It had been a long year so far for second year university student, Sarah Kipling. Academically speaking her studies in Geology were going fantastically. Work-wise, however... Not so much.

The young, twenty year old brunette was working a dead end job - though before that hadn't mattered much. She knew that once she got out of school her career options would widen. The only things that bothered her about work for now were her colleagues and most importantly, her reduced hours.

She was already only making slightly above minimum wage. But her hours were being slashed in half. She needed to find a new source of income and fast. She'd spent the last week searching job postings and handing out applications; but no interviews yet. Not even a single call back. Was she truly that unappealing as an employee? Or was it more that everywhere she'd applied had all of their positions already filled?

She sighs.

It was now the evening of Sunday, October 13th. The year was 2013 and Sarah was laying leisurely upon the queen sized bed within her small and bleakly white wash walled one room apartment bedroom. Flipping idly through the television with a sigh. Her mind rattled with thoughts of going hungry or missing rent or bills if she was unable to find a new job.

What was she supposed to do? She'd applied everywhere she could think of and she couldn't dream of asking her parents for another loan. She shudders at the thought. What would they think of her?

She sighs lightly once more, her eyes scanning over the LED lit screen as the program switches to commercial.

"Have you ever had an itch you or your back scratcher just couldn't reach?!" The commercial begins, displaying humorous images of individuals failing at some of the most basic of human functions.

"Extendable back scratchers?" She chuckles to herself, smiling lightly at the silly infomercial splaying out over the screen. Leaning back into her pillow as she sets the remote down for a moment.

"Decorative... Paint... For snails?" She asks herself once the commercial changes. Blinking for a moment as she shakes her head. (How do these people come up with these things?) She thinks.

The moments pass as Sarah continues to chuckle at the various infomercials which play over and over in between her program on the Amazon which soon ends. She reaches down for the remote as the commercials flip on once more.

Though this time instead of a ludicrous offer for an anatomically correct 1/16th sized model of a sea lion for five easy installments of $19.99, an advertisement seeking applicants springs up. The ad instantly catching the young girls attention as her fingers freeze on the remote.

"US based and internationally acclaimed Cosmolex Pharmaceuticals is searching for new applicants interested in product testing for some of our latest concepts that have yet to hit the shelves. Are you out of work, interested in the scientific field, or simply looking to make a quick and easy buck? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Cosmolex wants you!"

Sarah blinks,

"Simply come down to the nearest Cosmolex IPRC building here in Sacramento and ask one of our friendly receptionists or pharmacists to hand you an application! From there its as simple as filling it out and verifying your identity. Once that's all done you'll be well on your way to testing out new and exciting products and receiving your very first pay cheque from us!"

Sarah stares as the commercial moves into a testimonial phase. A couple sitting there before the camera showing off their cheques totalling $7,999.86 - each, for a four month period. Blabbering on about all of the things they've bought and done with their money. Her mind runs rampant with the idea of having an extra two grand per month as the commercial plays through the disclaimers and vocalized fine print shortly after.

"Wow..." She mumbles aloud, looking around the shabby and bleak walls of her bedroom. Not only would she be able to keep up on rent and pay off her student loans quicker - but she'd even have left over money to go out with friends. Or maybe even move into a newer and nicer apartment... The things she could do with that money, it sent shivers of excitement rushing through her body.

She grins widely.

Nodding her head to herself as she decides in that moment she would go down early tomorrow morning before school to fill out an application.

How could she not? It was Cosmolex Pharmaceuticals. They had billboards all over the city - all over the country in fact. They were well established, well respected, and every pharmacy she knew of stocked their products.

The chances of it being some kind of scam were... She chuckles to herself with bubbling excitement. Null. This was perfect. A god send even. It was exactly what she needed to end this year happily and start the next one full of optimism.

Monday came slowly. The hope and excitement in Sarah's mind having kept her up for much of the night. Sleep only came after she'd decided to take some sleeping pills for the fourth night in a row that week.

But once it did come - once sunlight beamed down upon Sarah's closed eyes, they shot wide open. A smile spreading across her face almost instantly despite the sleepiness which begged her to sleep longer.

But her mind was far too awake now as she reaches over towards her alarm clock, turning it off five minutes before it was set to go off.

Within an hour she was heading out the door wearing a black pair of low cut converse, blue jeans, and a black tank top. She was indeed, just as the commercial had said, heading straight for the nearest Cosmolex IPRC building. Which rather than being a pharmacy, happened to be a five story administrative building.

Of course there was a Cosmolex pharmacy nearby as well - but she thought perhaps going straight for the pencil pushers themselves would increase her chances of being accepted into whatever program it was that she was about to sign herself up for.

It isn't long before she's stepping through the double glass siding doors into a wide open welcoming room filled with tall windows and high ceilings. She looks from left to right at the vast number of seats which lined the walls - most of them empty.

The majority of people who were there sitting in them however, appeared to have much more official appointments rather than simply dropping in for an application. She smiles, wondering if she was one of the first or perhaps one of the only people in the city considering it.

Feeling a bit of a flutter of nervousness, she takes a tentative step towards the front desk, "Excuse me," She asks, the receptionist looking up with a smile.

"How can I help you?" The woman on the other side of the desk asks,

"I was, um, I was wondering if you might have some of those applications for the product testing thing?" Sarah asks.

"Oh! The subject applications?" The woman asks, looking downwards as she starts to go through the desks drawers, "One moment." She says as she pulls open a drawer and opens up a file. Soon retrieving a stapled set of papers and handing them towards the girl,

"Here you are," She says with a smile as Sarah blinks, taking the stack of ten or more papers from the girl and looking it over.

"Thanks..." She says, staring. Having not expected it to be so thick. (I suppose it really couldn't be that easy... Otherwise everyone would do it.) She thinks to herself as the receptionist nods and hands her a pen.

With that, Sarah turns and goes to take a seat herself. Setting to work on the application which for the first two pages was the standard set: First name, last name, age, date of birth, place of residency, place of employment, that sort of thing.

But from there it moved into things like medical history and a long set of legal jargon and fine print explaining just what it was that Sarah was applying for. Going on to explain that this was merely the application - and didn't at all bind her into an agreement with Cosmolex or even ensure she would be able to gain a place in the program.

Beyond the jargon was a questionnaire of the kind of 'package' Sarah was looking for. A one month, two month, or four month program. Naturally, the longer the program, the more money that was offered for compensation.

The girl sighs lightly as she flips through the pages, filling out everything she can see and think of that might give her a better chance over other applicants. Such as being open to advanced testing. While she fills out the paper, she barely notices the arrival of a wider black suited woman with long curly brunette hair and green eyes clicking her large heels all the way towards the receptionists desk.

Before long, that same mature and professional looking woman is walking straight towards Sarah herself.

"Excuse me, miss?" She asks with a warm smile, looking to be perhaps in her late 30's or early 40's.

"Hmm?" Sarah mutters lightly, looking up.

"Are you writing out an application for the test subjects program?" She asks,

Sarah nods, wondering what the woman wanted.

"Great!" She smiles, "Here," She says, offering out a hand for the application.

"But I'm not done yet." Sarah says sheepishly,

"That's quite alright, dear. You're the only one who's come in yet and I can already tell you'd be an excellent fit for the program. Hand me your application and I'll take you in to my office and we can discuss the program in greater depth and get you signed up and on board." She says, Sarah blinking as she nervously hands the woman the stack of papers and stands to her feet.

Following off behind the mysterious woman towards her office down the hall.

"What's your name, dear?" She asks as they reach her offices door and slides a key in to unlock it.

"Sarah." The girl replies,

"Sarah? What a pretty name! I'm Mrs.Landon, but feel free to call me Brenda.

Sarah smiles, blushing lightly at the compliment. "Thank you." She says as the woman pushes the door open and they both step inside of the large but average seeming office.

Pictures of Mrs.Landon's children sitting up around her computers monitor and two chairs positioned before it for guests to sit in. Sarah taking the nearest seat as its offered to her while Mrs.Landon sits herself down into a large leather chair behind the desk.

"So, Sarah, are you in school? In between jobs, or, what's your reason for applying?" Brenda asks, trying to get a feel for the girl and also make conversation as she starts her computer back up.

"I'm in school. But my work hours are being cut in half because they're hiring some new people." Sarah explains nervously.

"Awe, really?" Brenda asks, shaking her head, "That sucks. What are you taking at school?" She asks, beginning to type into the PC and bringing up some windows.

"Um, geology!" Sarah smiles,

"Geology huh?" Brenda asks, "That sounds like an interesting field of study. What got you into that?" She asks as she turns back to face Sarah; beginning to go through what she'd filled out of the application.

"I guess I've just always had a big interest in things like earthquakes and how mountain ranges are formed." She says.

"It is very cool, isn't it?" Brenda asks, before clasping her fingers together and sitting up straighter in her seat. "So, Sarah, I can see here that you're looking to apply for the four month testing program." She begins,

"We generally pay applicants anywhere between $3,000 and $9,000 very much dependent upon their level of commitment and contribution to the studies." She says, "You can contribute in many ways, for example: Telling your assigned handler the sort of changes you're noticing once treatment begins, how they make you feel - whether you feel better or worse. Um, filling out questionnaires on the products such as how you feel about their presentation or design. That sort of thing." She smiles,

"Of course, the more time you spend working with our research professionals, the more likely you'll be to receive a larger pay cheque." She explains.

Sarah nods along, "So, how does the payments thing work? Is it a lump sum at the end of the tenure or do I get paid like as if I was working at a job?" She asks.

"Well, there are a few options, but generally speaking we tend to pay subjects at the end of every week. That way if they decide they want to or have to back out for whatever reason, they've likely already been paid for what they've accomplished. It saves a lot of paper work. However, for the more advanced programs - such as those that you're applying for, once you're in, you're in. There is no backing out until your term is up." Brenda explains.

"But..." She smiles, sensing some nervousness in Sarah, "That's why they get paid more." She nods.

Sarah smiles lightly, feeling a bit reassured as she nods once more. "Okay - and um, what kind of products will I be testing?" She asks, wanting to be filled in as much as possible.

"Well, it varies. Generally speaking for the more advanced studies we're seeking to get as pure of results as possible. And with things like pharmaceuticals, if you tell the subjects what sort of products they'll be testing they're going to be expecting certain kinds of reactions. I'm sure you've heard of placebos, right? We don't want any placebo effects you might have to contaminate the research being done. So its likely you'll be kept in the dark." She nods.

"In the dark." Sarah nods, feeling another light rush of nervousness.

"I know, I know. It all sounds very scary, but I assure you that you'll be well taken care of. There are always health care professionals on site and our staff always has your best interests in mind. We don't intend to give you anything that will harm you, believe me." Brenda smiles a reassuring smile and leans back into her chair.

"So, what do you think, Ms.Kipling? Are you interested in signing a contract?" She asks. "If you have any doubts, I'm certain I can work in some kind of incentive that will clear your mind." She smiles.

It was now Tuesday the 15th and Sarah was feeling more nervous than ever.

She'd been unable to help herself when Mrs.Landon had offered her an extra $250 as an immediate signing bonus to the program. Money was in short supply for her right now, so anything extra would help. The money had even been transferred to her account before she'd left the office.

Today was the first day of orientation. They were to take her and some others to the research facility and introduce them to the people they'd be working with once the program began. The beginning, which was scheduled for the 21st.

She felt a number of things running through her as she sat within a private and rented bus. Nervousness, anxiety, fear, excitement, wonder, and awe. It was certainly something for her diary - but at the same time, she couldn't help but wonder what they would be testing.

She tries to reassure herself, however. Reminding herself of Mrs.Landon's words, that they would never give her anything which would harm her. That the staff would always have her best interests in mind. 

She leans back into the cushioned seat as her eyes scan the rest of the vehicles interior. There were five other accepted applicants coming to the orientation with her, as well as Mrs.Landon who sat at the front of the bus making friendly small talk with the driver as they rode towards their destination.

Were all of these individuals coming for the advanced studies? Or was she the only one? It was hard to say, but she imagined she'd find out once they arrived. She didn't much want to ask right now, after all. Being as she was a tad shy at times.

Soon the bus was pulling into a long crescent shaped passenger drop off which was flanked on its inside by a large stone fountain - and its outside edge by the main canopied walkway to the tall and imposing white walled research facility that they were about to enter.

"Hey, nice building..." A boy looking about twenty one or twenty two says from opposite the aisle of Sarah herself. His own dark brown, short hair matted down a top his head. His chest and arms covered by an olive drab long sleeve jacket, a worn pair of jeans on his legs and some scuffed up shoes on his feet.

"Yeah..." Sarah remarks quietly, looking in awe of it herself. It was several stories high, spanning back at least a couple hundred yards and flanked on its sides by a bit of field as the building it self sat on the edge of the Sacramento city lines.

"I wonder how often we'll be visiting to give our info." The boy says,

"Hard to say... I signed up for the advanced studies." Sarah replies,

"Really? Me too, what's your name? I'm Tyler." He smiles,

"Sarah." She says.

"Alright ladies and gentlemen, here we are!" Mrs.Landon says from the front of the bus. Seeking to capture everyones attention as the bus doors begin to slide open automatically.

Once everyone had managed to get themselves off of the bus, Mrs.Landon would be leading them down the brick lock walkway for the front doors; each step of her wide high heeled feet exuding great confidence as she stops and soon pulls one of the double doors open so that everyone can file inside of the building.

The entrance to the facility was similar to the administration building in that it was decorated with high windows and high ceilings. But instead of grey tones, this building was made up primarily of white tones and had a good number more cameras.

Many of the doors leading off into the facility also appeared to have keycard locking systems from what Sarah could see.

"Nice inside, too." Tyler says, looking around as he tries to imagine just how much a building like this might cost to build.

"Isn't it? Its all state of the art." Mrs.Landon smiles as she motions towards the center hallway behind a crescent shaped reception desk where two women were filing papers and typing away quietly.

She begins to lead the group of six towards the hall, swiping a card of her own to unlock the doors before pressing through.

"Mrs.Landon?" Sarah asks, looking down the long white, hospital like hallway which follows.

"Hmm? What is it, dear?" Brenda asks,

"Just out of curiosity, what's your position at Cosmolex?" Sarah asks as they walk,

"Well, I'm glad you asked that, Sarah. I'm the Recruitment and Employee Relations Manager for the Sacramento area." Mrs.Landon smiles, "Which means that I look after people like yourselves and everyone else who works for Cosmolex here in the city and make sure the higher ups are treating them alright." She chuckles.

Sarah nods, "That sounds like a cool job." She says as Tyler nods himself in agreement. The others in the group mostly keeping quiet as they follow behind.

"It has its ups and downs just like any other position. But for the most part, I find it an excellent fit." Mrs.Landon says as they stop before another set of double set of steel fire doors. Mrs.Landon giving them a knock this time - as the windows through lead to a large open laboratory.

"Do we work for Cosmolex now?" Tyler asks, raising an eyebrow. He'd imagined this as more of a kind of volunteer position rather than an official on-the-payroll position.

Mrs.Landon nods, "Of course! The recruiting and scope for the testing positions might not be the kind of thing you're all accustomed too, but you're very much on the payroll." She explains just before the double doors swing wide open.

Beyond and before the vast set of well kept and freshly polished scientific equipment stands two individuals. One early thirties appearing caucasian man with his hands clasped behind his back and another woman to his left who appeared much closer to Sarah and Tyler's age smiling with her blonde hair tied back in a pony tail.

"Mrs.Landon, you've brought us a great group this time." The man smiles, his white teeth nearly sparkling from within his oblong shaped face. His blue eyes surveying them all over from beneath his combed over dirty blonde hair.

He steps forwards with his long, white, and unbuttoned labcoat flowing behind him as he moves. Revealing a suit beneath as he extends a hand towards the first would-be test subject and nods his head with a smile, "Bryan; but most people around here just call me Dr.Hallman." He says as Sarah smiles in return.

"Nice to meet you." Sarah says,

"Likewise," Mr.Hallman grins and moves on down the row of people introducing himself.

Once he finishes, he takes a step back beside the girl, "And this is Ms.Hayes, my research assistant." He motions to the girl as she plays at a bit of a curtsy, ushering some giggles from the group.

Mrs.Landon smiles, motioning herself to Dr.Hallman, "Mr.Hallman here is one of our many Lead Research Scientists. For those of you in the advanced studies, you'll be speaking with him and working with him quite a bit. But you'll be spending quite a bit of time with Ms.Hayes as well." She explains.

Ms.Hayes nods, "That's right, folks! I'll be the one doing the minor things such as taking measurements, administering drugs, and doing minor check ups." She says.

"Are there any questions?" Mrs.Landon asks, looking back towards the group,

Tyler nods, raising his hand. "Yeah, uh, how much time exactly are we going to spend here?" He asks.

"Dr.Hallman?" Mrs.Landon asks, looking back towards the man.

"Well, it really depends on what we're testing. Some things require more attention than others. How many of you are here for the advanced studies?" He asks, watching as only Sarah and Tyler raise their hands.

Hallman nods, "The two of you can expect to spend much more time here at the facility than the others. If you have another job already, you may want to notify your employers that you've picked up a second." He explains.

With that - and within a few hours, after viewing other sections of the facility and meeting other scientists, the tour would be over. The group back in the bus and heading back towards the admin building to head off their seperate ways.

By evening, Sarah was back at home. Indeed she'd informed her employer of the news and now sat within her bed once more. Nervous and yet still containing that ever lasting excitement at what lay ahead. Dr.Hallman and Ms.Hayes seemed nice enough, after all. Maybe it would even be fun. 

  It had been a few days now since Sarah had attended the orientation. Having spent most of her time working what hours she could muster and studying for the rest. Her hours were being cut yet again - perhaps out of spite this time... She didn't know what to do. But with weekly payments from Cosmolex, she wasn't nearly as concerned as she was last week.

She'd even spoken to Mrs.Landon about her predicament and been promptly reassured that everything would be alright. She just needed to try and work as hard at this... 'job' as possible. She still didn't completely understand how she could do that - but she was positive she'd be informed.

In fact, in that very moment she was sitting quietly and patiently within the welcoming room of the research facility. Trying to control her breathing as she kept her eyes nervously aimed out through the large and tall windows which dotted the room every half a foot or so. Watching the sun begin to set as the evening continued to grow later.

(This is it, Sarah.) She thinks to herself, (There's no going back. You signed the contract... You're doing this. Whatever 'this' is.) She nods her head.

"Nervous?" Tyler asks, sitting not too far from her.

She nods, "Very. Aren't you?"

Tyler shrugs. "I dunno. Its not like whatever they're going to give us is going to make us grow extra limbs." He chuckles.

"Yeah... Hopefully." Sarah says,

"Come on, don't worry about it. We're getting some pretty good money from this. Its worth it, right?" Tyler asks.

"Sure... But if they're paying that much, don't you think there's some kind of reason we're not being told about?" Sarah asks.

Tyler cocks an eyebrow, "Such as?"

"I don't know... Just seems a little fishy, I guess." She says.

"You're just being paranoid. Besides, even if that were true, you already signed the contract and the non-disclosure agreement thing. Its a bit late now." Tyler chuckles once more, looking out of the window beside him.

Sarah nods, "I guess you're right." She says as the doors at the front hallway behind the receptionists desk open up, Dr.Hallman stepping through and making a B-line straight towards the both of them.

"Good evening, Sarah, Tyler." Hallman smiles, nodding respectfully to the both of them before clasping his hands behind his back. "Are we ready to begin?" He asks.

Sarah looks from Tyler and then back to Dr.Hallman before nodding her head. "I suppose so." She says.

"Feeling a bit nervous, are we?" Hallman asks as Tyler gets to his feet.

Sarah nods.

"Don't worry, that's common in this line of work. But it will pass, I'm sure." Hallman says before turning on his heels to lead the both of them back down the hallway he'd come from and towards what Sarah thought was the laboratory.

Though she watches as they pass right by the room she could have sworn was the lab originally. She looks back towards Hallman, watching as they proceed deeper into the facility before reaching another set of fire doors at the end of the hall. 

She looks up to a sign over the doors reading 'Apex Wing' and blinks. Wanting to ask, but saying nothing as she looks back down to see Hallman swiping his key card and inputing a seperate code before the doors click open.

"Here's where we'll be spending most of our time for the first week or two." Hallman explains as he pulls them wide open, revealing another long hallway flanked on all sides by doors.

"Looks the same as the rest of the building to me." Tyler chuckles, following the doctor inside as he looks at the bland white walls. There were no tall windows to the outside world here, however. Only artificial light.

"Ah, but looks can be deceiving." Hallman replies. Sarah listening as the fire doors slowly swing shut behind them and click locked once more.

"The Apex Wing comprises the first set of testing. Once we're done in here we'll head on to the Hercules wing. But that won't be for a couple of weeks like I said." Hallman says as he stops before the third door down on the left. Pulling it open to an examination room where Ms.Hayes can be seen sitting on a computer inputing some information.

She turns her head back to the arriving group and smiles, "Welcome!" She says.

"Hey," Sarah smiles in return a tad sheepishly. Looking left to right at all of the medical equipment. It just seemed like the same kind of room one might find at a clinic.

"So this is where we start, eh?" Tyler asks, looking it over himself.

"Precisely." Hallman says, "Ms.Hayes, would you mind taking their measurements while I start preparing the first dosages?" He asks.

Ms.Hayes nods, "Of course, doctor." She says and stands to her feet, retrieving some measuring tape from a nearby drawer and beginning towards the two. "I'm going to need the two of you to remove your shoes." She says.

Both Sarah and Tyler are quick to comply before taking their places against a flat wall to their left at Ms.Hayes' instruction.

"Hmm..." Ms.Hayes mutters quietly, starting first with Sarah. "Five' six, huh? You're only an inch shorter than me." She smiles before moving over towards Tyler. "Five' eleven." She nods, moving back towards the desk she'd originally been seated at. Taking a few notes as Sarah breaths in the scent of.... Eugh, hospital.

She shudders a bit, hoping that perhaps she'll grow accustomed to it soon enough as Dr.Hallman begins back towards them with two small paper cups, handing one to each of them respectively.

"One for you aaand one for you." He nods, "Just let those dissolve under your tongues while I go and grab you each some water." He says, pressing out of the room and down the hallway.

"So the rest of the information here on your applications is current and accurate?" Ms.Hayes asks as the two pop the pills into their mouths and both nods.

"Great," She says, before motioning for Sarah to step on a weighing scale. "We just need to recheck a few things for our own records." She says, taking notes on both of their current weights and general condition as Hallman returns with two glasses of water.

"You can wash it down now." He says, "So, I think its important to let the two of you know that we'll be needing you to stay the night here at the facility. We have proper accomodations for overnight residents. With any luck we'll only need you here for tonight." He nods.

"The night? You want us to sleep here?" Sarah asks as she washes the dissolved pill down her throat.

Hallman nods once more, "Precisely."

"Can I ask why?" She asks,

"Well we just want to ensure that you don't have any sudden or unexpected adverse reactions to the pills before we send you on your way. Just a simple precaution." Hallman smiles.

"Eh, sounds legit." Tyler shrugs his shoulders.

"Its standard procedure, really. After all, these chemicals are still in research phase and there's really no telling what kinds of effects they might have outside of what we're expecting." Hallman explains.

"Its true!" Ms.Hayes grins, "There's no telling; what if they turn you into bugs?" She laughs.

"Ms.Hayes." Hallman warns semi-amusedly. "Try not to worry them, will you?" He asks, before smiling back to the two.

"Only if I can be a spider." Tyler says, trying to play along and grinning back towards Sarah who gives a nervous half-smile.

"Now now. Neither of you will have anything like that to worry about." Hallman says, "Ms.Hayes? Why don't you go and show these two to their rooms?" He asks.

Ms.Hayes nods, "Right away, doctor." She says before beginning towards the door, pulling it open again and heading out into the hall.

"Ms.Hayes?" Sarah asks,

"Hmm?" The girl mumbles,

"If you don't mind my asking, what's your first name?" Sarah asks,

"Karen." Ms.Hayes responds, stopping before a door not far down the hall and sliding in a key before pulling it open. Revealing a long room with an attached bathroom and medical styled beds.

It was a rather simple accomodation. Its colour matching the rest of the building thus far. There was little to do entertainment wise; though there was a TV in the back with a small living room area and a few magazines and books. The floor it self was barren of any kind of rugs or mats. Simple laminate for easy cleaning with little in the way of tables or dressers for them to put things down upon.

Only the single coffee table before the couch.

Sarah looks inside as Ms.Hayes' steps in.

"As you can see," She begins, "This room is fit to house at least two others. But you're the only two applicants we've had for advanced study. So at least you'll have lot's of room this evening to move around." She smiles, "I'm sorry, I know there's not much to do in here. But you'll only be here one night. It won't be so bad, right?" She asks.

Tyler nods, shrugging, "Yeah, it'll be fine. I can always browse my phone." He says.

"Phone?" Ms.Hayes says, "I'm sorry, didn't they confiscate your phones and media devices when you got in?" She asks, looking confusedly towards Tyler and then Sarah.

"N-No? Why would they?" Sarah asks, raising an eyebrow in equal confusion.

Ms.Hayes tries to crack a smile, "Well, the radio waves they put off can disrupt the more sensitive electronic equipment we have here in the facility." She explains.

"Really?" Sarah asks as she begins to dig in her purse for her phone and tablet. Now that she thought about it, she remembered seeing 'No Phone' signs in hospitals and clinics before. She pulls out her devices, willingly handing them straight over to Ms.Hayes who soon retrieves Tyler's as well.

"Don't worry, you'll get these back as soon as you leave." She says as she steps back out into the hallway, stopping in the doorway, "Why don't you two get acquainted with the room for now and I'll go see if I can order some dinner for everybody. Is everyone alright with Chinese? Maybe pizza?" She asks.

"Chinese? That would be great." Sarah smiles,

"I'm good. I already ate. Maybe just some cola, though?" Tyler asks.

Ms.Hayes nods, shutting the door and soon pressing off down the hallway to make a few phone calls.

For Sarah and Tyler, Tuesday morning broke with artificial lights rudely switching themselves on at 7:30AM. Neither Dr.Hallman nor Ms.Hayes were in the room, but they were certainly within the building. Perhaps even watching what was about to unfold as Sarah's eyes strained to open. Feeling groggy and sluggish - as if she was waking up from a late night out with the girls.

"Ugh..." She groans lightly, her eyes only half open and blurry as she pulls the sheets in closer to her body. Not yet noticing the looseness of her panties or bra.

(What the hell?) Tyler thinks to himself, being quicker on the wake than Sarah as he certainly notices the looseness in his boxers. He even felt smaller - not just there, but everywhere. (Maybe I'm still dreaming...) He thinks to himself as he goes to sit up, looking over towards Sarah across from himself. Still looking as though she sought further sleep as she shut her eyes once more.

He stands up to his feet, his eyes widening as his boxers fall straight to the floor around his ankles. "Shit." He mumbles quietly and worriedly, leaning down quickly and plucking them up. Hoping Sarah hadn't noticed and feeling relieved to see her eyes still shut as he holds his boxers up to cover his waist.

(What's... Going on?) He thinks to himself as Sarah reaches up to rub her eyes once more, opening them and yawning.

"Morning." She says as she goes to turn her head, beginning to notice the strange sensations around her chest and waist now.

"Y-Yeah, morning..." Tyler says in response, a tad distanced.

"Something wrong?" Sarah asks as she goes to sit up herself, her bra falling down and onto the bed in her lap. She looks down confusedly, groggily not connecting what had happened before snapping to reality and quickly covering her chest with her blankets and wondering if it had come undone in her sleep. But there was something very off about its appearance. In fact, there was something very off about a lot of things right now that she simply couldn't put her finger on.

"I just... Uh, well, I dunno." Tyler says, "Call me crazy, but I think I got shorter last night." He says,

"Shorter?" Sarah asks, looking back up and over.

"My boxers don't fit anymore and I don't feel nearly as tall..." He trails off.

Sarah narrows her eyes a bit, looking down to her bra as she swings her feet off of the side of the bed and goes to stand up herself. Just the same as Tyler before her, her panties fall to her ankles - ushering a gasp and a light shriek as she quickly covers her waist with the blanket.

Tyler looks down to the floor at Sarah's feet,

"You too?" He asks.

"I... I don't know..." Sarah says, swallowing hard. She turns her attention downwards, staring at the floor and feeling an immediate rush of panic desiring to overtake her. She wanted to suggest that maybe their clothing simply got bigger during the night. But that sounded even more ludicrous to her than the notion of shrinking in height for some reason.

"Do you..." Tyler goes to suggest something but is quickly cut off by Sarah,

"Think we should go and tell Dr.Hallman?" She asks, nodding vigorously.

"That's probably a good idea." Tyler says as he reaches down to pick up his jeans. "Hold on, I'm going to see if I can get my jeans on." He says, pulling them up and on and tightening his belt nearly as tight as it will go. Throwing his T-shirt back on as well which drapes over his torso much like a dress.

Sarah quickly doing the same, "We'll never get our shoes back on." She says, "I can't believe this... This has to be some kind of practical joke, right? They just... Somehow... Swapped our clothes out for new ones, right?" She asks, trying not to let her fear get the best of her.

"I hope so..." Tyler admits as he begins for the door with Sarah following closely beside.

It wasn't long before the two panicking individuals had reached Dr.Hallman's office near the double wide exit doors of the white walled Apex Wing and were banging on his door.

Dr.Hallman, looking up from his papers raises a gold plated watch adorned wrist to his face, checking the time. "Quarter to eight," He smirks lightly, "A new record." He muses as he stands from his desk and begins for the door, turning the knob and pulling it open. "Good morning, did the two of you sleep quite alright?" He asks, his eyes travelling down towards their baggy clothing and lack of shoes.

"L-Listen, doctor," Sarah began, completely bypassing Dr.Hallman's question. "Remember yesterday when you said something about adverse side effects?" She asks,

Dr.Hallman nods, "Of course. Its the reason we kept you overnight." He smiles.

"W-Well..." Sarah looks down to her clothing as Tyler swallows hard, looking from Sarah and nervously towards Dr.Hallman,

"It happened." He says, looking increasingly nervous.

"Hmm." Hallman mutters lightly as he looks the two up and over before casually saying, "I suppose it has," and motioning three doors up across the hall. "You should return to the examination room. Wait for me there while I retrieve Ms.Hayes." He instructs as he begins further up the hallway to find his assistant.

Within five or ten minutes as Sarah and Tyler stand within the examination room, quietly, awkwardly and fearfully wondering if this would be the only mysterious shrink they were to endure, Dr.Hallman and Ms.Hayes return.

"Good morning, subjects!" Karen says, smiling a bit at the sheepish responses she receives. "I hear you two have suffered a bit of a scare." She says as she approaches them with some measuring tape and takes their height. "Ten inches, Doctor." She says, looking over her shoulder towards Dr.Hallman as she proceeds to the desk to make formal note of the information.

"Ten inches? For each of them?" Dr.Hallman asks, studying the two.

"Yes, sir." Ms.Hayes responds as the two seem uneasy by how casual their white coats seem to be.

"Interesting." Dr.Hallman mumbles, stroking his chin.

"Er... Do you know what's going on?" Tyler asks, "I mean.. You two just seem..." He trails off, not wanting to be impolite or accusing of anything; but at the same time, this was really freaking both him and Sarah out.

"Non-chalant?" Dr.Hallman asks, "The two of you are suffering from a scientific marvel known as Virastosis." He reveals, "In this instance, it appears to be advanced." He nods, stroking his chin once again in thought.

"Wh-What?" Sarah finally butts in,

"I really can't explain further at this time." Dr.Hallman says, "But it will become clear soon enough." He nods his head.

"What are you talking about?" Tyler interjects, "Is this going to keep happening?" He asks, feeling his heart beating faster and faster as panic takes a firmer hold.

Dr.Hallman pauses for a minute, looking back and forth between the eyes of the two subjects. Seeing them already beginning to widen and dialate in confusion, fear, and suspicion.

He nods,

"You will experience further episodes of shrinking." He says, "However, luckily for us, your knowledge of this isn't going to complicate our tests at all." He smiles, "So, if you two would just return to your rooms for now myself and Ms.Hayes have some work to do." He says.

"Return to our rooms?!" Tyler asks, his voice beginning to raise, "Are you insane?! We're shrinking and you want us to just return to our rooms?" He asks, beginning to hyperventilate.

"T-Tyler.." Sarah mutters.

"Mr.Fairclough, need you be reminded that you signed a contract with Cosmolex Pharmaceuticals?" Dr.Hallman asks, "You entered yourselves within advanced studies. Unfortunately, while I understand that this must be a frightening experience for the both of you; there is no backing out now. You are included within these studies either until I deem your participation complete or your four months is up." He says, his expression beginning to reveal a growing grin,

"So... With that in mind, I think it would be in the best interests of all involved for us, Ms.Hayes and myself especially to be satisfied with your level of cooperation and commitment to this study, hmm?" Dr.Hallman raises an expectant eyebrow.

Tyler stares, trying to contain himself as Sarah shivers next to him. She nods her head, "Y-Yeah.." She stammers, looking down.

Dr.Hallman grins, looking from Sarah to Tyler, "Mr.Fairclough?" He asks,

Tyler, after some moments of deliberation, finally nods his head. "I understand..." He says quietly as he takes a deep breath. Sarah does the same, both attempting to calm themselves as Dr.Hallman smiles,

"Excellent. So if the two of you will just return to your rooms." He motions to the door, "I'll send Ms.Hayes down shortly to make sure the two of you have everything you need for this to be as smooth as possible." He says.

"How could we have been so stupid?" Tyler asks, now sitting on his bed across from Sarah who does the same. Both sitting upon disheveled sheets and from within the same baggy clothes as before.

"What do you mean?" Sarah asks, looking up from her huddled position. Both of them still trying to wrap their heads around what Dr.Hallman had said. They were going to shrink more? How much more? When? Why? What had they gotten themselves into and why did either of them ever accept this offer?

Regret swam deep within their veins, surely.

"Its just that... We both trusted these people. This company, so blindly." Tyler says as he looks around the blank, bare necessities room. "But don't you remember the news a few months ago?" He asks.

"News? What are you -" Sarah pauses, "You don't mean... No." She looks away, "That was a hoax. They proved it!" She hisses back at him.

"How can you still think that?" Tyler asks, "Look at us!" He motions to their sizes.

Sarah frowns and thrusts her gaze to the floor, shaking her head as she thinks back to a few months ago when news reports of some kind of... Scientific miracle that had supposedly been discovered began surfacing.

Cosmolex had always been known mainly for its medical products, equipment and even its cosmetics. However, in July, merely a few months prior from what was now October 22nd, Cosmolex had unveiled something new.

So new, in fact that they and the scientific community scarcely had a name for whatever -it- was or should be classified as.

Cosmolex referred to it as 'Virastine'. A new breed of chemicals they proposed to be classified as 'Slow Acting Shrinking Agents'. After all, it did just that. It shrank those who ingested it approximately six to seven inches through a nights sleep.

No one knew why it worked, how it worked or even what it was made up of outside of high security Cosmolex research facilities. Though the majority of the population didn't seem all that concerned. After all, within a few weeks of near constant media coverage, Virastine was considered to be little more than a PR stunt. A hoax.

Even Sarah herself, like the many others whom had seen it on the news and online, had considered it a joke. She knew only few individuals in her personal life that were sensational about it. But, alas, in the age of the internet, no one truly believed it could be possible. They were all so used to such a vast amount of content being fake, staged or doctored.

Sarah looks towards Tyler, "So... We can't sleep then?" She asks, "That's how it works, right? You go to sleep and you wake up shorter than the night before." She shudders. How were they supposed to go without sleep? "I thought it was only supposed to do six inches... Not ten." She clenches her eyes shut as she thinks of their current predicament.

"I don't know.." Tyler trails off, "Maybe that's what Dr.Hallman wants us to think," He suggests, "Why else would he tell us it was Virastosis? Don't you think that sounds exactly like whatever this Virastine stuff causes?" He asks.

"Probably more like the act of being under its influence." Sarah says as she buries her face in her arms. Her knees pulled to her chest.

"But what if we're not under its influence?" Tyler asks,

"What do you mean? We're shrinking! We can't be under the influence of anything else... Do you know any other drugs that shrink your body, Tyler?" Sarah asks as her face lifts from her arms for a moment.

"Well..." Tyler sighs, "No, but... What's to say they haven't discovered another means?" He asks. "We -are- in advanced studies after all." He says.

Sarah shakes her head in a mixture of disbelief and denial. "I can't believe this." She mutters, "Maybe you're right.. But... We can't just stay here, can we?" She asks, "I don't want to be a lab rat anymore... When I thought we could go home today and only be coming in once and a while it was okay.. It was like, self-paced, you know?" She asks, "But if we're really shrinking.. Do you think they're going to let us leave?" She asks, her voice beginning to quiver.

"Ah.." Tyler trails off, "I don't... See how they can't?"

"Do you think it would even be wise to go home?" Sarah asks, "Just imagine waking up in your bed the size of a dog or a cat and trying to make breakfast or even trying to reach the phone to call a friend over." She shudders, not liking the image in her head.

"I don't think I'd want to be that size around -any- of my friends." Tyler admits.

Sarah shakes her head, "Me either." She says.

Within that moment a short knock upon the door is heard as it soon swings open with a smiling Ms.Hayes being revealed, "Hello, subjects!" She grins happily, stepping inside of the room holding a few bottles of water and some cafeteria food.

"I was thinking after such a big announcement from Dr.Hallman that you two might be feeling hungry." She says, setting everything down to the table before the couch in the living room. "You know, all of that adrenaline eating up all of your energy." She smiles as she motions to the food, "So eat up! Its all for you." She says, thrusting her hands into her lab coats pockets.

"Th-Thanks," Sarah smiles sheepishly, "Listen.. Um... I need to go home soon, are we still allowed to do that?" Sarah asks,

Ms.Hayes smiles wider, she always loved this part. "You want to go home?" She asks, "Well, I can see why! But do you really think its a good idea? Not that it matters, I guess." She says, giving an innocent shrug of her shoulders and a cute smile,

"Dr.Hallman says the two of you need to stay here for further observation. I would have thought that with the diagnosis of Virastosis you two would have known that." She says, looking from one to the other until her eyes fell back onto Sarah.

"Y-Yeah.." Sarah trails off, nodding lightly, "I guess you're right. I just wanted to gather a few things. If we're going to be staying here for a few days or even weeks don't you think I could at least bring a change of clothes?" She asks.

"A change of clothes?" Ms.Hayes laughs lightly, "How do you expect anything you own to fit you right now? Let alone within the next couple of days or even tomorrow?" She asks.

"Can I ask how long we'll be here exactly?" Tyler asks,

Ms.Hayes looks over, nodding, "Of course! You both signed the contracts, right? If this Virastosis is persistent the two of you may well expect to serve your entire four month contracts here." She says.

"Four months?" Sarah asks, her eye twitching as her throat runs dry.

Ms.Hayes nods, "Well we can't just let you two go scampering off into the public eye like this, can we? It would be unethical!" She says, smiling, "Who knows what could happen to the two of you if left unattended." She says.

"S-So... We'll be safe here?" Sarah asks, trying to reassure herself more than anything else.

"Of course," Ms.Hayes smiles, "Everything will be just fine." She nods.