"Leonard Speaking"
'Leonard Thinking'
Ritz Carlton Hotel, Geneva
The Inner Circle looked at the small pill with doubt. From every angle, it seemed unassuming. Yet, Leonard called it the jetpack.
Leonard explained, "Last year, when I was studying the brain for my SynthBrain project, I thought of this. It is a neuroenhancer. Something beyond your wildest dreams."
Mike looked at the pill with doubt, "It doesn't look like much."
Leonard explained, "Think of your brain as a computer. It has a fixed RAM and memory space, but suddenly, every connection, every wire is transformed into a superconductor. Moreover, this superconductor connects everything in the computer for maximum efficiency. This pill can do that for your brain."
Emil asked tentatively, "So, this pill can make someone a genius?"
Leonard shook his head, "Not really. Being a genius requires both talent and accumulation. You cannot give this pill to a homeless man with no education and expect him to become a nuclear scientist in a second. What this pill does is enhance the connections in the brain, giving you instant recall. It also builds and enhances neural connections between various parts of the brain, allowing for unparalleled biological control. Finally, it superexcites certain brain zones related to creativity and understanding. So, after taking the pill, you will have a better memory, your creativity and bodily control will skyrocket and you will understand the world in a completely different way."
Sofia looked at the pill curiously, "Is it plant based or synthetic?"
Leonard grinned, "That is a secret."
Harold picked the pill, turning it over curiously before asking, "If such a miracle exists, why not hoard it for yourself? I am not asking you to be selfish, but sharing it seems contrary to your need for control."
Leonard sighed, as if expecting this question, "Harold, I don't need this pill. My brain already functions at a level most people can't even imagine. But this pill will help you understand me better. It will give you perspective."
Paige looked at Leonard deeply and asked, "When we first met, were you on this pill?"
Leonard stopped and answered, "I was. I had to test and understand it."
Paige asked again, "What about now?"
Leonard smiled, "Now, I am not on the pill. The person you know is not some coked up version of Leonard Hofstadter, it is the real Leonard."
Arun, who was quiet for the whole time, finally asked, "Are there any side effects? Something this magical would never be without a catch."
Leonard considered the question before he replied, "Oh there are plenty of those. There is exhaustion, brain fog, headaches, lack of hunger, blackouts. It can also cause hallucinations, paranoia, mania and a whole slew of other things."
As the people heard the answer, their eyes grew increasingly wary, as if wishing they could throw away the pill as far as they could. Mike shouted, "Then why did you ask us to take it."
Leonard waved his hand flippantly, "Oh relax, I have already improved the pill. As long as you take one pill a week, your body can easily deal with everything. Though you might need to eat healthy fats and mineral rich foods from now on."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. However, no one wanted to be the first one to take the pill. As the Inner Circle looked at each other, as if begging someone to take the pill, Giselle stepped forward, standing up from her chair and said, "Dr. Hofstadter, I will take this pill first. Are there any precautions I must take?"
Leonard smiled at her bravery and replied, "No, you just have to swallow the pill."
Giselle nodded, quickly taking out the pill and swallowing it in one smooth motion. The others, emboldened by this, swallowed their own pills as well.
Mike POV
Mike was unsure of taking the pill from the start. His worries escalated after hearing Leonard list the side effects. When Giselle decided to take the pill, he chose to trust Leonard, quickly swallowing the pill.
For a few minutes, Mike felt nothing. He looked at the other members, waiting for a signal that the pill was working. Suddenly, it happened.
For his entire life, Mike was told that he was a genius. His eidetic memory and flexible thinking was praised extensively by Harvard faculty. Yet, now he realized what being a genius truly felt like. Every book of law he had ever glanced at, every obscure law he studied for fun, suddenly organised itself into a clean, interconnected web. The cases he struggled with at the beginning of his career seemed so simple in hindsight.
Mike took a look at others, watching as they discovered the power of that pill. Previously, Mike was a believer in Leonard's ideals, now he is a believer of Leonard's vision.
Elliot POV
Elliot Alderson had always been weird. From a young age, people found him too quiet, too reserved. As a person, Elliot always felt that something was missing. To numb that feeling, he even started using drugs. Yet, now he felt better than he had ever felt before.
Suddenly, Elliot heard a voice, "Feeling better kid?"
Elliot turned, and found Mr. Robot standing behind him. His eyes widened as he looked around, wondering if anyone else noticed this man. Yet, everyone seemed to ignore his existence. Mr. Robot seemed amused at that, "Quite jumpy, aren't you? Don't worry, no one can see me."
Elliot looked at the aging man, and asked, "How are you here?"
Mr. Robot smiled, "I was always here, kid. There are others as well, but I was the most distinct. You will soon realise what I mean."
And Elliot did realise it. His head felt fuzzy as countless memories, memories he had no recollection of, came rushing to the forefront. Memories as Elliot Alderson, as the Mastermind, as Mr. Robot, connected with each other.
Elliot smiled. For the first time in his adult life, he felt complete.
Harold POV
Harold Finch chose to join Chaldea after he was disillusioned. He no longer trusted people claiming to have good intentions. As the meeting began, he always felt that Leonard was more of a conqueror than a guide. Coupled with his unrealistic expectations, he even felt that Leonard might be a madman.
Yet, after taking the pill, things seemed much more clear. Harold is a well-read man. Now, the countless books he had devoured had organised themselves as pockets of useful knowledge. Now, Harold could see the big picture, which he had been ignoring out of naivete.
Humanity needs a guide, but they will never accept a guide. Human beings are arrogant like that. If Leonard wanted to unite the world, it could never be done peacefully or perfectly. So, for now, Harold chose to believe in Leonard.
Paige POV
Paige had always felt that she was close to understanding Leonard. As a young genius, she always felt a closer bond with intelligent individuals. Among her friends, Leonard was someone whom she regarded as an equal. She always held the belief that she understood him well enough.
Now, as the effects of the pill settled in, she realized how naive that belief had been.
Her thoughts did not become faster. They became cleaner. The usual noise, the half-formed doubts, the short periods of absentmindedness that subtly shaped her decisions — all of it receded. What remained was structure. Like her brain came out to the city after living in a village her whole life...
She looked at Leonard.
She was always able to follow his logic, but for the first time, she followed his perspective. Every implication, every unstated assumption, every leap of logic that once felt abrupt now unfolded naturally in her mind.
And all of these fantastic leaps and inferences felt right.
'This is what he sees every day…'
Paige prided herself on her independence. On her ability to question, to resist, to think for herself. Now, she could still question Leonard, but she felt a sense of certainty that always lingered in his words. Now, she understood why Leonard always looked so confident.
'He looks at things from a perspective most people can not even follow. Like moving from one to ten, skipping all numbers in between.'
Suddenly, she heard Mike ask, "Why don't we just distribute this pill? Even if we have just a few hours of this clarity would make governance smooth."
Mike's question made sense to her, but her mind suddenly supplied an answer.
'Humanity is inherently selfish. And if everyone feels that they are the smartest people in the world for even an hour… they will believe that they don't require any guidance.'
Her gaze returned to Leonard, softer now.
'For all his brilliance, for all his control, he cannot eliminate human nature. I just have to make sure he doesn't lose his way.
Arun POV
As a child, Arun had spent his time around nature. From his grandmother's village to the small garden he kept in the city, he had always known that nature is a gift to mankind.
Yet, when he tried to safeguard this nature, he was blocked by humanity. Every attempt should have a financial application, every discovery for the market.
Those were the things that mattered to others more than trees dying and the air becoming too toxic to breathe.
So when the pill took effect, he did not marvel at the clarity. He asked himself, 'what can this do for nature.'
And his mind supplied the options. Ideas flowed like the Ganges as he thought of robots to cleanse the rivers, regents that could clean the air. His mind was alight with wisdom and unparalleled creativity.
However, the clarity made him somber as Arun heard Mike ask, "Why don't we just distribute this pill? Even if we have just a few hours of this clarity would make governance smooth."
Arun thought, 'People with this pill would soon be out of control. You cannot bet on their good nature when interests are involved. This pill should remain with Chaldea.
Giselle POV
The moment the pill dissolved, Giselle felt it.
Giselle had been a wonderful soldier, not only for her grit, but also her clearheadedness and decision making ability. She was not like others, who only knew how to follow orders. For years, her mind had been sharp, disciplined, controlled. She had trained herself to think clearly, to act decisively, to stay ahead.
But this was different. Now, everything simply… worked.
When Leonard gave her the task of creating an international security force, she had balked at the idea. When the pill was first offered, she chose to take it, not out of loyalty, but out of bravery. Now, her trust in Leonard had solidified.
Giselle flexed her fingers slightly, as if grounding herself in the moment. Even her body felt more responsive, more precise, as though her mind and physical form were finally in perfect sync.
A small smile formed on her lips as her brain started on Leonard's task instantly. Her mind ran through international rules and regulations that would allow for such a force to exist. She recalled all her contacts in various countries that could serve as members or agents. She even thought of the African child soldier camps that could be liberated and assimilated.
Leonard was not exaggerating. This pill was pretty much a jetpack for someone hoping to make a giant leap.
Suddenly, she heard Mike ask, "Why don't we just distribute this pill? Even if we have just a few hours of this clarity would make governance smooth."
Giselle snorted at that before calming down. She understood Mike, a lawyer with a sense of justice and a willingness to believe in the process, but as a soldier, she had seen some of the worst places on the planet. She did not believe in the goodness of human nature.
She thought, 'This pill is the ultimate trump card. It must never be handed to outsiders.'
Leonard POV
Leonard watched every member take the pill, smiling as he saw their expressions change. Suddenly, Mike asked, "Why don't we just distribute this pill? Even if we have just a few hours of this clarity would make governance smooth."
Giselle snorted at that, before going quiet. Leonard sighed and explained, "I don't want this pill, or even its knowledge to leave the group. Nothing good will come out of it."
Mike was puzzled, "What do you mean?"
Leonard chuckled and explained, "First of all, this pill doesn't make you smart. It enhances the neural connections, enhances cognition, but it doesn't make you smarter. Take for example, a car. A car, with the best tuned engine, that can fully utilize an experimental fuel to reach great performance will be great. But you can't expect that car to carry five hundred people through the air. A car, even with the best conditions, is still just a car."
Mike understood the point, as did everyone else. The pill might make their brain run more smoothly and efficiently, but their brain capacity is still the same. Leonard continued, "The second reason is human nature. What would happen if the car driver starts to believe he is driving a plane?"
Harold answered, "They will overestimate themselves, become reckless, and cause more harm."
Leonard beamed, "Exactly. Just think, tomorrow, the President of the United States of America, decides to launch an unprovoked war on, say, Iran, under the influence."
Everyone was horrified at the imagery. Paige spoke gravely, "The biggest issue is not even bad decisions, but no one could even convince them that the decision is bad. When you feel like the most intelligent person in the room, you tend to disregard wise opinions and advice."
Emil nodded, "Humanity is too arrogant. This pill will just fuel it."
Leonard nodded and continued, "Besides, let me ask you something. If your brain could function so smoothly, would you want to give it up?"
Every member looked at each other. They knew the answer was no. The state they were in, made them feel like they were on the top. A high that felt so much better than the most addictive drug they could imagine.
Leonard asked, "Elliot, you have used cocaine. Tell me, when you are using, do you want to give up the high?"
Elliot spoke calmly, his nervous habits and hesitation absent from his tone, "No, for the time you are under the influence, you feel like a superhero."
Leonard spoke, "The state you are in can be highly addictive. It is like giving everyone a constant dose of cocaine. Do you want people all over the world using this pill, craving this high to feel competent?"
Everyone was silent at that. Mike thought about it, but he still felt that people should be trusted. He asked, "Won't that be gatekeeping advancement and thought? People could still do a lot of good if these pills were available."
Leonard smiled, "I know that. Why do you think we are in this room? You are the people I chose. It was not just smartness that brought us here, it was our willingness to do something correct. It might be gatekeeping, but even heaven has to guard its gates."
Leonard continued, "Besides, I never said we will remain the same. As Chaldea grows, we will find more people capable of utilizing the pill to the greatest extent. But I cannot trust just anyone to do good after they are on this pill. It can bring out the best and the worst in us."
As everyone was thinking, Harold asked, "If these pills are so terrible, why give them to us?"
Every eye in the room snapped to Leonard, waiting for his answer. Leonard grew somber before he explained, "I do not take these pills, but the state they create is my default. I don't say that I am a god or the smartest man in the world, but I can think and plan hundreds of steps ahead. The people in this room are some of the smartest minds in this world, yet few could match or even understand my perspective. I gave you this pill so that you may understand me. Another reason was so that you may question me. I could think about something from many perspectives, but even I can make mistakes. When I do, I want the people in this room to bring me on the right path."
Everyone looked at Leonard. Harold and Emil still looked unsure at the impact this Pill could have, but the others were convinced. Paige smiled and got up from her chair. She quickly approached Leonard and hugged his head, hoping to comfort the man who might be the smartest in the world, but remains willing to admit that he may make mistakes. Some smiled at the gesture, but no one interrupted them.
The meeting continued for another hour. Every member, under the influence of the Pill, came up with brilliant ideas and strategies. People around the world would never have guessed, but inside this conference room was a team that would change the world forever.
As the discussions kept going, Leonard moved to the side. He looked at his Inner Circle debating, discussing and collaborating, with a smile on his face. Suddenly, he felt movement at his side, and saw Paige standing there, looking at the people.
After another hour of discussion, Leonard interrupted, "I think that's enough for today," he said calmly. "You all know what to do from here."
Others kept discussing, hoping to create a better world. As the others began discussing among themselves, Leonard turned to Paige, "Come with me."
Paige followed, not asking anything, for she already understood.
Mont-Saint-Michel, France
Leonard was driving a rented car towards Mont-Saint-Michel, with Paige sitting in his passenger seat. The two did not say anything, as no words were needed. Paige just looked outside the window, enjoying the view of the countryside.
Soon, it was dark, as Leonard reached the commune. He got out of the car, looking up as the full moon shone on the water surface. Paige came out and stood near him, admiring the view.
Leonard spoke, "Do you know, this tidal island was one of the only places that remained unconquered during the Hundred Years War. When the moon is high, the sea water covers the only path leading to that abbey."
Paige looked at the shining abbey reflecting in the water surrounding the place. The entire abbey seemed to float on water. Coupled with the dark waters around the abbey, the moon seemed even brighter.
Leonard took a deep breath and asked, "Have you ever visited this place before?"
Paige looked at the mesmerizing scene and said, "I never had any interest. This is an abbey, and despite my upbringing, I tend to keep faith away from my life. Now, I feel like I missed out on it."
Leonard chuckled, "My friend Raj is someone particularly impressed by such things. I used to find his fascination strange. Now, I can appreciate it. There is something about beauty that strips away everything ugly about you."
Paige smiled, looking at Leonard deeply, "Don't worry Leonard. There is nothing truly ugly about you. You are beautiful as well."
Leonard laughed out loud as he remarked, "Well, that makes it the two of us."
The two scientists kept looking at the abbey, appreciating the sea breeze, the shining moon and the sound of waves. For some time, they were no longer Dr. Leonard Hofstadter or Dr. Paige Swanson. Here, in this moonlight, they were just Leonard and Paige.
Suddenly, Leonard spoke, "Hey Paige, do you dance?"
Paige chuckled, "Never felt the need to learn. I usually don't."
Leonard looked at her from the corner of his eye, "Wanna try?"
Soon, a soft melody started to play as Leonard played some music on his phone. Paige looked at Leonard in amusement. Leonard caught her gaze and sighed, "I would have played my harp or cello, but I didn't bring it with me. I'll play for you next time."
Soon, the two started dancing, awkward at the start, but with smiles gracing their faces, as the moon shone above them. For once, there was no world changing goal or scientific achievement to be made. At that moment, there were just Leonard and Paige, dancing in the moonlight.
AN: And, we are done. It is a slightly longer chapter. I hope you enjoy it. The next chapter will possibly be a timeskip chapter, so stay tuned.
AN2: I wish to thank all my patrons for their continued support. I hope to bring more amazing stories to you.
Support me on Patreon at patreon.com/SparksNFlames