensity, if you like, but nothing like your normal work. I want something simple that can be made quickly.”
“As you wish,” shrugged Drayl, assuming an indifferent expression. “I can begin immediately.”
“How long do you expect it to take?” Kandryl asked.
“I can’t be sure,” replied Drayl. “It will depend entirely on what exactly you want. I’ll draw up a few possibilities for you to consider and bring the plans to you tomorrow. After that, it should be no more than two days before the device could be created, depending on the materials required.” Drayl smiled again as he continued, “I can be very efficient when I’m doing something that I enjoy.”
Kandryl nodded. “Very well,” he said. “Prepare the plans for your ‘possibilities’ immediately. But if he displays the same stubbornness and rebellion tomorrow night, then I’ll have to find something to try in the meantime. This cannot go unpunished for that long.”
“If I may make a suggestion,” offered Drayl, “the one thing that has rendered men of all races submissive regardless of their tolerance for pain is this: hunger. Deny him food, and he will submit. And even if he holds out so long that continued fasting will damage him, it will, at least, fill the time between now and when the new device will be ready. Knowing that they are an agricultural community, I would tend to doubt that he has been a single day in his life without food.”
Kandryl nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, I may try that,” he said. “It certainly does seem a rather archaic method of domination, not to mention somewhat risky, but it may be worth doing. I may also try sleep deprivation, though I wouldn’t want to do that for more than one or two nights. Very well, you are dismissed. Bring me your ideas as soon as they are ready.”
Drayl rose, saluted, and left the room.
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