1313 Forandring Street.
Dan took a breath, and went in. He was batting zero for four and running out of options. The Blood Bank said he'd donated too recently. Ths sperm bank took his application, but said based on his height, and IQ not to hold his breath. The University's placement office called to say that they had already filled their paid student intern position, but had several unpaid positions available. Even the Burger Joint was wait listing applicants. If this human guinea pig job didn't pan out, well, he'd be forced to take his girlfriend Jenny up on her offer to get him a job at her mother's laundromat. His student loan would kick in in the Fall, but Dan needed money this summer.
The door was locked. A small door bell with a black sign read,"Ring for admittance." So, Dan did.
A tall thin woman looked him over, then ushered Dan into a waiting room and handed him a clip board and pen. Dan sat down and answered all sorts of personal medical history questions, in addition to standard statistics. He completed it, and turned it back in at the reception desk. Then picked up a Time Magazine, at first he thought it was recent because the cover was emblazoned with "War In Iraq", turned out it was an eleven year old issue. Dan slipped on his headphones and listed to his mp3 until his battery ran down, he'd forgotten to recharge it last night.
About 45 minutes later, the woman called his name and led him to an exam room. A man in a white lab coat was sitting on a stool at the counter examining a rack of test tubes, and the application Dan filled out was sitting on the end of the counter.
"Mr. Dorman, the next applicant is here."
The man turned around, he looked like he was younger than Dan, but since he was a grad student, he probably was a couple years older. He picked up the application, "Daniel E. Flatt?"
"Yeah? So, what's the job? Do I gotta get undressed?" Dan asked glancing at the exam table.
"Maybe later, not yet. First, uh, Daniel, we need to take a few more tests. You'll be paid $35.00 for the inconvenience, whether or not you are selected for the study."
Dan brightened up, $35.00 was worth the inconvenience. "Okay, what'cha want me to do, Mr. uh Bohrman? Oh, and call me Dan."
"It's Dorman, not Bohrman, and you can call Matt, Dan."
Dan and Matt both seemed to relax.
After blood pressure, height, weight, temperature measurements, Matt handed Dan a scantron exam. It was a miniversion of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality test, Matt explained that it was to make sure that Dan was psychologically a good candidate for Dr. Jacobson's experimental study.
Matt called out to the secretary, she came and collected the scantron. He chatted with Dan. Dr. Jacobson's experiment was on stamina enhancement. He confessed not to know to much about it, since his own area of research was molecular plasticity, and was only helping Jacobson out because his regular research assistant was ill. He glanced over at the chemicals sitting on the lab bench, and then at his watch.
"While were waiting for the results, I'll go get your check ready."
Dan was alone in the exam room. He got up and looked at the rack of vials and other bottles on the counter. He picked up an empty one bottle and unstoppered it. Then he opened one of the large stoppered bottles containing a clear liquid, he tentatively stuck his pinkie finger in the cool liquid, it was thicker than water. Dan sniffed the chemical, and tasted it. It was bitter sweet, and gave him a light buzz. The label said "Molecular Plasticity Enhancing Formula 103 Concentrate", sounded kind of like mind expanding drug, so Dan poured some into the empty bottle. Today might not be such a waste after all.
When Matt reentered with his check, Dan knew he didn't get the gig. Matt's face was all business, no more smiles. In fact, he looked a little disgusted.
"Didn't pass the test?"
"Oh, the MMP, no you passed that, but Ms. Atherton wasted both our times. Jacobson's research study is already at capacity, but Dr. Jacobson assured me that if any of the alternates drop out, he'll keep your application, and call you. Here's the $35.00. I'm really sorry. man," Matt apologized.
"Thanks, Matt, well, if you need any human guinea pigs for anything else give me a call," Dan exited hoping that the stuff in his back pack would compensate. Damn, it was late. He headed to the Laundromat, Jenny would be waiting there for him.
As he rode, the bus, he opened his pack, and took a swig of the strange chemical. He licked his lips, kind of buttery. He felt warm all over. Just a general good sensation. He wished he'd scored more of that stuff.