The Heart Goes Last

Stan clocks into Positron Prison and daydreams about Jasmine while receiving his mandatory haircut. In the lunch line, he reflects on how things have gotten easier in the prison now that the actual criminals are gone. They had initially caused problems and had not integrated into Consilience in the way management hoped. Officially, they were all “transferred” to another wing, but rumors circulate suggesting they met a different fate. Many of the jobs in Positron Prison are involved in food production for the prison and town, as the project aims to be self-sustaining. Stan works in the poultry facility, overseeing the chickens and making sure everything runs smoothly. From time to time, he is approached by other inmates who want to have sex with the chickens. His thoughts about Jasmine become more compulsive and obsessive.

Charmaine’s job in Positron Prison is Chief Medications Administrator. Superficially, it means she is responsible for keeping track of inventory and making sure everything remains organized. However, there is another part of her job she is not allowed to talk about: administering “Special Procedures” when necessary. This involves euthanizing prisoners that she has been reassured are only the most irredeemable and dangerous criminals.