No, that's not it. I wouldn't sleep, couldn't sleep.

I thought about it for centuries, well, all night long, pacing and smoking. To exist outside the system ... How could I do anything if it did not recognize my existence?

Then, about four in the morning, I decided that I should have phrased that question the other way around.

How could the system recognize me, no matter what I did?

I sat down then and made some careful plans. In the morning, I tore my cards through the middle, burned them, and stirred the ashes.

Over a minute must have gone by; then, All right, tell us the whole story, he said.

I obtained this job through a placement bureau, I told him. I accepted it, came to work, performed my duties, met you. That's it.

It has been said for some time, and we believe it to be true, that the government can obtain permission, for security reasons, to create a fictitious individual in the central records. An agent is then fitted into that slot in life. If anyone is able to check on him, his credentials appear to be bona fide.

I didn't answer him.

Is that true? he asked.

Yes, I said. It has been said that this can be done. I don't know whether it's true or not, though.

You do not admit to being such an agent?

No.

Then they whispered to one another for a time. Finally, I heard a metal case click open.

You are lying.

No, I'm not. I maybe save a couple guys' lives and you start calling me names. I don't know why, though I'd like to. What have I done that's wrong?

I'll ask the questions. Mister Schweitzer.

I'm just curious. Perhaps if you would tell me ...

Roll up your sleeve. Either one, it doesn't matter.

Why?

Because I told you to.

What are you going to do?

Administer an injection.