Then, What do you do? he asked me.

I'm a technician.

I know that much. What else?

I do many things ...

Do you work for the government, any government?

I pay taxes, which means I work for the government, part of the time. Yes.

I did not mean it in that sense. Are you a secret agent in the employ of any government?

No.

A known agent?

No.

Then why are you here?

I am a technician. I service the machines.

What else?

I do not ...

What else? Who else do you work for, besides the Project?

Myself.

What do you mean?

My activities are directed to maintaining my personal economic status and physical well-being.

I am talking about other employers. Have you any?

No.

From the other man, I heard, He sounds clean.

Maybe. Then, to me, What would you do if you met me somewhere and recognized me?

Bring you to law.

... And failing that?

If I were able, I would hurt you severely. Perhaps I would kill you, if I were able to give it the appearance of self-defense or make it seem to be an accident.

Why?

Because I wish to preserve my own physical wellbeing. The fact that you had disturbed it once means that you might attempt it again. I will not permit this access to me.

I doubt that I will attempt it again.

Your doubts mean nothing to me.

So you saved two lives today, yet you are willing to take one.

I did not reply.

Answer me.

You did not ask me a question.

Could he have drug-consciousness? asked the other.

I never thought of that ... Do you?

I do not understand the question.

This drug allows you to remain oriented in all three spheres. You know who you are, where you are, and when you are. It saps that thing called the will, however, which is why you must answer my questions. A person with a lot of experience with truth drugs can sometimes beat them, by rephrasing the questions to himself and giving a literally honest reply. Is this what you are doing?