"Lie down," she interrupted. "I know as well as you how it must be done."
"But—"
"Don't be alarmed. I'm in possession of all your experience, just as you are of mine!"
Jupiter swallowed, laid face-down on the stained table. "For Heaven's sake, be careful!"
Tabak ran her fingertips along his backbone, locating the spot to insert the needle. It sent cold chills prickling through his skin.
"And you're sure you know exactly what to do?"
She laughed. "Of course, I know. Don't tell me you've forgotten the girl on Betelgeuse XI—the one you used to put into a state of suspended animation whenever you had to ship out so that she couldn't be unfaithful between voyages."
Jupiter made a choking sound. Before he could think of anything to say, he felt the needle prick his flesh. He winced, heard Tabak begin to count:
"One ... two...."