[ WP ] In a time/place that has recently abolished the death penalty , a corrupt prison comes up with a novel solution to overcrowding : a 'specialist ' who 's job is to talk inmates into committing suicide .

Doctor Wright rubbed the arch of his nose and squeezed his eyes shut. 
 
 “ Steven Mantz? Have a seat. ” he said to the man lumbering just past the door frame. He did n't hear a chair being pulled back, and reluctantly opened his eyes to look up. The man was still standing there, eyeing him cautiously. “ Sit the fuck down Steven. ” he snapped. 
 
 Steven sat. 
 
 From his desk, the doctor produced a jar of pills and rattled them along the table. “ You've been suffering with back problems? ” he asked, stroking his tired eyes. 
 
 “ I... ” Steven Mantz began, looking at the floor as he stammered out a few words. “ I think I had some problems a few years back. I've been fine for a while. ” 
 
 Shit. 
 
 “ Steven listen, I do n't know why you have n't been on these but you really should have been taking them. ” the doctor clasped his hands on the table and leaned forward. “ I would highly recommend that you do so. ” He rattled the jar a few times to make the point. 
 
 Silence hung in the air for too long. 
 
 “ Doctor I do n't want to take them. ” Steven said, staring at the floor. People kept finding out about this programme and it made everything ten times harder. How the fuck do the dead talk? “ I... I mean, some of the others, they said that those pills have had manufacturing problems. ” 
 
 Manufacturing problems. That was good. He would probably start writing that. 
 
 “ I can assure you that these things go through very strict procedure and testing before they get put in those jars. ” The doctor glanced at Steven and saw that the story was not selling. “ Alright Steven, here's the alternative. I'm not going to tell you exactly what happens when people do n't take these things, but usually it's a lot worse than just swallowing a few pills a morning. ” He stood and walked round the desk. “ I do n't care what you've heard, or what you've seen or what you think you know. We're here to help, and it is your responsibility to help the rest of the prison population. ” 
 
 He stooped down to deliver the death knell. “ We know everything about you. Your friends and family on the inside and the outside. Lack of co-operation with a doctor, a senior doctor, would be looked on very unfavourably. We might have to take corrective action. ” He leered at Steven, making sure the words were sinking in. 
 
 “... Are you going to write me a note? ” Steven asked, a tremble in his words. 
 
 “ No note. Take four every morning. And for fucks sake, do n't be a bitch about it. ” Doctor Wright turned and sat down behind his desk. “ I will know if you do n't take them Steven, it will be obvious. And you are n't to mention it to the other inmates. ” 
 
 Steven nodded, and stood to leave. “ We'll have a check up in a week to see how it's coming along. Do n't worry about a loss of appetite. ” Steven looked like he was going to say something. “ You can leave. ” The doctor said simply.
