The crowd breaks up around you. About half opted for the gas demonstration, you decided to tag along with them.
You all file into the room and the doors close behind you. It was spacious and there was still plenty of room for the crowd to mill around. Ethel takes to the raised stage in the middle of the room.
"Welcome, now that the doors are closed we can begin the demonstration." Ethel said.
"Now, firstly, head swap gas only lasts in the air for about 10 minutes after release. A small canister like this one should fill an entire room. Once exposed you'll be able to freely swap heads for an hour or two, depending on genetic factors and metabolism." Ethel said matter of factly, "There was also a secondary surprising effect. Upon exposure there are 2 groups of people: people whose consciousness resides in the head and people whose consciousness resides in the body."
The crowd murmured and began talking amongst themselves. You wondered which way you would be.
"I know, I know. It's kind of life being left or right handed, your just born that way! Unfortunately we haven't discovered a test yet for which way any given person will experience the head swap gas so the only real test is experience!" Ethel said laughing, "And rest assured, we at the transfer clinic CAN also transfer consciousness from head to body or visa versa or transfer which way you react to the gas with another. So if you're unhappy, find someone to transfer with after the demonstration."
Ethel opened the canister and released some gas into the air with a hiss. She stood up with a hand to her back. The gas came out an effervescent transparent green but quickly turned completely colorless as it filled the room. It smelled faintly sweeter...
"Now, as I'm sure many of you have already guessed. This is not my original head. My consciousness resided with my body, this is the head of my granddaughter, Emily, who volunteered for the demonstration!" Ethel said, talking as the gas continues to fill the room.
"This gas is completely safe and a few of you may even be able to start lifting your heads off now. Go ahead!" She said.
You saw people attempting. Most merely tugged, but you were shocked to see a few able to completely separate their heads and bodies. About half had their eyes closed and faces relaxed.
"For those of you who switch bodies, or those whose heads retain their consciousness, you should retain control until making a swap. Now, we dont recommend head-swappers and body-swappers trade with eachother. It ends up that the stronger personality wins out and the body and head without consciousness merely rest peacefully. A few may even merge personalities while joined. We do encourage you to trade with others that have the same reaction as you, though!" Ethel said.
And with that, the canister released the last of the gas. You saw quite a few people walking around now without heads, a few odd connections, some people laughing. You shrugged and gave it a shot.
You tugged your head off your shoulders discovering that...