In a future where societal issues arise from a significant gender imbalance, a government agency employs a Calculator to determine optimal pairings for marriage to produce high-probability offspring. The story follows Lao Protik, a successful psycho-artist, who becomes embroiled in a convoluted scheme orchestrated by the agency to marry Grida Mattin, a language teacher with a low probability rating. Despite their incompatibility, the agency believes their union could yield a child capable of solving pressing societal problems. As Lao navigates his unexpected marriage and the fallout from a smear campaign that ruins his career, he grapples with his feelings for Grida and her sister, Alina. The narrative explores themes of love, societal expectations, and the ethical implications of manipulating personal lives for the greater good. Ultimately, the agency's plans unravel when it is revealed that Grida is sterile, contradicting the Calculator's predictions. In a twist, Lao and Alina's relationship blossoms, leading to an unexpected pregnancy. The story culminates in a court case that challenges the agency's assumptions, revealing the complexities of human relationships and the unpredictable nature of love and family. The Calculator's limitations become apparent, highlighting the tension between technology and human emotion.
By Charles L. Fontenay · First published 1954 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Drama