Чужак в чужой стране

           Theytookthepatients’elevatorratherthanthebouncetubeoutofdeferencetoCavendish’sage,thenrodeaslide-awayforalongdistancepastlaboratories,therapyrooms,solaria,andwardafterward.Theywerestoppedoncebyaguardwhophonedahead,thenletthemthrough;theywereatlastusheredintoaphysio-datadisplayroomusedforwatchingcriticallyillpatients."ThisisDr.Tanner,"Berquistannounced."Doctor,thisisMr.CaxtonandMr.Frisby."Hedidnot,ofcourse,introduceCavendish.

           Tannerlookedworried."Gentlemen,IamdoingthisagainstmybetterjudgmentbecausetheDirectorinsists.Imustwarnyouofonething.Don’tdoorsayanythingthatmightexcitemypatient.Heisinanextremelyneuroticconditionandfallsveryeasilyintoastateofpathologicalwithdrawal-atrance,ifyouchoosetocallitthat."

           "Epilepsy?"askedBen.

           "Alaymanmighteasilymistakeitforthat.Itismorelikecatalepsy.Butdon’tquoteme;thereisnoclinicalprecedentforthiscase."

           "Areyouaspecialist,Doctor?Psychiatry,maybe?"

           TannerglancedatBerquist."Yes,"headmitted.

           "Wheredidyoudoyouradvancedwork?"

           Berquistsaid,"Look,Ben,let’sseethepatientandgetitoverwith.YoucanquizDr.Tannerafterwards."

           "Okay."

           Tannerglancedoverhisdialsandgraphs,thenflippedaswitchandstaredintoaPeepingTom,Heleftthedesk,unlockedadoorandledthemintoanadjoiningbedroom,puttingafingertohislipsashedidso.Theotherfourfollowedhimin.