"Тед Чан. Seventy-Two Letters (72 буквы, Рассказ) (англ.)" - читать интересную книгу автора

"I expect that most of the nobility and gentry would share Lord
FieldhurstТs opinion on this matter." Ashbourne rested his forehead on the
fingertips of one hand, suddenly looking very old. "I should have
anticipated this. My error was in viewing humanity purely as a single
species. Having seen England and France working toward a common goal, I
forgot that nations are not the only factions that oppose one another."
"What if we surreptitiously distributed the name to the labouring
classes? They could draw their own needles and impress the name
themselves, in secret."
"They could, but name impression is a delicate procedure best performed
in a laboratory. IТm dubious that the operation could be carried out on
the scale necessary without attracting governmental attention, and then
falling under its control."
"Is there an alternative?"
There was silence for a long moment while they considered. Then
Ashbourne said, "Do you recall our speculation about a name that would
induce two generations of foetuses?"
"Certainly."
"Suppose we develop such a name but do not reveal this property when we
present it to Lord Fieldhurst."
"ThatТs a wily suggestion," said Stratton, surprised. "All the children
born of such a name would be fertile, so they would be able to reproduce
without governmental restriction."
Ashbourne nodded. "In the period before population control measures go
into effect, such a name might be very widely distributed."
"But what of the following generation? Sterility would recur, and the
labouring classes would again be dependent upon the government to
reproduce."
"True," said Ashbourne, "it would be a short-lived victory. Perhaps the
only permanent solution would be a more liberal Parliament, but it is
beyond my expertise to suggest how we might bring that about."

Again Stratton thought about the changes that cheap engines might
bring; if the situation of the working classes was improved in the manner
he hoped, that might demonstrate to the nobility that poverty was not
innate. But even if the most favorable sequence of events obtained, it
would require years to sway Parliament. "What if we could induce multiple
generations with the initial name impression?
A longer period before sterility recurs would increase the chances that
more liberal social policies would take hold."
"YouТre indulging a fancy," replied Ashbourne. "The technical
difficulty of inducing multiple generations is such that IТd sooner wager
on our successfully sprouting wings and taking flight.
Inducing two generations would be ambitious enough."
The two men discussed strategies late into the night. If they were to
conceal the true name of any name they presented to Lord Fieldhurst, they
would have to forge a lengthy trail of research results. Even without the
additional burden of secrecy, they would be engaged in an unequal race,
pursuing a highly sophisticated name while the other nomenclators sought a