Thomas nodded grimly. “Ten complete generations, Samuel. Ten generations of first cousins marrying first cousins, uncles marrying nieces, all to maintain what they consider communal continuity. Do you understand the physical implications of this?“
Samuel understood all too well. His studies in anatomy and observation of livestock variations had taught him that restricted bloodlines inevitably amplified hereditary defects. He had never encountered data on what ten generations of absolute human isolation would produce, but the underlying science allowed him to extrapolate the consequences.
“The hereditary damage must be severe,” Samuel murmured.
“Severe is an understatement,” Thomas replied. He moved to the workspace and swept aside several charts, revealing a series of detailed anatomical sketches. Samuel recognized his brother’s precise drafting style, but the subjects of the drawings made him step back in shock.
The figures were human, but structurally altered in fundamental ways. The drawings depicted limbs that curved sharply where they should be straight, joints that appeared capable of bending backward, and skulls with significantly misaligned jaws or asymmetric orbital cavities.
“I have been documenting every physical trait I observe,” Thomas continued, his voice low. “The leadership requested it. They wanted a systematic accounting of their community’s physical trajectory. Elder Josiah is actually the least physically altered of the older generation, which is why he maintains leadership. He possesses the closest to typical anatomy, though even he exhibits significant skeletal irregularities and internal organ transposition. His heart is situated on the right side of his chest cavity, Samuel. His liver is divided into three distinct lobes rather than two, yet he remains functional and cognitively sharp.“
Samuel forced himself to examine the anatomical drawings with clinical focus. “You said he is the least affected of the older generation. What about the younger demographics?“
