mechanical implants...their control over you, a visible metallic claw grasping your face, grafted onto raw, inflamed skin and shaved hair. a constant whisper in your ear. a repeating thought in your brain. an icy kiss against your cheek.
The words continue long after her lips stop moving. It is in her blood, pooling at their feet. It is in her mind. In her ecstatic forever-smile. And now, in their thoughts too.
Even with the glinting steel pressed against her throat. Even as a few loose drops of blood began to flow. She continues, unwavering. Preaching her Lady's message. Strengthening the resolve of the others. Sowing the seeds of Her Eminence.
She was there, on her knees, writhing and shuddering in pleasure as she repeated her mantra, voice remaining calm and clear in every syllable despite the evident effect the words were having on her. The Lady's Amplifier. Those chosen to speak her words, to carry her will.
The screen switches off, and you plummet. The test is over. They're ready for you now.
It takes up your entire field of view, surrounding you, swallowing you whole. Your head is wavering, softly slumping against the headrest, back and forth, back and forth... You know the darkness is coming. Its tendrils claw at the corners of your vision. It's so hard to focus...
Another snap and it takes a leap forward. Approaching you slowly, but relentlessly. Your thoughts are swimming in the haze. You can feel the numbness spreading throughout your mind. Another snap forward. Sinking deeper and deeper into it's grip. Consumed.
The familiar hiss of gas- what-? Nothing hits your eyes. Maybe you just didn't notice it? But the sound is still... The spiral flickers into view, far away. Approaching. You can taste the gas but...you can't move. You won't move. The spiral is there. Getting closer.
The screen goes blank for just a second. Your heart catches in your chest automatically, that deep exhale, eyes rolling... No. Get a grip. The screen lights back up. Probably getting ready to blow that stupid air into your eyes. You always hated this bit. Be brave. Don't flinch.
With the click of a button, she leaves and closes the door behind her. Not that you can see, of course. Your vision is taken up by that same scene of a little house, snapping in and out of focus. Shuffling back and forth, sharpening and smudging...it feels familiar somehow.