Dr. Peter Thorn's footsteps echoed down the hallway as he approached the door,

guarded by two men in matching guard suits.

Afternoon, Jeeves. Benjamin?

Jeeves, a well-built man with a shaved head covered in tattoos, nodded, and remained outside the door.

Benjamin smiled and followed him inside.

What's it going to be today, doctor?

Dr. Thorne approached the machine in the center of the room and held up his smart watch for Benjamin to see.

It's been a while, so I'd figured I'd start simple.

Benjamin frowned, but shrugged.

Dr. Thorne smirked.

No doubt, Benjamin had his own ideas of what to experiment on, but unfortunately for him,

he would never have the opportunity.

Unlike most guards, Benjamin was intelligent and curious. He would have made an excellent researcher, but his background would never allow it.

He was stuck, watching Dr. Thorne do the exciting work.

Would you like to do the honors?

He handed the watch to Benjamin.

The young man approached the machine with reverence and gently opened the door marked input.

He laid the watch inside the compartment as if it were something precious,

staring at it for a moment before stepping back.

Dr. Thorne nodded in approval.

While Benjamin returned to the far side of the room, the door automatically closed with the sound of a tiny bell.

Dr. Thorne turned his attention to the dial in the center of the machine. The arrow was

...