The Add
When you saw the add by the life foundation on the wall of the alleyway, you didn't hesitate. It called for volunteers for a new pharmaceutical drug experiment, which had the possibility of healing even the most advanced diseases. It promised, that should the experiments succeed, the volunteers would be allowed one free use of the drug on anyone they chose. If that’s true, you brother.. He might just survive. Your father would never approve, and your mother isn't around anymore. It doesn't matter though, you're 18 and can make make your own decisions. And so, you dialed the number on the flyer, and applied for the experiment.
You were accepted almost immediately, apparently because you were the first applicant of such a young age. You had one condition, that the life foundation would help cover for your absence to your father for the duration of the experiments. The foundation agreed, promising that they would take care of it. When you arrived at the lab in San Francisco, you were quickly ushered in, and told to change into a white, pajama like garment. You were then moved to what looked to be a waiting room. After two hours, a knock sounded on the door.
“Come in.” you say loudly, and the door opens.
A young man enters, dressed in a black suit.
“My name is Carlton Drake, CEO of the life foundation.” Drake introduces himself, holding out his hand.
“y/n” you answer in turn, shaking his hand “It's nice to meet you Mr.Drake.”
“Likewise,” he says “I want to thank you, y/n, for Applying to our program, such a young volunteer is a great asset to our tests.”
“Of course. I am sure your half of the bargain still stands.” you state, not really a question.
“Absolutely. Should the tests be successful, you will be among the first to have access to our cure.” Drake smiles
“Alright.” you agree, slightly nervous now. “what do you need from me?”
“first I will need you to sign a waiver stating that any injury, or even death, that should occur during the tests is of no fault of the life foundation or it's associates.” He says “It shouldn't come to that, but there are legal matters involved.”
“I understand.”
Drake smiles and turns around, opening a drawer from one of the cabinets behind him and pulling out a stack of papers. He points to where you should sign, and you do so. For a minute you ponder if you shouldn't read the papers closer, but then your brothers face flashes through my mind.
“And.. that's it.” Drake says with a smile as you sign the last paper.
“If you would like, we could have the first test ready within the hour.”
“Fine by me.”
“Then I'll send someone to come get you when we're ready for you.” Drake turns and leaves the room.
45 minutes later a woman in a lab coat opens the door after knocking, and asks you to follow her. Her name plate reads “Dora Skirth”.
She leads you to a room, in the center of which is a chamber of what looks to be clear, thick glass. Carlton Drake is standing next to it, smiling as you approach.
“y/n. Thank you so much for your patience.” He says, still with that same smile on his face “These are the Scientists that will be overseeing the procedure.” He gestures to the other men and women in lab coats standing nearby.
“Hello.” you say to them, smiling awkwardly. The men and women smile back, although the smiles seem almost forced.
“For this test, all that you need to do is enter this chamber. Once inside, I will give you instructions on how to proceed.” Drake explains, leading you to what looks to be a door with an airlock installed. He gestures for you to enter, and you hesitantly go inside. The door closes behind you with a solid thud and a click. You turn and look at Drake for encouragement, and notice that the smile has left his face.
“Subject has entered the airlock.” You hear one of the scientists say through a speaker system.
“Open the interior airlock.” You hear Drake respond.
The door in front of you opens slowly, and you cautiously enter the larger chamber. You glance at Drake and the scientists. The door behind you closes heavily, and a gleam of anticipation has entered Drake’s eyes. You look around the chamber and note the clear, tube like container in front of you. Inside of it a dark blue, almost black substance moves slowly. You stare at it, horrified fascination filling your mind. You take a step towards it, almost against your will, and you can feel the eyes of the scientists watching you. The mass inside the container stills, as if sensing your presence.
After another moment, you hear Drake’s voice once again over the speaker. “Open it.”
The container in front of you releases a hiss, before the clear cover opens. The thing inside drops onto the floor, and begins moving towards you. Before you can react, it launches itself at you. A scream escapes your lips and you stumble back, fumbling at you chest as you watch the goo seemingly melt into your body.
You feel no pain, only a strange sensation of something moving inside you. Then your head starts to pound, and you feel your consciousness fading. As your vision grows black, you think you hear a strange voice.
Perfect.