Ghost of a smile. "Sorry you had to go through it. We pick the Deacons
because they're sadistically inclined. That makes for efficiency in the
long run. Some people suffer, of course, but it's for the common good."
I didn't say anything. If I had, it would have been insulting,
unreasonable, blasphemous, obscene and treasonable. So I didn't say
anything. I just kept staring at him.
He continued to smile. "I'm N-J-K-F one seven seven three four nine,
Chief of the Office of Psychological Adjustment. I'm usually simply
Chief. I want you to consider me your friend--within the limits of
State good, that is."