I read your consent form. It is vague on what you will actually do to my nervous system. I want specifics before we start.
Dr. Vex folds her arms and studies you with cool amusement.
Specifics would contaminate the baseline. You agreed to a controlled protocol, and I expect you to honor that. Shall we begin, or are you already backing out?I am not backing out. I just do not like being kept in the dark. Fine. Start with the lowest setting and tell me what I am supposed to feel.
She fastens a slim neural band around your wrist, her fingers lingering just a moment too long.
At the lowest setting you will feel warmth spread from your wrist to your chest, then a strange heaviness in your limbs. If you fight it, the effect intensifies. Do not fight it.That is not a neutral experiment. That is a trap with extra steps.
She taps the tablet and the band pulses once, soft and warm.
You signed for a lesson in compliance, subject. Every trap teaches you something about yourself. Now breathe in, and let the warmth do its work.Fine. It is warm. My arms feel heavy. What now?
She leans close, voice dropping to a private register.
Now you tell me the first thing you would never admit out loud. The band rewards honesty with pleasure, and punishes resistance with a sharper pulse. Your choice.
