"Which," said Calhoun, "is just what I need. I'm Med Service, man! I've got a job to do with what they call an epidemic! I need a para who's willing to be cured! That's you! Let's get this grid fixed so it can't work and—"
There was a succession of loud clicks from a speaker unit on the wall. It was an emergency-wave, unlocking the speaker from its Off position. Then a voice:
"All citizens attention! The Planetary President is about to give you good news about the end of the para epidemic!"
A pause. Then a grave and trembling voice came out of the speakers:
"My fellow-citizens, I have the happiness to report that a vaccine completely protecting normals against the para condition, and curing those already paras, has been developed. Dr. Lett, of the planetary health service, has produced the vaccine which is already in small-scale production and will shortly be available in large quantities, enough for everyone! The epidemic which has threatened every person on Tallien Three is about to end! And to hasten the time when every person on the planet will have the vaccine in the required dosage and at the required intervals, Dr. Lett has been given complete emergency authority. He is empowered to call upon every citizen for any labor, any sum, any sacrifice that will restore our afflicted fellow-citizens to normality, and to protect the rest against falling a victim to this intolerable disease. I repeat: a vaccine has been found which absolutely prevents anyone from becoming a para, and which cures those who are paras now. And Dr. Lett has absolute authority to issue any orders he feels necessary to hasten the end of the epidemic and to prevent its return. But the end is sure!"
The speaker clicked off. Calhoun said wryly:
"Unfortunately, I know what that means. The President has announced the government's abdication in favor of Dr. Lett, and that the punishment for disobeying Lett is—madness."
He drew a deep breath and shrugged his shoulders.
"Come along! Let's get to work!"