Desires of Men ~SEQUEL TO THE LIFE I LIVE~

Oh, Bite Me

"The next test for Subject 711-A549 requires three professionals. One to secure and maintain her restraints throughout the test, one to record the results, and one to work the machine." Doctor Mundy explained, drawing up a diagram of the experiment in question on the whiteboard. His back was turned to the rest of the staff, who were seated at tables facing him. He could hear them taking notes behind him.

"An extensive knowledge of the brain and its receptors is critical. Any error could prove to be fatal for the subject." He continued writing, one hand clasped behind his back professionally.

One of the neurological doctors stood beside him, listening critically to his proposed method of experimentation. Every once in awhile he would nod silently, rubbing his chin with his hand.

"I estimate it'll take between 15 and 20 milliamps to establish a connection to the subject's thought process and the entity within. We will also have to tap into the amygdala to take control of the emotional aspect of the brain. Careful precision with the placement of nodes is required."

"And how do you plan to accomplish this without having anyone in the room with her?" The neurologist standing beside him questioned. Dr. Mundy stopped his writings and slowly turned to his colleague.

"Dr. Hideki, what makes you believe there won't be any staff in the room?"

There was a drastic change in the atmosphere. All noise in the room ceased as the other doctors and nurses behind him realized what he was implying. Their note-taking stopped abruptly, and Dr. Mundy turned to see their startled expressions trained on him. Dr. Hideki cleared his throat, stepping towards him.

"Surely you must understand the dangers of putting anyone in close contact to Subject 711-A549. Two of your staff have already died while trying to perform necessary tests on her." Dr. Mundy narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

"You would put emotional ties before the product of results, Dr. Hideki? I thought you were more rational than that."

"My only concern is the well being of my employees." Some of the staffers began to mutter, glancing between each other nervously. Dr. Mundy turned to address the gathering.

"Science is the pursuit of truth, is it not?" Several people shrugged, a few nodded and crossed their arms sheepishly. "That pursuit is certain to have risks attached, but has that ever stopped innovation before? The vaccination came about only because a live virus was injected into a human being. If nothing had been done on the small notion that someone could get hurt, no advances in science would ever come about!"

The room was silent, with most of the company nodding ashamedly to his words. Dr. Hideki still looked doubtful but in the end, he was a scientist. Results were the meaning of his work.

"Very well. You may choose three of my staff to assist in your project, but only from those who volunteer. They will decide to take part by their own volition and nothing more." The neurologist affirmed.

Dr. Mundy smiled, just a hint. "Very well. You have twelve hours to decide whether to take part in this procedure. For those who do, gather in my office at seven o'clock tonight. I'll be waiting."

He placed down the marker and departed from the room.

~~~

Facing Law, Bepo assumed a ready position. They stared each other down and waited, hands up and prepared for the other's first move. The bear watched his Captain's body language and even breathing carefully, finally deciding that he wouldn't act unless Bepo did first.

"Hya!" He called, instantly swinging his leg around to kick him backwards. Law's reflexes were sharp, and he shifted out of range of the attack. Not wasting any time or energy, he jumped forward with a kick of his own, grunting when Bepo's paws stopped it in midair. As quick as his Captain was, it was debatable that Bepo was even faster.