Bishop’s chair had been reclined slightly. This was the first step in the interrogation process, to make it easier for the interrogators to administer drugs or blows to the body and limbs. A guard had opened a case on the desk containing a syringe, some vials of liquid, antiseptic, metal tools, and various other interrogation paraphernalia. So it begins, he thought.
The guard left the room. They were in no particular hurry. The open case with tools clearly visible was part of the psychological preparation of the subject, designed to induce apprehension and fear. Bishop knew he would soon be experiencing a great deal of physical pain and mental stress. He began the process of sending himself into a meditative state, an attempt to distance him from the immediate situation. It would reduce pain and make him less susceptible to coercive techniques, for a while at least.
Three guards entered. One of them packed up the case and left, while the other two released Bishop’s restraints. His arms and legs free, one of the guards produced Bishop’s MC cap.
“Here,” he said, tossing the cap to him. “You’ve been reassigned. Let’s go.”