The Lab; Unusual Reactions

Jake led Vincent to a workstation positioned prominently in the centre of the room. Technicians bustled around, meticulously preparing the neural interface injection system, their movements precise and focused. Every component was checked and double-checked for accuracy and functionality before being incorporated into the setup.

"Ready." one of the technicians said, holding an injection, its needle sharp.

"What… is that?" Vincent nudged Jake.

"What we'll use to inject you with. We'll put the needle inside you." Jake explained.

"Wha— that… thing!? No no! That would probably hurt a lot! I refuse!" Vincent panicked.

"Calm down. It'll sting for a second, believe me." Jake reassured him.

"I don't know man…" Vincent fidgeted.

"Just do it, you coward." Peter teased.

"Hey I'm no coward." Vincent said.

"Then do it." Peter shrugged in response.

"Fine. I will." Vincent replied, taking a seat on the chair. Jake stood by Vincent's side, offering a nod as the technician approached with the injection. Vincent's heart raced, his palms growing clammy as he eyed the needle. 

The technician, unfazed, held out the injection. "Ready when you are." she said.

Vincent hesitated, his mind flooded with doubts and fears. What if something went wrong? What if the injection was bad? But with a deep breath, Vincent nodded, readying himself. "Let's do it." she said. The technician nodded, positioning the injection carefully against Vincent's arm. With a swift motion, she pressed the needle against his skin, causing a sharp prick of pain to shoot through his arm. Vincent winced as she pulled out the needle, covering the spot with a tissue. But Vincent didn't feel anything, not yet at least.

"I don't feel anything." Vincent murmured.

"Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and think." Jake suggested. Vincent followed, closing his eyes, and breathing slow, heavy breaths. At first, all he felt was the steady rhythm of his breath and the faint hum of machinery in the background. But as he continued to concentrate, he sensed a subtle shift in his awareness, like a door opening within his mind. Images began to flash before his closed eyelids, vivid and lifelike. He saw himself wielding weapons. He faced off against shadow-like foes, his reflexes honed to a razor's edge. With each breath, the images grew clearer, more defined. Vincent could almost feel the weight of the weapons in his hands. And then, as suddenly as they had appeared, the images began to fade. His eyes fluttered open.

"Woah…" he exclaimed.

"How was it?" Jake asked.

"I… I felt like I was really there. It was… I could feel it, the guns… suits… mechanics… everything."

Jake nodded. "That's the neural interface for you. It bypasses your physical senses and directly stimulates your brain, creating a fully immersive experience."

Vincent gave a nod back. "Yeah I know." he said. "What's next?"

"Now, you practise, practise and practise." 

"Can't wait for that." Vincent chuckled. "Also I have some weird feelings… kind of strange."

Jake raised an eyebrow. "What kind of feelings?"

Vincent shrugged. "It's hard to explain. It's like… my mind feels clearer, more focused. But at the same time, there's this strange energy coursing through me, like I'm wired up to a power source or something."

Jake chuckled. "That's normal." he said. "Your brain is adjusting to the new neural pathways created by the interface. It's a lot to take in, but you'll get used to it."

"Right but… I also feel… violent…" Vincent confessed.

"What?"

Suddenly, Vincent's arm shot out and his fist slammed into Jake's helmet, sending him staggering.

"WOAH! I DIDN'T MEAN TO…!" Vincent panicked.

"The hell!?" Peter said, loading up his gun.

Jake dismissed by waving his hand. "Hold on Peter. He didn't mean to." he said. Vincent's eyes widened in shock as he stared at his trembling hand, disbelief washing over him. He had never felt such an intense surge of aggression before, and the realisation of what he had just done sent a shiver down his spine.

"I'm sorry Jake… I…" he apologised.

Jake straightened himself. The punch was powerful enough to leave a slight dent in the helmet. "It's alright, Vincent. These neural enhancements can sometimes trigger unexpected reactions. We'll need to monitor your behaviour closely until you adjust fully." he chuckled, taking off his helmet and kneading his forehead.

"That was… some punch." Lance gulped. 

Peter lowered his gun, albeit reluctantly. "You sure you're alright, Vincent? What about your hand?"

Vincent glanced at his hand and fingers. "Honestly? I didn't feel a tinge of pain." he admitted.

"That's crazy. Doc, are you sure this is the right injection?" Peter asked, leaning over to check if Jake was alright.

"Yes…" she scratched her head. "This is injection B-Forty-Six. Perhaps… his brain had a slightly different reaction to the compound?" she thought.

"Hmm…" Vincent murmured.

"Dude. I literally feel the punch vibrating my skull. That was actually mad." Jake groaned.

"I'm sorry Jake… I didn't mean to." Vincent sighed.

"It's fine… I just need to keep my distance… for now." Jake wailed, still kneading his forehead.

"I really am sorry…"

"Vincent." Lance called. "How did you not feel any pain? That's… impossible."

"I don't know, Lance. But… I admit. I feel powerful." Vincent said.

"Not… liking how you're taking this, Vincent." Peter said with narrow eyes.

Vincent sighed, and nodded. "You're right…"

"I think we need to take you to the chamber, patient forty six." the doctor said.

"What… what chamber?" Vincent asked.

"That one." she pointed at the back of the room. The 'Hominota Chamber'. Vincent's eyes widened, even if he had a lot of knowledge about all of this now, he still didn't know anything about the Hominota.

"Wha— wha no… What even is in there?"

The doctor smiled. "Prolonged contact with Hominota specimens. Both physically and mentally."

"No… no thank you…" Vincent shook his head.

But then Peter's voice called from behind. "Sorry bud."

"What?" Vincent turned around, but before he could react, Peter's armoured fist connected with the side of his head. He was sent crashing to the floor with a sickening thud. Immediately knocked out.