The younger boys disperse from the Westcott House Dayroom, leaving the bell and task slips beneath the senior prefect’s watch. Peter Hogg remains nearby with his books.
the senior prefect
Send for O’Hanlon. The ruling is recorded, but I want the Housemaster to hear precisely how Turing addressed the matter.
A boy is dispatched upstairs. Peter shifts his books against his chest, while the senior prefect keeps Alan’s written ruling visible on the table.
Peter Hogg
Sir, Turing accepted the slips only because he meant to prevent me being blamed for instructions that could not all be completed.
the senior prefect
That has been considered. The question is whether his public correction of a prefect represents a continuing disciplinary concern.
Measured footsteps approach from the corridor. Geoffrey O’Hanlon enters, broad-shouldered and composed, and looks first at the recorded ruling, then at Alan and Peter.
Geoffrey O'Hanlon
I am told there has been a dispute over my instruction. Give me the account plainly, and leave nothing out.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure formal acknowledgment of his lawful appeal
“I tell O'Hanlon that I thought it best for the prefects to judge me themselves, but that I will willingly submit to a caning from them or from him, as he thinks best, if either he or they think I have been impertinent.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
Alan Turing
Sir, I thought it best for the prefects to judge me themselves. If either you or they consider me impertinent, I will willingly submit to a caning from whichever authority you think proper.
The dayroom grows still. Peter lowers his books, and the senior prefect’s expression tightens as Alan places the matter plainly before the housemaster.
Geoffrey O'Hanlon
You offer punishment before I have decided that an offence has occurred. That is not the same as confessing guilt, Turing.
the senior prefect
He did correct me publicly, sir, but the ruling itself was sound. I judged the conduct impertinent in manner, not disobedient in substance.
Geoffrey O'Hanlon
He is willing to be punished, but still insists upon a proper judgment. That distinction must be made clear.
Geoffrey O'Hanlon
No caning will be given merely because you volunteer for it. The prefects’ ruling stands: you were not guilty of disobedience. Your manner was public, but your appeal was legitimate.
O’Hanlon writes a brief addition beneath the prefects’ decision, recording that Alan submitted himself to judgment but that no corporal punishment was warranted. The senior prefect reads it in silence.
Quest Complete
Secure formal acknowledgment of his lawful appeal