“The optic nerve atrophy is secondary to the trauma of the accident, Mr. Aldridge, but the ischemia—the lack of blood flow—has caused a localized necrosis. However, the recent scans show that the peripheral neural tissue is still responsive. If we proceed with the microsurgical decompression and the neuro-stimulator implant now, there is a thirty percent chance of partial restoration.”

I stood by the window of the library, watching Dr. Everett Reynolds—a man who looked more like a weary philosopher than a world-class neurosurgeon—deliver the verdict. He was holding a set of holographic scans, the blue light of the brain’s pathways flickering against the dark mahogany of the room.

Lucian didn’t...