For Us, the Living - Comedy of Customs by Heinlein Robert A

Author:Heinlein, Robert A. [Heinlein, Robert A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Philosophy, Classics
ISBN: 9780743261579
Amazon: 0743261577
Goodreads: 6992798
Publisher: Scribner
Published: 2003-11-28T08:00:00+00:00

VII

Shortly after breakfast Perry was interviewed at length by a board of five psychiatrists. Joseph was present and facilitated the work. The talk seemed inconsequential. At one point one of them engaged him in an animated discussion of the effect of the invention of flying on the logistic problem in warfare. For some reason the others seemed to follow this discussion with interest. Another inquired into some details of customs or ‘rates’ observed by midshipmen, and as to what extent a midshipman’s life differed socially from that of a civilian student. By lunch time they seemed satisfied and adjourned.

Perry’s trial was set for fourteen o’clock. It turned out to be anticlimactic. On counsel’s advice he stipulated the facts in the complaint and requested a trial without jury. The examining judge found affirmatively and read the findings of the psychiatric board. Then he spoke to Perry:

“Young man, according to the board you are for all practical purposes unacquainted with our customs in the field of social correction. In the terms you are familiar with you have been found guilty and I am about to pass sentence. In other terms familiar to you, you have been diagnosed and found to be sick and I am about to prescribe for your illness. You don’t have to take your medicine unless you want to, but I hope you will. The findings of the board are encouraging if somewhat startling, and I think you will have a complete recovery.”

“May it please the Court?”

“May it what? Oh yes, surely. Go ahead.”

“What is the alternative to taking treatment?”

“The alternative is Coventry, by which I mean that you will be delivered to the gate of a reservation set aside for non-cooperative individuals, along with your credit turned into any chattels you choose. Or, if you prefer, you may emigrate to any country willing to receive you.”

“What happens if I enter Coventry?”

“You must enter the gate. What happens thereafter is no concern of the state.”

“How long must I stay in the reservation?”

The judge shrugged his shoulders and did not reply.

“I’ll take treatment. I was simply curious about the other.”

“Very good. I see from the report that certain typical moral reactions may be expected from you with a general classification of aristocratic. Do you recognize my authority?”

“Yes, Your Honor.”

“I am going to ask you to make me a promise. You need not if you prefer not to. I want you to promise that you will refrain from doing any violence to any person whatsoever including yourself for any reason whatsoever until you are pronounced cured or until you come to me and tell me that you withdraw your word. Will you do it?”

“That’s fair enough. I promise.”

“Good. I want to parole you to someone not in need of treatment himself. Who is your next friend?”

Perry looked disconcerted. “Why, I don’t believe I have any.” As he spoke, Diana stepped forward. The judge smiled.

“Is she your next friend?” They both nodded. “Very well then, you must understand that she is responsible to me that the instructions of this court are carried out.

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