Okay this is fluff for fluff's sake. With the new DLC released for Bioshock: Infinite and the announcement of more DLC coming soon, I've gotten back into the game. Spent some time replaying the story and this idea popped into my head during one of the Lutece twins' scenes. Now before I go any further, let me explain something. When I first played the game, before I head them refer to one another as brother/sister, I assumed they were married such was their playful relationship. Now whether they are truly brother/sister is up for debate, what with gender reversed alternate realities and such. Perhaps it's just narcissism taken to its ultimate extreme?
But I digress. There isn't much in the way of romantic Robert/Rosalind in this story. Some, but like a single line here and there. If that's not your cup of tea, totally understandable. As far as I'm concerned, their relationship is open to interpretation and ultimately up for them to decide.
With that being said, hope you enjoy this little story.
Disclaimer: I don't own Bioshock: Infinite or any of the characters/ideas/themes/locations therein.
P.S. See if you can spot the Bioshock 1 reference.
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"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes.
"No!"
"Yes!"
"Robert, for the hundredth time, I am not going." Rosalind crossed her arms over her chest, and huffed with annoyance. Normally her alternate universe sibling's stubbornness was commendable. Many of their experiments ultimately succeeded because Robert was unwilling, perhaps even unable, to give up. But in moments like this that same stubborn streak was grating her nerves and she had to clench her hand to keep from pushing him away. Robert only huffed right back, crossing his larger arms over his larger chest. Their eyes met and the silent 'psychic war' began.
Rosalind narrowed her eyes. Robert tilted his head to one side. Her eyes narrowed even more, but her shoulders slumped. He smirked; victory! Rosalind sighed.
"Rosa, you will go, are going and will have gone. Accept this." Robert said softly and rested his hands on her shoulders. Rosalind clicked her tongue at him.
"I do not see the point in such a waste of time."
"It is not a waste of time, sister dearest."
"Truly? I would not be in my lab, nor satisfying any of my biological needs for survival. That sounds exactly like a waste of time to me." Rosalind sneered. Robert chuckled deeply and Rosalind couldn't help but flush. When she giggled, did his face flush the way hers did now? Surely he must…
"There is more to life than simply eating, sleeping and research."
"I sometimes wonder if pulling you through the tear changed the chemistry of your brain, brother."
"Perhaps my brain starved on oxygen while I bled on the lab floor?"
"Please do not joke about that, brother." Rosalind flinched involuntarily. She remembered those terrible days where Robert hemorrhaged day and night as his body struggled to cope with an entire alternate dimension. She had felt more helpless in those days than in the entirety of her life combined. She could only wait and see if her twin would cope or die. As if sensing where her thoughts lay, Robert pulled his twin into a gentle hug.
"I did not mean to stir unpleasant memories."
"Huff…unpleasant. Try nightmarish, brother."
"Apologies." Robert offered, "But my point still stands; going to the fair will do you good."
"I do not see how." Rosalind mumbled into his chest. He was warm and firm and she found it hard to pull away. His hands gently rubbed her back and she felt her body easing into him.
"There is more to life than test-tubes and stale toast at midnight, sister." Robert said with a cheeky grin, "Much as I adore our laboratory, I am only human. Too much time experimenting and I lose focus. I lose my sense of direction and why we do what we do."
"You make it sound like I'm some sort of hermit." Rosalind said defensively. Robert grinned.
"Did you know they built a statue of you?"
Her eyes widened. "They…what?!"
"Ten months ago." Robert added dismissively. Rosalind studied him intently, noticing the glimmer of amusement in his eyes.
"You're lying." She said confidently.
"Willing to place a friendly wager on that?" Robert challenged and she gulped hard at his serious tone. He wasn't lying…
"…I suppose I should go see it." She said quietly and turned away, "Make sure they got my dimensions right."
"Fink had it constructed, so I do believe your bosom is more…fleshed out, shall we say?"
"Pig."
"But it is built of shining gold."
"I imagine its quiet beautiful then."
"Not half of what you are, beloved."
"Charmer."
"I try."
Yes you do." Rosalind said with finality, "Very well. I shall accept the university's invitation."
"I already did so on your behalf." He pulled a letter from his coat pocket and held it up, "Three weeks ago."
"You presume much, Robert." She said. She snatched the letter from him and read it. She only ever used his first name when she was annoyed or desperate. It was pretty clear which one she was now.
"The University of Columbia's Science department is pleased to announce the tenth annual children's science fair competition." She read aloud, "To be held Freedom's Days at Our Lady Comstock's Memorial Park. Special guest judges, the Lutece siblings, Robert and Rosalind Lutece." She looked up from the letter and glared.
"Has a flare to it, don't you think?"
"Guest judges?" She said from between her teeth, "For a science fair?"
"It will do you good in the eyes of the populace."
"I do not enjoy being around children. Why do you think I don't accompany you on those asinine trips to the elementary schools?"
"Then don't interact with them to any great degree. Judge their experiments on the merits of science. It won't take but a few minutes. Then we can enjoy a coffee and a walk through the fair, and then you can be on your way."
She sighed, not thrilled but warming to the idea. The lab had seemed rather cramp these last few weeks. Perhaps a trip out and some human interaction would do her some good. Rosalind ran a hand through her bound hair and nodded several times to herself.
"Very well." She said at length, "If I must…"
"You must."
"Let me change into something more fitting for an outing." She made to leave then paused in the doorway to the living room. She rested a hand on the doorframe and turned her head over her shoulder, "But when Les Miserables comes to the theatre next, I expect no resistance from you." She left swiftly but not before she heard her twin grumble about French melodrama. Rosalind made her way to their shared bedroom quickly with a smile on her lips. Already she felt a sense of lightness to her steps and more energy in her body. Perhaps her beloved brother was right.
Some fresh air would do her some good.
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Sixty minutes later and Rosalind Lutece was close to murdering her brother. He had neglected to mention he had elected her to give the opening speech at the Freedom's Day Fair, and to make matters worse he had gone and written a perfectly acceptable speech for her so she had no choice but to go on stage. The cheering –no, roaring- of the crowds was deafening. Rosalind estimated there were well over five hundred people in attendance with more pouring in from the park entrance as word of her near unheard of public speaking traveled like wildfire. The multitude of humanity on display was humbling. Faces, young and old, man and woman stared at her with awe struck eyes and adoring smiles. Robert had been truthful earlier; the people were ecstatic to see her. A bitter tone entered her thoughts when she noticed a small gathering of Irish, Orientals and Negros off to the side, very clearly being kept separate from the white multitude. Truly the ignorance and prejudice of the Columbians was sickening. It was bad enough the Order of the Raven and other Confederate holdovers operated in the city, but in every monthly science journal she was sure to find an in-depth study on the inferiority of the minority races. But such were the orders of Comstock and his ilk, and she was still in his employ for the foreseeable future. Besides, the last scientist in Columbia to speak out against the established racism of the city had been found hanging in his bedroom, three bullets in the back of his head. She snorted; the papers had called it a suicide. Rosalind had no intention of risking her life, or Heaven forbid, Robert's life.
Rosalind clicked her speech notes on the podium and glanced down at the first few lines. She couldn't help but grin as she read them. Robert was nothing if not arrogant.
"I'm not one for public speaking, so you'll have to forgive me if I don't have the flare of my brother." A handful of the crowd chuckled and she could just imagine the annoyingly handsome grin Robert must have been wearing. Well two could play at this game. "Robert was always the more talkative of the two of us; I was the more scientific minded, so I'll let you decide which of us our professors enjoyed the most."
At this the crowd did laugh loudly. Rosalind imagined she heard her twin clicking his tongue over the laughter of the crowd and she threw her shoulders back and grinned smugly. She took that as her cue to continue and went on to the rest of Robert's speech. She spoke about the importance of science and education, or nurturing young minds to develop a brighter future. There was the legally mandated praising of Father Comstock for blessing them with such a beautiful day and for a city that so many bright young minds to grow up in, free from the taint of the underworld. She praised the martyr, Lady Comstock and the Lamb in the tower. They were the words that the city wanted to hear her say and words she would never had uttered were it not for Robert's speech. Not that he believed a single word of it himself, rather he knew better than her what the people wanted to hear, and what Comstock wanted to hear. Her speech would cement her as a true hero in the eyes of the populous. Utilitarian and pragmatic; two sides of the same coin. Just like them.
When she finished to the uproarious cheers of the crowds, she stepped away from the podium and let the Dean of the university speak for a few minutes. She cast a glance at her brother and he winked. Her face flushed and she could just see the arrogant pride in his face. It was just like the bastard to ensure she received the jubilations of hundreds of people on her first outing in months. She had to admit, the praise was something she could get used. Still, she wouldn't' be seen as a blushing woman on stage, especially if the object of her affections was her perceived brother, so she straightened her coat and tie and stood that much taller and dignified. She cast her gaze over the crowds. Some, the reporters, were obviously just here to just see the Lutece twins and take pictures. Others just seemed to be average fair goers caught up in the mass of people. But it was the last group, the contestants and their families that she studied. She recognized a few families. The Turners, the Clarks and the de'Leons. All were well respected scientific families and everyone would expect them to take the top three places. Normally Rosalind would say the contest felt stacked, but Robert often praised the offspring of those families after classes during the school year. Brilliant, gifted and prodigy were the words he used most often. Rosalind inclined her head ever so slightly, eager to see if they lived up to her brother's praise.
She smirked. Either they did and all was well, or they didn't and her brother was wrong. To Rosalind Lutece it was a win-win scenario.
Thank the prophet for sibling rivalry.
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"Explain your project, Mr. Turner." Rosalind said smoothly. The blonde boy smiled a toothy grin and motioned to his display board. His little suit was perfectly pressed and not a single hair was out of place. He was the perfct little scientist in every sense. Blonde haired, blue eyed, polite, dutiful, creative and respectful. The perfect exemplar of a new generation. Proud, predictable…and boring. Rosalind and Robert held up their clipboards, Robert's eyes on the young boy and Rosalind's on the project itself. Presentation and experimentation; two sides to the same coin. A scientist who could not sell his idea would never be given a grant. Robert always insisted on an element of flare to their project proposals to Comstock and Rosalind was loathed to admit it had won them more than their fair share of grant money.
"I set out to study the rotational speed of a radiometer and measure what, if any, effects light levels had on said speed." Andrew turned on the radiometer just to demonstrate the rotation, not that it was needed. Rosalind somewhat ignored the boy as he spoke, examining instead the research done. She picked up the paper Andrew had written and skimmed it as Robert asked the boy about his measurements and control groups. Measuring the innate magnetic energy of ambient light was truly impressive for just a boy. Rosalind clicked her tongue as she read. Andrew Turner was a bright boy, but no doubt had had help from his father. There were words and conclusions in the paper that a ten year old could never have made. Still…
The work alone was reason enough for praise. Rosalind let her ears catch fleeting words from Robert and Andrew and if she didn't know better, she would have guessed the boy had done the project by himself. He was animated and spoke with the measured calm of a true scientist, but that could have been coached by his father.
"Mr. Turner." Rosalind spoke up and her brother and the boy turned to face her.
"Yes ma'am?"
"When measuring did differentiate between natural sunlight, moonlight and artificial light?"
"Absolutely ma'am." Andrew said quickly, "I studied sunlight at three times of day; dawn, noon and dusk. Moonlight during all stages, both waxing and waning. For artificial light I used both an electric lamp and a camp fire, measured at five feet intervals staring at fifty feet out."
"I see." Rosalind said as she flipped to the last page of his report, "So what is the scientific application of your research? How will universities around the world benefit from knowing this?"
"Sister…"
"Miss Lutece…I don't plan on attending those universities. I want to stay here in Columbia." Andrew said as if it was obvious. Robert patted the boy on the head and gave his sister a smile, though his eyes were annoyed at her.
'Be nice.' His eyes told her.
"See there?" He said, "A Columbian experiment for a Columbian scientist."
"I suppose." Rosalind returned to her reading though she had ceased to pay attention. She analyzed his conclusions, noticing several mathematical fallacies he made. Or will have made, as the mathematical principles he had ignored would not be codified until the late twentieth century. Part of the beauty of the tear was analyzing the scientific wonders of the future. Still, for the time his work was exceptional. Rosalind placed the research paper back on the table.
"Thank you for your time, Mr. Turner." She said as kindly as she could manage as she marked several things on her clipboard and jostled down some notes, "Truly a wonderful experiment."
"Th…thank you, Miss Lutece." The boy stammered, unused to such praise from someone as respected as Rosalind.
"Brother, to the other entries then?" Rosalind offered her arm and Robert took it, smiling at her.
"Lead the way, dearest sister." They left the boy beaming with pride. Not far off Dr. Turner himself had made a show of reading other projects while he watched the two of them judge his son. Rosalind caught a shared look between the two, of a son asking for respect and a father giving it. She felt a moment's discomfort; she had never earned the respect of her father. Rosalind quickly closed her eyes and breathed out slowly. Her past was just that, the past. Not worth dwelling on. Only the future mattered and these days she had Robert by her side. Her father could go to hell for all she cared.
They walked briskly and confidently to the other projects, but none seemed as impressive as Mr. Turner's. There was an analysis of the change in weather patterns in Columbia that reeked of parental involvement, while another was a poll of favorite ice cream flavors. The only girl's entry she saw was a study of various shades of pink and pokadots. She sighed and put her hands to the bridge of her nose. It was going to be a long day…
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She spotted her from a great distance. They had spent the better part of an hour judging the projects and Rosalind thought they had gotten to all of them when she saw the little girl. She was separate from the others, like a leper or outcast. Robert was too busy being his charming self to some prospective investors and their swooning daughters to notice. Rosalind let her brother have his fun, knowing she would always be the apple of his eye. Besides Rosalind Lutece did not do jealousy. She approached the little girl cautiously, noticing the dazed, slightly lost look on her face. The girl looked from side to side as if expecting someone to come find her. There was a science project on the table next to her and when someone passed by the girl would raise her head as if hopeful but shrink back before saying anything. Rosalind doubted anyone had even noticed this last entry and the lost little girl. Rosalind raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Rosalind went completely unnoticed as she approached the girl. It seemed like the girl had retreated in on herself, staring but not seeing the world around her. Rosalind felt something move inside her but suppressed it and turned to a fresh page on her clipboard.
"And what is your name?" Rosalind asked the little girl. The girl, certainly no older than seven or eight, gasped in surprise at the sudden voice and spun around and stared up at Rosalind with awe struck eyes. Her hands went to her mouth to hide a delighted smile.
"Yo-you-you're…" The girl stammered and Rosalind fought the urge to sigh and roll her eyes. Nearby Robert was still selling their latest idea to some of Fink's investors and he seemed content, if not pleased, with Rosalind dealing with the girl alone.
"Rosalind Lutece, at your service." Rosalind offered a simple curtsey and was sure she heard Robert snicker from a ways off. The girl offered a shaking curtsey back and ran a hand through her hair and absently straightened her little sun dress. "And who might you be?"
"J-Julia L-L-Langford." The girl stammered and Rosalind offered her a slightly sympathetic smile, "I-its w-w-wonderful to meet you m-ma'am." Rosalind took a moment to study Julia. Her parents had dressed her in what Rosalind assumed were her Sunday's best; a pretty yellow sundress and cheap but nice looking black with white stripes leather shoes. She also wore a white bow in her hair and Rosalind had to admit it brought out the girl's green eyes.
"The pleasure is mine, I assure you." Rosalind said simply and motioned to the girl's jars and display board, "What is it that you have done here?" At this the girl's awestruck face changed on a dime to one of barely contained energy and excitement. Rosalind made a small note on her clipboard that the girl seemed legitimately interested in her project. Julia pointed to one of the jars, one that was filled with just dirt as far as Rosalind was aware.
"I wanted to s-s-study if being c-c-closer to the sun a-a-a-affected plant g-g-g-growth in Columbia." The girl held up a small mason jar that seemed impossibly large in her hands. "I s-s-started with t-ten jars of seeds."
"What type of plants did you choose?" Rosalind asked. The girl pointed to a spot on her board.
"T-Two types. Lilies and r-roses." Julia stammered and Rosalind felt her sympathy for the girl rise just that much higher. At first she had assumed the girl's stammer was from being nervous, but now it seemed to be something she had grown up with. Rosalind sighed silently; it couldn't be easy being a girl, wanting to study science and having a stammer.
"Why those, Julia?"
"B-because lilies have the l-longest gestation p-p-period of the seeds available." Julia said, head held high.
"And roses?" The girl looked shy and her shoulders sunk slightly.
"My m-m-mom always loved r-r-roses." Julia said softly. Rosalind placed a hand on her shoulder.
"They are lovely flowers." She said, "Please continue."
"I p-placed th-three seeds of e-e-each in g-g-group of f-f-five." She motioned to the twenty jars in neat little rows. Inside most were small green plants at various degrees of growth, while some appeared completely devoid of life.
"Your control group?"
"H-here, M-Miss Lutece." She motioned to a specific row.
"How was it controlled?"
"Ar-artificial light. I c-checked w-w-which season the h-h-hemisphere we're over w-was in." Julia held up one of the jars, "I gave them l-l-light from a s-s-s-sunlamp equivalent t-t-to the s-season below."
"Very clever." Rosalind said with a nod. Julia's smile made her beautiful.
"The t-t-test group I left outside to get f-f-full sunlight." Julia put the jar down and held out her research paper.
"Nutrients? Water?" Rosalind took the paper from the girl and flipped through it, making a show of reading. In truth her attention was fixed on this charming stuttering girl, her love of science and childish innocence.
"S-same amount, s-same time each day." The girl was so proud of her work and Rosalind found it impossible not to smile lovingly at her, "The o-o-only difference b-between the t-t-t-two groups w-w-was the sunlight."
"Hmm…" Rosalind leaned forward, examining the labeled jars. "And your results?"
"T-that being c-c-closer to the s-s-sun d-does increase g-g-growth." Julia said proudly. Rosalind skimmed the paper, reading her entire conclusion in a few seconds.
"By how much?" She knew the answer but found it hard not to want to talk to Julia Langford.
"F-f-fifty p-p-p-percent, m-m-ma'am" Julia said happily. Rosalind nodded and handed the paper back to the little girl.
"Excellent work, Miss Langford." Rosalind said calmly, "Let me ask you this: do you believe it is possible to recreate the same effect under artificial conditions?"
"Ma'am?"
"If given enough time and resources, do you believe it is possible to achieve such growth rates without the sun?"
"Like a g-greenhouse?" Julia thought for a moment and the way her eyebrows scrunched up made Rosalind want to lavish the girl with everything she would ever want, "I t-t-think so. Even underground or under w-w-water."
"A completely sealed and underwater greenhouse? Interesting thought…" Rosalind made a small note on her clipboard and looked down at Julia "Mind if I ask you a personal question?"
"N-n-n-no."
"Why botany?" Rosalind asked simply. Julia looked down at the ground, suddenly very interested in a little speck of dirt on her shoes. For a moment Rosalind was sure the little girl would start crying, such was the anguished look on her face.
"I…" Julia began softly, "M-m-my m-m-mother always c-c-called me her l-l-little flower. S-s-said I g-g-g-grew in her tummy like a flower s-s-s-seed and t-t-that one day I would b-b-b-bloom into the most b-b-b-beautiful w-w-w-woman ever." Julia played with her dress for a few seconds, "she r-read to me at n-night, from your b-b-b-books."
"I see."
"F-flowers a-a-are beautiful a-and s-s-s-smart, like any w-woman should strive to b-be." Julia said and opened one of the flower jars. This one was without a doubt the most developed of the jars, with a rose flower in full bloom. Julia plucked the flower and stem from the dirt and held it out to Rosalind, "L-like you, M-Miss Lutece. Like m-mommy. L-like I will b-b-b-be one day."
Rosalind took the offered flower, speechless for several long moments. She pinned the flower to her jacket, admiring the splash of crimson on her otherwise bland suit. She could just imagine the look on Robert's face when he saw her next. Rosalind was about to thank the young girl when a shadow fell over both of them.
"That's enough bothering Miss Lutece for now, Julia." The voice was deep and firm and Rosalind turned to see a middle-aged man in a cheap but pressed gray suit and combed hair. He was handsome in a homely way she supposed. The girl looked slightly nervous around the man, but he gave the girl an adoring smile and fished a few coins from his pocket.
"Here" He placed the coins in the girl's hand, "Go get yourself some ice cream from the nice man at the stand. If there is enough, bring me back a cone too."
"But d-d-dad…" Julia stammered, looking at the coins as if they were the most sacred thing in the world.
"No buts, Julia." He said firmly but kindly, "This is a special day. You deserve it." The girl did not argue twice. Instead she gave her father and Rosalind a breathtaking smile and skipped off in the direction of the food carts. When the girl was out of ear-shot Rosalind coughed into her hand.
"Mr. Langford I presume." She held out her hand and the man shook it firmly. "I assure you she was not bothering me."
"Pleased to meet you, Miss Lutece." He said and motioned to Julia's project. "She really does love this sort of thing. She'll talk your ear off if you let her."
"I for one would enjoy that." Rosalind said almost guardedly, "There is no reason to stunt the enthusiasm of children, especially those with a mind for science."
"I don't dismiss her, Miss Lutece." Mr. Langford said with narrowed eyes, "I just wish she didn't reclus herself from other children her age."
"Julia doesn't have many friends?"
"A young girl with a penchant for science and a stammer?" Mr. Langford laughed darkly and Rosalind felt a moment's shame, "I thank the Prophet for every day she doesn't come home crying."
"Children must be taught to be good people, Mr. Langford. The opinions of schoolyard bullies are hardly convincing for adults like us."
"I just don't see the point in all this. As far I as I can tell, you are only woman scientist, and as they say, lightning doesn't strike twice."
"Your wife would disagree." Rosalind said hotly, "Julia told me she reads to her at night from my books, which are not child's books, I assure you."
"Used to read." The man said softly. Rosalind was caught short for a moment and glanced down at his hands. He still wore his wedding band and divorce was all but unheard of in Columbia.
"Used?" She repeated neutrally.
"My wife is dead." Mr. Langford said darkly, "She was killed in a railcar accident at Fink's Depot two years ago."
"I remember that accident." She had read about it in the paper. The brake lines of several cars had failed at once, causing a massive collision. Eight people were killed and a further thirty-six were injured. The most disgusting part of the entire ordeal was that she and Robert had just concluded a massive companywide safety review and presented several proposals to Comstock and Mr. Fink. They had been laughed out of the boardroom. But when the accident occurred Robert had all but kicked down the door to Fink's office and Rosalind had been sure the two men would come to blows. Though she would have happily slapped Fink for the inefficiency of his railcars, Robert had been disgusted at the casual loss of life. Since then Rosalind had taken extensive steps to make sure Robert and Fink were never in the same place at the same time. Robert had a hard time letting things go and Fink was just crazy enough to shoot him. "I am sorry for your loss."
"Margaret had taken Julia to the park for a picnic." Mr. Langford seemed lost in his own memories and Rosalind quickly cast her glance around, searching for Robert. Her twin was nowhere to be seen. "They always loved the flowers in bloom." He sighed and wiped a tear from his eyes, "I worked those very same lines as a car driver, but that day I had been reassigned to the immigration office for the influx of new citizens following the annexation of Texas."
"Hmm." Rosalind wasn't good with emotions, but Mr. Langford seemed content to just keep talking. She silently wished Robert was here; of the two of them he was always the more empathetic.
"I found Julia with some paramedics three hours later." Mr. Langford said with a shaking voice, "She had been with her mother when she died. Julia was covered in blood and hysterical. It was six months before she spoke again. She's had that stutter ever since."
"I do not know what to say." Rosalind said honestly. That Fink's greed had caused such a sweet girl to dwell in her own mother's blood, crying and alone for hours, was almost too much for her to stomach. She had done terrible things in her life, and Robert wasn't blameless either…but such disregard…such willful cruelty disgusted Rosalind to her very core. Perhaps it was better Robert was off somewhere. She was convinced her twin would be off on another rant, and this time he may not have been stoppable.
"You needn't say anything." He said with a wave of his hand, "It's enough that you're humoring her project."
"Humoring?" Rosalind said before she could stop herself, "You think science is a joke?"
"Not in so many words." Mr. Langford said carefully after he noticed Rosalind's disbelieving glare. "We're not the most well off family, Miss Lutece. Paying the entry fee was steep enough."
"There's an entry fee?!" Rosalind said, unable to hide the shock from her voice. Such an idea…ahhh…Fink's handiwork again.
"The Fink Educational foundation collects it months in advanced." He informed her, "Julia has been working on this project for years. She wanted to enter last year, but I didn't have the money. And I didn't like having to spend money this time. My job as a father is to prepare Julia for life, and I don't see any way she can make a living in…this." He motioned to the project with barely contained contempt. Rosalind was taken aback. Mr. Langford's dismissal of his own daughter's love of science struck an all too familiar chord in the woman. Life had not been kind to Rosalind Lutece until she had met Comstock. Her mother had died at childbirth and her father had never truly forgiven her and when Rosalind had shown an interest in science, a field solely for men, her father had all but kicked her out of their house. Seeing another bright girl looked down upon by the one man she should be able to trust categorically made Rosalind shake with anger. She clenched her hands and bit the inside of her lip to keep from yelling. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, mentally counting to ten.
"I…appreciate your concern, Mr. Langford." She said through clenched teeth, "My father often spoke like you do. He didn't believe a woman should study science. But I proved him wrong, and I mean this as kindly as I can be, I hope your daughter proves you wrong too."
"I won't go holding my breath." Mr. Langford said quickly and looked down at his pocket watch, "I have some things I must attend to. Please don't go filling my daughter's head with more silly pipe dreams." He stormed off in a huff, but whether it was from an internal struggle or Rosalind herself she couldn't decide. Not that it mattered ultimately. Rosalind found it difficult to comprehend Mr. Langford's attitude towards his daughter, though she had experienced such a reaction before. Not that her own father's dismissal of her studies had made much sense all those years ago, and certainly didn't make sense in this more enlightened time. Was it worth it? Stroking the fires of anger and bitterness, risking Julia's relationship with her own father by giving her a ribbon? She certainly deserved at least the third place ribbon, maybe even the second. But was that good enough? Certainly not. Second was merely first loser as far as she was concerned. But what about Andrew Turner's analysis of the magnetic qualities of light? His work was on an altogether higher level than Julia Langford's, and Robert had already commented the contest might as well be over after seeing that project.
This was the choice she faced then; respectable Andrew Turner or stuttering Julia Langford. The obvious choice or one made with spite and emotion. Rosalind made a decision then and there and marked it down on her clipboard. She took the rose from her lapel and put in back on the table before walking away. She didn't look back.
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"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
"You're lying."
"Not now, brother."
"See?"
"I said not now." Rosalind said with more force than she meant. Robert looked taken aback for a moment before his passive face returned. Rosalind sighed, "Ready to submit our results?"
"I am." Robert took the clipboard Rosalind handed out to him and spent a few seconds flipping through the pages. Like they both suspected, their results and notes were the exact same for each project. Except for the last page. For Julia Langford's assessment. Robert raised an eyebrow at this, reading it over and over again. He looked up at her and Rosalind met his identical eyes with hers. She nodded and he nodded back and went to turn in their sheets.
Rosalind leaned back at the table she was at and glanced up at the golden statue Fink had built of her. The statue's bust was well over two sizes bigger than her actual size. She snorted and crossed her arms over her chest. She just wanted to go home and work.
0000000
"She did not have the best project, you know." Robert said casually from the doorway. Rosalind looked up from her book, arching an eyebrow at him. The fire in the corner crackled and sparked, light danced off his clothing and made his hair shine golden. He held two glasses in his hands filled with a swirling amber liquid. He sipped from one, and studied her as if she was a specimen to be examined. She would have blushed were she any other woman such was the intensity of his stare. Instead she merely returned it, and inclined her head ever so slightly as she studied his full, perfect form.
"No." She said at length, "No I don't suppose she did."
"Andrew's was by far the superior project. His thesis was sound, data collection unique, control groups coordinated and structured and final results exceptional." Robert walked over and Rosalind placed her bookmark on the page she was on and closed the book, setting it aside on the table nearby. When Robert offered her one of the glasses she took it and delicately sipped. Ginger schnapps with cinnamon. It burned in the most delightful way; just one more taste they both shared.
"Young Mr. Turner is a promising student. With the correct guidance and diligence, he will make a remarkable physicist." Rosalind said matter-of-factly. Robert hummed in agreement and made to sit down on the couch. Rosalind raised her legs enough for him to scoot under then promptly rested them on his lap. Almost out of reflex Robert's hand fell to her calf and rested lightly. The simple act of physical contact was comforting to both of them.
"Then the question begs to be asked; why did you award the ribbon to Julia?" Robert sipped from his glass and watched her reaction carefully.
"Why did you let me?" Rosalind asked quickly.
"I figured you must have had good reason, but now you are simply dodging the issue dear sister."
Rosalind snorted, unable to keep the smirk from her lips. No matter how often they bantered, it was thrilling. He was just as good being snide and quick witted as she was, and Rosalind considered herself exceptional.
"I suppose it comes down to a matter of…usefulness."
"Ruining your integrity as an empirical scientist by willfully throwing a contest is useful then?"
"I would hardly say my reputation is tarnished." She countered almost defensively. She noticed the glimmer of amusement in her twin's eye for just a moment and felt her face flush. She had risen to his bait; she would have to be careful lest his ego grow larger than it already is. "To your question then, brother. You are aware of Andrew Turner's family, are you not?"
"Indeed. Dr. Turner and I have spoken on several occasions. He is quiet the respected surgeon. I believe his mother is on the Education Board for the entire city, though I have yet to meet her."
"My point exactly. Young Andrew Turner already comes from proper scientific stock; his future as a scientist is all but guaranteed. His project, although impressive, is but one small stepping stone on the path of his greater scientific career."
"How poetic." Robert smirked and Rosalind rewarded him with a swift kick to the ribs, making him grunt, yet that smug grin never left his handsome face.
"Though deserved, a win today would have been negligible to his overall scientific career. Do you have any doubt that he will continue his studies, perhaps even more diligently, now that he has lost?"
"You thought to teach him humility?" Robert asked and she was surprised to see genuine curiosity.
"That was merely a side-effect. No, today I believed that Julia was the more deserving of the first prize because it would do the most good."
"Ah."
"I spoke with her father. Her mother was killed in an accident at the Fink railcar depot some years ago."
"Regrettable. And preventable if that bastard would agree to any of the safety measures we suggested."
"Beside the point, brother…though I do agree." Rosalind sipped, spending a quiet moment to brood on her absolute loathing for Mr. Fink. "Mr. Langford is a trolley-driver down near the Bay."
"I imagine he lost a fair day's wages being at the fair instead of down at the beaches. Today is a popular day for picnics I am told."
"Precisely!" Rosalind said enthusiastically, "It was a sacrifice for them to attend today's fair, even more so with the entry fee. I do believe that had Julia Langford lost today, she would have abandoned her studies, perhaps even fallen into one of the more unwholesome professions for poor women. And Mr. Langford would have felt like a failed father both for wasting money and not properly educating his daughter."
"So your decision…"
"Was one of utilitarian interest, dear brother. Andrew Turner will become a brilliant scientist regardless if he won today or not. Julia however…" Rosalind sipped from her glass, swirling the liquid slowly. She was aware of Robert's eyes on her. Her duplicate's attention was rapt. "She required this…push…shall we say, in the right direction. And the prize money, though maybe not what Mr. Langford could have made if he went to work, was still substantial. Julia will take our approval as justification to continue her studies, Mr. Langford has seen his daughter has a monetary future in botany and will endeavor to support her like a good father, and Andrew Turner will try even harder next year, and the year after that and the year after that. All has ended - or rather – all has begun well."
"The greatest good for the greatest number then?"
"Precisely." Rosalind finished her drink and set her glass on table, retrieving her book and opening it back to where she left off. "By the way, tomorrow we shall be going to the University."
"Oh?"
"We will talk to the head of the science department and any relevant board members. That entry fee for the science fair will be waved from here on out, even if we must sponsor the fair ourselves. I won't stand for gifted minds to be prevented from reaching their potential simply because they are born poor."
"It would seem, beloved sister, that today's outing was quiet educational." Robert smirked. The glimmer in his eyes was that of a scientist whose experiment had proven his thesis. He had known something like this would happen and Rosalind didn't know if she should slap him or kiss him. Perhaps both…yes, both would do.
"My assertion that the science fair is a waste of time was…" She struggled for the right words.
"Mistaken? Invalid? Fallacious? Erroneous?" Robert offered as she knew he would. She huffed.
"Misinformed."
"Good recovery."
"Thank you." Rosalind smirked and rolled her eyes. Were it possible, Robert was even more handsome when he was proven right.
"Does this mean that you would reconsider accompanying me to the school houses for presentations?" Robert asked and Rosalind found his hopeful voice almost heartbreaking. How could it be this man was able to make her feel things no human had ever come close to making her feel? Was it even possible for her to deny him anything?
"Robert, you know I do not do well around children." She offered, almost saddened.
"Ah. A compromise then."
"Yes, perhaps that shall be best." Rosalind thought for a moment then grinned, "You shall continue to go to the primary schools and do your theatrical performances of science; I shall go to the secondary schools and actually teach a course."
"I fear dear sister you shall undo all the enthusiasm for science I have worked so hard to create."
"Do not underestimate me, beloved. I too shall have experiments to preform, but rather than paper mache volcanos, perhaps a demonstration to turn copper into gold."
"I shall inform Mr. Comstock that you intend to flood Columbia's economy with golden soup cans and buttons."
"Smartass." Rosalind sneered and pressed her heel into his gut. He smirked, ever prideful.
Several seconds passed as she read silently and Robert stared into the crackling fire. The clock on the wall ticked away, tok tok tok, in an even measure of time.
"So…" Robert whispered, breaking the silence, "There is no chance you saw in Julia a poor lonely girl, with no mother, no friends, no siblings, a doubtful father and the scorn of her peers and didn't for an instant see yourself in her shoes? Perhaps wishing to give her the break you never got?"
The silence that followed was horrible as Rosalind shook slightly from behind her book. She screwed her eyes shut and took a deep breath, reminding herself she was not alone anymore. She did not live alone; sleep alone and no one mocked her for her love of science. Not that she needed peer approval anymore. She had Robert; smart, handsome, sees-right-through-her Robert.
She didn't respond immediately. Instead she crawled across the couch until her back was pressed to his chest. Robert's hands found their way to her stomach, holding her close. Rosalind pressed herself tighter into his embrace, relishing his warmth and the protection she felt in his arms. Robert gently pressed a kiss into her hair and Rosalind raised the book high enough so they both could read.
"You of all people should know, dearest." Rosalind glanced up, giving him a coy smile and placed a slow, delicate kiss on his lips. At the far end of the room, on their bookshelf sat a vacuum sealed glass tube. Inside was Julia Langford's rose, kept in an airless stasis forever. Chance and certainty; two sides of the same coin.
"I never deal in chance."