Canton decided to step around Dr. Ingres and warn the tech at the next station. Mira loved secrets, anyway.

“Martin’s coming, and he’s in rare form today,” whispered Canton. He looked to confirm Ingres was still absorbed at his terminal, entering today’s data, muttering to himself, little ‘ooh’s and ‘aah’s…

“What do you mean,” whispered Mira, conspiratorially. Canton’s tone excited her. She turned to find her Doctor. He was in the hall. She relaxed a bit. “Is this a tech-to-tech thing?”

“If keeping your job matters to you. Look, we nailed him with the usual routine that sends them out gibbering idiots, only this time he asked for seconds, and thirds, and Ingres gave it to him. Not a twitch. Your chamber’s Education2. No safety interlocks like we have in Stress4. Just be aware, and be careful.” A pause, some muffled conversation. Then, in a loud tone of voice, “Okay, see you at lunch, then.” Click.

Mira saw the light go green, and her doctor was back. She pushed the button to open the door.