"Maybe," Joe said. "What for?" "I want you to tell her something," Barrent said. "I want you to tell her that I didn't commit the murder I was accused of on Earth." Joe stared at him. "Are you out of your mind?" "No. I found the man who actually did it. He's a Second Class Resident named Illiardi." "Why spread it around?" Joe asked. "No sense in losing credit for the kill." "I didn't murder the man," Barrent said. "I want you to tell Moera. Will you?" "I'll tell her," Joe said. "If I can locate her. Look, will you remember what I've said? Maybe you still have time to do something about it. Go to Black Mass or something. It might help." "Maybe I'll do that," Barrent said. "You'll be sure to tell her?" "I'll tell her," Joe said. He left the Antidote Shop shaking his head sadly. Chapter Fifteen Three days later, Barrent received a visit from a tall, dignified man who stood as rigidly erect as the ceremonial sword that hung by his side. The old man wore a high-collared coat, black pants, and gleaming black boots. From his clothing, Barrent knew he was a high government official. "The government of Omega sends you greetings," said the official. "I am Norins Jay, Sub-Minister of Games. I am here, as required by law, to inform you personally of your good fortune." Barrent nodded warily and invited the old man into his apartment. But Jay, erect and proper, preferred to stay in the store. "The yearly Lottery drawing was held last night," Jay said. "You, Citizen Barrent, are one of the prize winners. I congratulate you." "What is the prize?" Barrent asked. He had heard of the yearly Lottery, but had only a vague idea of its significance. "The prize," Jay said, "is honor and fame. Your name inscribed on the civic rolls. Your record of kills preserved for posterity. More concretely, you will receive a new government-issue needlebeam and, afterwards, you will be awarded posthumously the silver sunburst decoration." "Posthumously?" "Of course," Jay said. "The silver sunburst is always awarded after death. It is no less an honor for that." "I'm sure it isn't," Barrent said. "Is there anything else?" "Just one other thing," Jay said. "As a Lottery winner, you will take part in the symbolic ceremony of the Hunt, which marks the beginning of the yearly Games. The Hunt, as you may know, personifies our Omegan way of life. In the Hunt we see all the complex factors of the dramatic rise and fall from grace, combined with the thrill of the duel and the excitement of the chase. Even peons are allowed to participate in the Hunt, for this is the one holiday open to all, and the one holiday that symbolizes the common man's ability to rise above the restraints of his status." "If I understand correctly," Barrent said, "I'm one of the people who have been chosen to be hunted." "Yes," Jay said. "But you said the ceremony is symbolic. Doesn't that mean no one gets killed?"