Fiction: Inexact Science (chapter 1)…

Inexact Science

1

Seth was only 13 when he first came into contact with the new teachings. “Inexact Science”. A new subject in his timetable. The first lesson was practical.

They were standing at a touchline on the playing field behind a row of W-shaped bows. cans of spindle like arrows stood on tripods. Teacher showed them how to prime a folding bow.

Step on it. Go on, use your bodyweight.

Then he showed Seth how to nock the spindle arrows. They elongated with the string, effortlessly.

Look into the sight, everybody, said Teacher. The sight was just 3 glass cylinders arranged in a triangle. Seth could see the target faces replicated in each one. He tried to get them the same size and position in each lens, so none were deformed.

He was aware of the faint vibrations coursing through the stretched arrow. He released it, and scored a 9.75 on his first shot. He did a 9.9 on his 3rd.

How does it feel?

Great! Said everyone.

But this was just a primer for what they would face next. Seth, you can take one of the bows home, and only one arrow. You’re responsible and we trust you.

That night, Seth lay in his bed holding the tensed folding bow. The spindle arrow on his pillow. He closed his eyes and dreamed of glory. He had hit a target at 70 yards, almost dead on without really trying.

Then, a rap on his window. He got up and looked out. It was Marjorie from school.

What do you want?

The bow, she whispered loudly. Bring it down here.

Seth got changed and met Marge in the garage. There were several other boys with her who were older and looked like soldiers.

They’re cadets, in case you’re wondering.

What are we going to do?

One of the boys spoke and it was in a counter tenor voice. You’ve seen inexact science today, brother. What do you think of it?

Seth looked confused.

You’re responsible, the boy said, but you can trust us -can you? Marge, can he see yet?

Seth dropped his eyes and turned to leave. You can have the bow but let me know why first.

Brother, if you can’t see, we’ll be back later. The group turned to leave but Majorie stopped them. He’ll see -very soon.

Seth looked into her eyes and he knew trust when he saw it. The others read his face and agreed.

You need to see, then hear, then read. See if Marge will help you. It’s supposed to be logical -whatever you feel you should do.

Seth handed over the bow and arrow on condition they keep it in his garage. They agreed.

That night, the teenagers dissected the weapon and projectile. Seth saw them jotting Math-like equations on their notepads. Something he didn’t understand yet. It was taught at a higher grade.

They didn’t say what they were doing. But in half an hour, they had put everything back together and left his home. Marjorie stayed back. Seth, thanks for being a friend. You haven’t betrayed anyone. Science is everybody’s right to learn. It’s not the weapon that’s dangerous, it’s our minds.

That night, he had a dream of Marjorie. They were swimming in her pool and she kissed him in the water. He looked into her eyes and he saw truth in her beauty.

The golden ratio reflected between them just like the lenses of the bow and he pulled at each of its images until they lined up. He chose the one that looked a bit whimsically odd. And she smiled. You WILL see.

Teacher, Mr. Frederick, was in his office as usual. Seth came in and placed the borrowed weapon on his table. He took a seat and squeezed his arms between his knees.

Frederick didn’t look up from his paperwork. You’ve looked it over what do you think?

It’s purely mechanical but very accurate. Maybe it uses physics in a different way.

How so?

It tackles the problem from many angles.

Or so you think?

Or so I do -so far.

Where is Marjorie? Go fetch her in if you don’t mind.

Seth waited in the corridor as voices were raised in the office. Then, Teacher called him in. Marjorie’s face was stern but a little flushed and she wouldn’t look directly at anything, any one of them.

Seth, I trusted you and I still do. There is a reason you were allowed the bow. Something never done at your grade. Seth, you’re a leader and I want to give you all the exposure you need. If this young lady is your guide, then say so.

Yes, she is.

Then both of you are free to leave. No conditions.

Seth you can’t see because you’re proud.

Proud?

Of yourself. Everyone can read you. Even your own mind reads you. That’s why you are -full of yourself.

Seth, you need a guide and me and the bunch, we’re at your command.

It wasn’t something easily told to a newly turned teenager but he managed this threat to his authority, masquerading as a compliment without any emotion. Maybe he was proud.

Marge took his hand and they went home.

Seth found out that there was a Science club that met every Friday evening after school. You should join, said Marjorie. All of us are in it. Are you afraid of change? At your level, you should be. All leaders are worrywarts.

What’s going to change?

Everything. Eventually. Even you.

Later, he stripped off to bathe and he sat on the small plastic stool under the weakly sputtering shower head, hands tucked between his knees. He breathed through his mouth as rivulets trickled across his skin. His wet hair plastered across his forehead. He KNEW this was where he would conduct his war room meetings with the older boys from. Under water.

And Friday evening couldn’t have come sooner.