selfconsciously return to their meal or conversation. Mary seemed to be the only person present willing to even attempt talking to him. She asked him about himself and he found himself telling her all the morbid details of his parents death, his resulting predicament, Dr. Smith's help, and his ultimate acceptance of this job. Chris returned alone to his room. He discovered the TV was multi-channel, the variety of programming and movies obviously indicating that the system was connected to a satellite dish somewhere on the island. He watched a couple of movies then climbed into bed.

Chris had a quiet cup of coffee and toast in his rooms that first morning, then went directly to the main building. He found Mary's office easily and had to wait a few minutes until she arrived and let him in.

As you

While she prepared and charged up the coffee pot she explained, "Chris, you have certainly noticed by now that Greystone is a very unusual place. It was placed on this island to provide a unique balance of isolation and protection for our special patients from outside influences. may have guessed last night at dinner, all the patients and staff here are women, except you of course. Virtually every woman here, patient or staff, has been damaged physically and/or emotionally by men, primarily involving rape or assault, or other forms of abuse, along with further complications like pregnancy or alcoholism or drug dependency. Therefore, Chris, (and this is very important) it will be necessary that you de-emphasize your masculinity. Dr. Smith recommended you for this job because she thought that you needed the kind of surroundings and soothing atmosphere provided here, maybe as much as some of the women here do, but also because of your less-than-average build and your gentle subdued manner. I like to think of you as quiet

and polite."

Chris was complimented but also curious. "Well, thanks, Mary. But why would Dr. Smith think I needed to isolate myself at a women's clinic with no other men around?"

Mary offered him a brimming cup of fresh brew. "I really have no idea Chris, I'm no doctor. You'll have to ask her. Meanwhile, I'll show you around."

She quickly sketched out the duties of his job. He would be a clerk and courier for her Records Department, helping in the office with paperwork as needed, but primarily responsible for the transport of documents and x-rays between various departments, wards, offices, etc. It was not a difficult system and Chris realized he could master it easily. It was simple and physically comfortable work while it still got him out where he could meet people and enjoy the offerings of nature as well. He was grateful that he would not have to just sit at a desk all day pushing forms through a typewriter and dragging a pen across an endless stream of documents. There would be some of that, but not much.

After the short briefing, Mary gave him directions and sent him off to find the staff doctor for a complete physical. As soon as he arrived a nurse took routine information along with blood and urine samples. He was then introduced to Dr. Joan Brown who proceeded to perform a complete examination of his person, poking, prodding, feeling, checking. The hernia check and then her over-long scrutiny of his male equipment was extremely embarrassing to the conservative young man. After he dressed, they sat in her office.

"You are in excellent condition, Chris," she declared.

*Thank you, Doc," he answered. "I've always