"He's coming around. Do we have that feeding injection ready?"
"Yes, we have it right here. And the expunge tube too. It's too bad that we couldn't get the feeding and defecation refinement perfected for this one, though. Sheath4 is a magnificent specimen. Wherever did you find him, Dr. Wilson?"
"You can thank Jack for that. He's a sports buff. Saw this one playing arena football and then again later in the season for the city's basketball team."
"He's just perfect. So tall and muscular. He must be six-seven."
"No, six-eight and a half. And everything inside him was in such perfect shape. It was almost a pity, really."
"But you got everything functioning again?"
"Yes, of course. Not as he formerly was, of course, but there were further refinements we put in this one. Sensors along the channel. He'll enjoy it."
"While it lasts."
"Yes, well, one of these times we'll have the balance right."
"Pity about the feeding and defecation system, though."
"Yes, but maybe with Sheath5 or 6."
"Where did you capture him?"
"He was coming out of a gym. This was his whole life. At least with the sensor technology all of his work will have been worth it. This will be the height of his life."
* * * *
Perry woke in confusion. Where was he? He could remember waving good-bye to his mates in the gym and going out on the street. Nothing since then.
He was on a gurney, strapped down, but the straps on one of his arms were loose. If he worked at it for a while, he should be able to free an arm—then, with his strength, he should be able to get off of this. Then what?
He didn't know.
He felt funny. All hollow inside—well maybe not completely hollow, but like stuff inside there had been moved around. But he didn't hurt or anything. Maybe a dull ache. But he'd always been able to play through the pain.
Ah, yes, he was loose. He started feeling around his body. He was naked, but everything felt like it was there—it was just this hollow feeling . . . holy hell! What was this? His ass was a fuckin' tunnel. He could get his fist in there . . . hell, he could get both fists in there. Fuckin' A, what's—?
"Naughty, naughty, Sheath4. You aren't ready to get up yet."
Perry's arm was seized and strapped down again.
What's this Sheath4 crap? Perry wondered.
The gurney was been wheeled down a long, wide hallway. Some sort of hospital? The walls were stark white. The faces looking down at him were smiling and telling him that it was all going lovely.
The room was dark. Or at least very dim. After the bright light of the hallway, Perry's eyes weren't adjusting quickly to the difference in light.