The Sun was high in the center of the dome. Sun? More like a very bright star. It cast no shadows; the lights in the dome did. They flickered and with monotonous regularity went out again. The general swore constantly and emotionlessly until service was restored.
A guard approached with his captive. "I think I've found her, sir."
Cameron looked at the girl in dismay. "Guard, where's your decency?"
"Orders, sir," the man said.
"Whose orders?"
"Yours, sir. You said she was sound of body. How else could I find out?"
Cameron scowled and thrust a scalpel deep into the girl's thigh. She looked at him with a tear-stained face, but didn't move a muscle.
"Plastissue, as any fool can see," he commented dourly.
The guard looked revolted and started to lead her out.
"Let her go," snapped the doctor. "Both of you will be safer, I think."