“Diagnosis complete: subject in original condition incompatible with environment,” it said, and Sharskin grinned and clapped me on the arm. “Protective measures prescribed,” the voice went on, but Sharskin made a gesture, banishing the thought. “Truly one of us, Handry,” he told me, grimly pleased. “Thank that clumsy old doctor of yours; he has made you the man you were meant to be.” And then the voice, his pirated voice, said something more. “Diagnostic implant signal detected. Prior treatment incomplete. Active trace signal detected. Respond yes no?” Sharskin went very still, and for a
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