Jeff felt a strange tingling sensation spreading through his body as he stood under the watchful eyes of the scientists. The nanites were at work, and he could feel them moving beneath his skin like a faint hum.
Feeling frightened, Jeff asked, "What are you transforming me into?"
The man at the computer said, "Dr. Malcolm Alvarez has asked us if we could transform you into a crash test dummy for one of his experiments. He studies car crashes and how to design safety but he finds his research limited by the fact that his crash test dummies can't tell him what they experience."
"You're going to put me in a car crash?"
Dr. Malcolm Alvarez stepped forward and said, his tone clinical but with a faint edge of impatience, "We're going to put you through a number of car crashes before returning you to the lab for your next transformation. This is essential for collecting the data we need."
“The transformation process is starting,” The man at the computer said. “You’ll feel a bit different, Jeff, but it’s temporary.”
“Different how?” Jeff asked, his voice shaky.
“Your body will undergo some structural changes to simulate the experience of a crash test dummy. Don’t worry; you won’t lose your ability to speak,” Dr. Alvarez replied.
Jeff’s limbs felt heavy, and he looked down in alarm as his skin began to take on a dull, metallic sheen. His heart raced as fear gripped him. What was happening to him? The metallic surface reflected the sterile light of the lab, making him feel trapped in an alien body. Each breath felt shallower than the last, his sense of vulnerability intensifying with every passing second. His fingers fused together into stiff, jointed shapes. His legs locked in place, rendering him immobile. Even his face felt tight, as though a rigid mask had formed over it.
“I can’t move,” Jeff said, panic rising in his voice.
“That’s expected,” Dr. Alvarez said, adjusting a setting on his tablet. “The nanites are simulating the rigidity of a crash test dummy. We need to ensure accurate data collection during the simulation.”
Jeff’s reflection in a nearby glass surface startled him. His face was unrecognizable, a smooth, expressionless mask with faintly visible seams where the nanites had reshaped his features.
“This isn’t what I signed up for,” Jeff said, his voice trembling.
“I understand this might feel overwhelming,” Dr. Alvarez replied, his tone detached as he focused intently on his tablet. “But the experiment is crucial, and your contribution is invaluable.”
Jeff wanted to protest but felt helpless as the team wheeled him into position. The test car loomed ahead, sleek and reinforced. They carefully strapped him into the passenger seat, his rigid body fitting perfectly.
“We’re about to start the crash simulation,” Dr. Alvarez’s voice came over the intercom. “You’ll feel the impact, but remember, the nanites are designed to protect you.”
The countdown began.
“Three… two… one…”
The car surged forward, accelerating rapidly. Jeff could hear the rush of air, but his immobilized body offered no reaction. A deafening crash followed as the car slammed into the barrier. He felt every jolt and vibration, the nanites absorbing and dispersing the energy.
Jeff’s mind raced as he processed the terrifying experience. This wasn’t just data collection; he felt used, like a pawn in some grand experiment he barely understood.
When the car came to a halt, the lab erupted in applause. Engineers rushed to examine the vehicle and the data collected. Dr. Alvarez approached the car, peering in through the shattered window.
“How are you holding up?” he asked.
“I’m scared,” Jeff admitted. “I didn’t think it would be like this.”
Dr. Alvarez sighed, tapping his tablet. “I understand. Let’s get you out of there and start the interview to find out every detail of your experience while it is still fresh in your memory.”
As the team worked to extract Jeff, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d been tricked into something far beyond what he had anticipated. The promise of easy money and excitement now felt hollow, replaced by fear and regret.