End as a Hero by Keith Laumer

"Here are your instructions," Kayle was saying. "Open the vault door. Come out -- stripped -- and go to the center of the parking lot. Stand there with your hands over your head. A single helicopter manned by a volunteer will approach and drop a gas canister. It won't be lethal, I promise you that. Once you're unconscious, I'll personally see to it that you're transported to the Institute in safety. Every effort will then be made to overcome the Gool conditioning. If we're successful, you'll be awakened. If not."

He let the sentence hang. It didn't need to be finished. I understood what he meant.