Page 32 of Broken Surrender
Get on with it,the cameraman said.
The scientist handed a pill to a woman, sitting on a metal folding chair. She took it, then stared up at the two of them.
Anything yet?the scientist asked.
The woman shook her head.
Shouldn’t it be immediate?the cameraman asked.
It still needs time to adjust to the system.
My chest feels tight,the woman whispered.I can’t breathe—She closed her eyes, then held her neck.
Medic!the scientist yelled. Then he raised his hand, covering the camera lens.
After that, the recording ended. I clicked on the next file, another recording, labeled with the same set of numbers, ending inTest C.This time, there were bars along the walls. A woman pulled away.
No, no, no,she cried.
The scientist lifted a hand, then said,Miss Jenna, I—
Don’t call them by their names,the cameraman said, following closely behind.That gives them the idea that they have agency. But they agreed to this experiment. They knew what would happen.
The scientist nodded, then pulled the key from his pocket, opening the gate to the cell. The woman stood in the corner, naked and shivering.
This is Test C,the scientist said again. This time, instead of a pill, it was a syringe. She swatted at him but another man lurched forward, going around the cameraman, and held her against the wall. The scientist stabbed the woman’s arm with the needle and she shrieked, her face twisting in horror. Then suddenly, she relaxed, and the man holding her arms let her go. Her eyes widened, her pupils dilated. She stumbled forward, and the men let her fall to the ground.
Is she dead?the cameraman asked.
The scientist bent down, checking the woman’s pulse. His eyes panicked. Then the video cut to black.
In the next video, a new woman was cuffed to the wall. The syringe plunger pressed down into her arms.
This is Test D,the scientist said.
And?the cameraman asked.
The woman’s eyes dilated, and she opened her mouth, moving her hips.
Please,she said.
What is it, darling?the cameraman asked. His hand snaked out in front of the lens, stroking the woman’s cheek. She licked his fingers.
Please,she begged.I need you inside of me. Both of you.
The scientist turned away, his cheeks red.
Check her,the cameraman said.
Excuse me, sir?the scientist asked.
Check her natural lubrication. Is it adequate?
The scientist shuddered as he reached between her legs. She squeezed his fingers with her thighs.
Adequate, sir,he mumbled.
Can you double it with the fertility drug?the cameraman asked.
