'No,' he said at last. 'That's not right, is it? It's not going to eat someone?'
'Consume,' said the older guard.
'It's all part of the social. . . social contract,' said his assistant woodenly. 'A small price to pay, I'm sure you will agree, for the safety and protection of the city.'
'From what?' said Nobby. 'We've never had an enemy we couldn't bribe or corrupt.'
'Until now,' said Colon darkly.
'You catch on fast,' said the guard. 'So you're going to broadcast it. On pain of pain.'
Carrot peered over Colon's shoulder.
'What's a virgin?' he said.
'An unmarried girl,' said Colon quickly.
'What, like my friend Reel?' said Carrot, horrified.
'Well, no,' said Colon.
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