"Nor Iron Bars a Cage" is a science fiction short story written by Randall Garrett. The tale centres around the protagonist, John Heath, a bright scientist who finds himself trapped in a maximum-security jail in a future where sophisticated technology allows humans to switch bodies with others. Heath's problem begins when he is falsely accused of murder. The story's civilization has abolished the death penalty but has developed a system in which convicted offenders' thoughts are transferred into the bodies of highly trained, vicious executioners known as "Delegates of Justice." Heath must find a way to avoid becoming one of these ruthless Delegates after failing to prove his innocence. The story follows Heath as he attempts to navigate the perilous world of prison politics, alliances, and betrayals. He employs his intelligence to outwit both fellow inmates and prison personnel while constructing a cunning plot to reclaim his freedom. "Nor Iron Bars a Cage" is a thought-provoking and intriguing film that tackles themes of justice, identity, and the repercussions of technological technology. Readers are captivated by Randall Garrett's writing as they follow Heath's adventure to break free from the limits of his mechanical cage and restore his true identity.
