first prisoner."
47 As they started off, another prisoner hurried up. "Chief Guard!" he
cried, "We have a problem. One of the official witnesses was hurt
coming in the gate and can't witness the operations scheduled today.
The Warden was wondering if our guest would mind. It should only take
about an hour."
48 "Operations?" gasped Bullet.
49 "Rapists," explained The Chief Guard. "you know ... removals? It's
not a very pleasant thing to watch and afterwards you have to take a
close look to make sure there was no fakery."
50 Bullet didn't like the idea. The Guard must have sensed his
thoughts. "It's very hard on the prisoners," she commented, "they've
all been prepared. If it's not done today, we'll have to get new
warrants, and they'll have to wait it out all over again."
51 "All right," agreed Bullet, "I'll do it."
52 He was taken over to the prison hospital and seated behind a window
with four other witnesses. On the other side of the window a Healer
stood, ready. "A bit of explanation to the new witness," she began. "As
each man is rolled in, he'll be given a shot. It's not a pain killer,
but a paralyzer, so it doesn't violate the Law. It also
partially paralyzes the vocal chords, which might save YOU some
discomfort. Each operation takes about ten minutes so we should be done
in one-half hour.
53 After I'm done working they'll wheel them into the recovery room.
You'll have a clear view of them at all times. When the last one is
finished you'll be given surgical masks and go in to view them. Please,
if you must get sick, wait until afterwards. Don't contaminate the
recovery room. Let's get it over with."
54 The first man was wheeled in.
55 "No!" he was crying, "No! Please don't! No!" The Attendant gave him the injection and his
pleas