Young Rissa Read Online Free PDF Page A

might have the aptitude. We’re too short of help to waste brains with any kind of head start.” The man nodded and Gerard left.  
    â€œSit down, please. I’m Doctor Otaka. And you are . . .?”  
    â€œRissa Kerguelen.”  
    â€œAge? And how long have you been in Welfare?” She told him; he began to ask another question, then said, “No, never mind — that’s all in your file. Gerard forgot to bring it, but I can check later.” He smiled — a real smile — Rissa remembered Natalie Kimbrough. He said, “Reading level, eh? A rare request these days. What else can you do? Anything with numbers?”  
    â€œI can — I can add and subtract. I used to know how to multiply, but I forgot. I was just starting to learn division when they came and took me — took me and Ivan . . .”  
    â€œIvan?”  
    â€œMy brother. They’ve never let me see him. Could you — ”  
    He shook his head. “Not a chance. Last year, maybe. But the new chief in Division, Male, is a real pile — with barnacles!  
    â€œNow, then.” He shoved papers at her, and a pencil. “Can you read the directions all right?” She looked. “Yes.” “Then go ahead. Starting — now .”  
    Not quite understanding the purpose but willing to oblige, she read, wrote, read and wrote again. When she was done, Otaka said, “You’re fast. Finished with three minutes to spare. Now, then — do you know what an intelligence test is?”  
    She thought. “When I was four — matching patterns, putting pegs in holes.”  
    â€œWell, this one is a little different.”  
    And it was. Written questions, each with five answers from which to choose. Some she did not understand at all; some she comprehended vaguely; many were clear to her. At last she said, “I don’t think I can answer any more of it. Was I fast again?”  
    He smiled. “Yes, somewhat. And now it’s time for lunch.”  
    â€œAll right. I can find my way there. Should I come back? Is there any more you want me to do?”  
    He looked at his watch. “Actually, it’s past time to eat at your dining room.”  
    She shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. I’ve missed lunch before — I’m not very hungry.”  
    â€œNo, no! We’ll have no work on empty stomachs. I intended, anyway — you’ll lunch with me in the staff dining room.”  
    Dubiously, “I don’t think they’ll like that.”  
    â€œI’m conducting tests and you’re my subject — enough said. Come along.”  
    She did, and although uneasy in the strange circumstance, enjoyed the food, the unfamiliar variety and flavors. The meat and some vegetables were quite new to her, but she asked no questions.  
    Afterward, again in Otaka’s office, he said, “Would you mind doing a few more series? I’d like to establish a psychological profile.”  
    â€œI don’t know what that means, but all right.”  
    â€œWell, I’m studying the effects of the Welfare environment, especially on children.” He smiled again. “That’s not much better, is it? Let’s just say I’m trying to learn about people and I’d like you to help me. But you don’t have to — this is my own idea, not Gerard’s orders.”  
    â€œSure. Sure — I’ll help you .” And it was a long three hours before Rissa was done with the succession of tests. When she left, what most surprised her was the doctor’s handshake as he said good-bye.  
    When Gerard next called her he said only, “You’re too smart for scut-work. You’re going to save me some money.” He turned to the woman at a smaller desk, a woman whose hair was undipped and who wore a bright dress. “Rissa, this is Elva Sommrech,