Kogan: They are all receiving the anti-pellagra ration established by the Gulag Health and Sanitation Department (and he specified the quatity of proteins in calories).

Tarasyuk: How many of them will go out to work in the forest and when?

Kogan: Well, none of them will ever go to work in the forest again, of course. But now they'll survive and it will be possible to use them for light work within the compound.

Tarasyuk: Stop giving them any anti-pellagra rations. Write this down: these rations are to be given to those working in the forest. The other prisoners are to get the disability rations.

Kogan: Comrade Colonel! Obviously I didn't explain clearly. These people will only survive if they are given a special ration. A disabled prisoner receives 400 grams of bread. On that ration they'll be dead in ten days. We can't do that!

Tarasyuk looked at the upset doctor, and there was even a sign of interest in his face. "What's the matter? Do your medical ethics prevent you from doing this?"

"Of course they do..."

"Well, I don't give a damn for your ethics," said Tarasyuk calmly, and with no indication whatsoever of anger. "Have you written that down? Let's move on..."