𝐘𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐲 - 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝟏𝟏𝟔𝟔

Chapter 4: Into the Deep

Quinn lay on a cold metal hospital bed, the sterile smell of antiseptics and machinery thick in the air. He glanced around the room, his eyes wide, taking in the shadowed forms of scientists and technicians, their faces obscured by masks and goggles. Bright, harsh lights from above cast deep shadows across their expressions, making the figures seem almost robotic.

As one of the scientists adjusted a machine nearby, a soft hiss filled the room, heightening the tension building in Quinn's chest. He gripped the sides of the bed, his fingers clutching the metal tightly.

His gaze drifted, finally landing on Dr. Sawyer, who was standing close by, his eyes softer than usual. Dr. Sawyer reached out and placed a steady hand on Quinn's shoulder.

"Quinn," Dr. Sawyer said, his voice steady and calm. "I know this must be overwhelming. But I need you to trust me. What we're doing here... it's part of the work we discussed. It will help us see the world through your eyes—your ideas will be able to grow."

Quinn's voice was quiet, almost a whisper. "It feels... scary," he admitted, his eyes flicking nervously to the nearby machines.

Dr. Sawyer knelt down beside him, bringing himself to eye level. "That's completely natural, Quinn. But remember, this is your space—your world now. And soon, you'll wake up and find that you're even stronger than you were before."

Quinn tried to nod, his chest still tight with worry, but something in Dr. Sawyer's voice helped, if only a little. He managed a shaky smile, still clutching the sides of the bed. "Okay... If you say so, Doctor Sawyer."

Dr. Sawyer gave him a reassuring nod and straightened, signaling to one of the scientists. A faint hiss filled the room as a red-tinted gas began to seep from a mask positioned near his face. Quinn's eyes fixed on it, his nerves tightening again. He flinched as the mask was gently lowered over his mouth and nose, the strange, metallic scent filling his senses.

Dr. Sawyer's voice came through the haze, calm and steady. "Just take deep breaths, Quinn."

Quinn closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, his breaths shaky but gradually slowing. The world around him began to blur, and the hum of the machines faded into a soft, distant murmur. Dr. Sawyer's voice was the last thing he heard, soothing and reassuring, grounding him even as the gas pulled him deeper into a dreamlike haze.

"This is Experiment 1166. Quinn Navidson. Yarnaby."

With a final, slow breath, Quinn surrendered to the red fog, his body relaxing as he drifted down, down into a deep and unfamiliar darkness.