Begin Memory Memory Series Sequence 482000152451983...
Memory Series Sequence Sub-001-0909.
Today was another day of medical tests and fitness tests for me. Since I was Kristen's twin sister, we both had similar performances throughout high school and college. They wanted to know the limits of my physical abilities. They paired me with Dr. Iris as usual, while Dr. Warren and Kristen worked on physical therapy at the other end of our clinic. We were on floor five of Resident One and spent many days here doing various activities. The Doctors scheduled me for a running test today, and Dr. Iris was to oversee my progress.
The room we were in was the size of three or four large gyms with equipment in rows. Tall floor-to-ceiling mirrors lined the wall on three walls, with holographic images playing on some of them. There was no one to watch them, as we were the only ones in the gym. On the fourth wall were several private rooms that looked more for testing than anything else. That was where Dr. Iris and I were heading.
"To make sure we are on the same page, I will review the tests Dr. Ashland wants us to finish today," Dr. Iris stated as we walked towards the back wall full of rooms.
"Yeah, sure, go ahead," I replied.
"We will test your stamina today. I will gauge how far you can maintain running. Your records show both of you trained as cross-country runners in high school and college. Both of you beat the long-distance running records with the best times in the Union. That's impressive, and I bet you could have made a professional career from it. No one since then has broken your record, and you both remain at the number 1 and 2 spots, respectively. Since Kristen cannot take this test, Dr. Ashland needs you to take this one to determine how well she would do," Dr. Iris explained.
"I see, but how would that help her? She hasn't run in years, and it would take her a while to get back to where she used to be," I responded.
"Yes, I understand why you would wonder that. Even though Kristen cannot walk, we believe that both of you did so well because of your competition with one another. That is the idea behind what Dr. Ashland believes her newfound ability to walk will result from that competition that would push her to do better. Under those circumstances, your body needs to be in top physical shape. That will aid in her recovery," Dr. Iris explained further.
"Hmm, I don't know. Wouldn't that push Kristen harder than she needs to?" I asked in a questioning tone.
"I don't think so. On the contrary, I think it will only inspire Kristen to push herself past her limitations," she added.
"Okay, if you say so," I replied, throwing my hands up.
Dr. Iris opens the door, allowing me to walk into the room first. To my surprise, three people were already there waiting for us.
"Welcome. I will administer the tests today," a voice said from a Doctor I had never seen before.
"Who are you?" Dr. Iris questioned.
"I don't have the authorization to give you my name. You may call me Doctor for the duration. These are my assistants," the Doctor replied.
"Is this another one of Dr. Ashland's orders?" Dr. Iris replied.
"You are correct. Now shall we get started?" the Doctor asked.
"I guess so," I replied.
"We have provided you with clothes. Please change into them. When you have completed that task, they will fit you with electrodes to monitor your vitals," the Doctor announced.
One of his assistants was holding a tray in his hand. In terms of outfits, they were horrible, basically just lingerie. So I walked over to him and picked up the clothes on the tray.
"I have to wear this?" I asked.
"Yes, and we will record everything. We set this station up to take real-time 3D imaging of your body like an MRI machine. We will take active imaging and slice imaging of your body. In layers, the machine will take snapshots of your body. We will also be able to observe your body in motion with the machine's active imaging function," the Doctor answered.
"It's underwear!" I clamored aggressively.
"To be precise, it is an article of special clothing that will not show up on the MRI," he replied.
"That's ridiculous! Clothes don't show up on MRIs. No respecting the Doctor would even say otherwise," Dr. Iris countered.
"Nonetheless, Dr. Iris, these are Dr. Ashland's orders," he stated.
"I'm not doing this in nothing but a bra and panties. You can forget that," I yelled angrily.
"I would appreciate it if you could inform test subject Kristonia that she cannot refuse orders from doctors without authorization from Dr. Ashland or any of the other Chief Medical Directors," the Doctor responded, turning to Dr. Iris.
"I will not do that. What does authorized mean? As a doctor, I have never forced or allowed any patient under my care to undergo this sort of treatment this way," she announced, protesting.
"Then you leave me no choice," he stated as an assistant handed him a glass tablet.
The assistant went to a dresser in the back of the room and brought another tray with clothes. With a stern expression, the Doctor typed away on holographic keys. The assistant brought the tray to Dr. Iris, gesturing for her to take it.
"Put these on, Dr. Iris," the assistant stated.
"I most certainly will not, and neither is Kristonia," she protested.
"Dr. Diane Iris and test subject Kristonia Howel. If you do not comply with my instructions, I will have to bring security in and have you forcibly changed," the Doctor stated firmly.
My eyes grew enormous as I turned to Dr. Iris to see her just as shocked as me. He was threatening to have security forcibly remove our clothing and dress us in the underwear they provided. I couldn't believe what was happening right now. It went beyond medical malice. Under the guise of medical testing, this was sexual harassment.
"Can we at least have some privacy while we change?" Dr. Iris asked.
"Neither of you has authorization for personal privacy. Therefore, please remove your clothing and change into the undergarments we have provided," the Doctor stated again.
"Can you turn around, then? So, you don't have to watch us undress," I responded.
"I may not take requests from test subjects, and I have already informed Dr. Iris of the rules. Please begin now. We have a schedule to keep," the Doctor stated in an icy voice.
With no other alternative, we began undressing and putting on the clothing they provided. We were wearing white medical scrubs with white socks and white running shoes. As embarrassing as it was to remove my clothes, it overwhelmed me even more when I was down to my bra and panties. Standing there in nothing but my underwear made me feel small. They were the same color as my scrubs, and I reluctantly pulled them off. Dr. Iris removed her clothes with an emotionless efficiency, but I could tell she was just as upset as I was.
As we undressed, the Doctor and the assistant watched as closely as they focused on every curve of our bodies. I even noticed one of them grinning. They were undoubtedly enjoying themselves at our expense. I quickly put on the clothes they provided. They were uncomfortable and two sizes too small for either of us.
"These do not fit properly. I can't do your stupid test wearing this. It's going to interfere with my ability to run at my best," I proclaimed.
"I think these garments will fit just fine since they're one size fits all. So now, if there are no more excuses, let's begin," the Doctor articulated as he tapped on the glass tablet.
The assistant's place electrodes throughout our bodies from head to toe. There were little plastic nubs in place of the wire, similar to what you would see on an EKG. They were wireless or Bluetooth receivers that could send real-time information back to the Doctor. They also put some helmets on our heads with more of the same receivers.
Two stations emerged beneath the floor. Similarly to cat scan donuts, treadmills lay flat on their sides. The donut was just below the machine, and the assistants ushered us to each treadmill. As we stepped onto the platform, the treadmills began rising upright. They each helped us step onto the treadmill, placing their hands in areas they shouldn't have touched. It took everything in me not to elbow the assistant, taking a hand full of my bottom as he pushed me into the machine. Dr. Iris sounded disgusted, as no doubt the assistant helping her was violating her inappropriately, too.
Within a few seconds of placing our hands on the treadmill bars, the donuts slowly rose, enclosing us. Within moments, neither the Doctor nor his assistant was visible to me. I was glad because they couldn't see us directly anymore. At least they couldn't drool over us with their own eyes anymore. Instead, they would have to settle by watching us through monitors.
'Why were they making Dr. Iris do this test? It makes little sense for her to be doing this test with me. What do they want from us, and what are they trying to accomplish?' These thoughts ran through my head as the treadmill began moving, and I walked calmly.
"Keep your hands firmly on the handlebars until I instruct you to release them. You can place your hands back on the bars once I have given you the okay to do so," the Doctor's voice came through a speaker in my helmet.
Initially, the treadmill was running at a slow walking speed, and a display showed my heart rate and speed. The pace was currently one mph. I worked on my breathing to be ready once the speed increased.
It stayed at one mph for about five minutes before gradually going up. I couldn't see Dr. Iris and didn't know how she was doing, but I hoped she could handle this. She knew about my background, but I knew nothing about her. I was a runner in high school, so this was like a cakewalk, but I wasn't sure how she would fare. Her having to do this test basically naked felt like punishment for protecting me. The panties they gave me weren't panties but more like a super tight bikini that wanted to be a thong. My bra barely held my breasts in; this all felt like someone's sexual fantasy.
They could have at least given me a sports bra to help bounce my breasts, but someone was into that type of thing. Seeing my face red like a tomato was embarrassing, and I was angry. Then, unexpectedly, the speed on my treadmill jumped to three miles per hour, and I was now walking briskly.
"You may remove your hands from the handlebars. But, please do not place your hands on them again until I tell you, too," the Doctor told us through our helmet's headphones.
I kept up the pace for about another fifteen minutes before the speed increased to five miles per hour, and I was now jogging to keep up with the treadmill. It would throw me off right into the donut circle surrounding my treadmill if I couldn't keep up. A severe injury could result from that.
"Can you hear me, Dr. Iris?" I spoke aloud, hoping she could hear me.
A few moments passed, and she finally responded, "Yeah. The helmet has a microphone. I can hear you just fine," she replied.
"Try to keep up with the pace of the treadmill. The treadmill will throw you off if you can't. It could cause injury," I responded.
"I hear you. I will do my best. However, this isn't exactly what I would call a morning exercise," Dr. Iris replied with a chuckle.
It relieved me that she at least did morning exercises and might handle this test. Otherwise, she would be in a world of pain if she crashed into that donut. I had seen people at the gym fly off treadmills who had pushed themselves too far. Sometimes they even fractured an ankle or worse, depending on the location of the treadmill. I have even seen people fly into equipment behind them. Occasionally, people plunge face first, or they stumble backward, resulting in being forcefully thrown off by the conveyor they were running onto. Other times, I would witness them slip and bust their head on the display or handles, causing severe injury.
I didn't want that to happen to Dr. Iris, but I wouldn't mind it happening to the Doctor or one of his touchy assistants. But, on the other hand, I couldn't see how this would help Kristen in any meaningful way, shape, or form, especially having to do this in the nude, almost. The pace quickened as the speed jumped to eight miles per hour, and I had to increase my rate to keep up. I was almost at a full sprint by now, and I wasn't sure how fast they wanted us to go.
Another fifteen minutes passed, and I felt the burn in my legs, and I was getting tired. Usually, this would be when I would take a cool-down break and return to walking, but there was no sign that the Doctor had in store for us. I pushed through the pain in my legs as I struggled to keep up, only for a loud thud to shock me, followed by a scream of pain.
The donut blocked my view of Dr. Iris, so I couldn't see her.
"Dr. Iris, are you okay?" I asked worriedly.
I could hear nothing but her groans of pain.
"I fell off the treadmill hard, but I don't think I broke any bones. The pace was too fast for me. I haven't worked out like this since college," Dr. Iris replied, panting.
"Hey, the faster the treadmill goes, the harder the fall will be. You can get hurt if you go faster than you can keep up. I have seen it happen before," I informed her in between breaths.
"Dr. Diane Iris, could you please return to your treadmill? I will restart your cycle, but be aware you must complete the cycle to finish the test," the Doctor explained.
"How long is this supposed to go on? People can't run non-stop without a break," I responded with labored heaving.
"Please return to the treadmill, Dr. Diane Iris, so we can continue," the Doctor stated again.
"Okay, Okay! I'm going too. Just hold your damn horses!" Dr. Iris replied in a strained voice.
Her breathing was hard as she stepped back onto the treadmill. As the speed increased to twelve miles per hour, I ran faster than I had ever tried on a treadmill. As a long-distance runner, I ran at a constant pace. They taught me to be the turtle, not the hare, when I was in a marathon. Taking things slowly and steadily will always win the day, but I felt like a hare right now as I was burning through all my energy to keep up. I pushed myself beyond what I had ever imagined. My speed was too fast, even for a professional sprinter, but I had no choice. Stopping now will send me into the donut-shaped MRI wall behind me, breaking bones. It would send me into the wall at high speeds almost the moment I lost a step.
The speed changed to sixteen miles per hour, and I was fighting against life and death as my legs screamed in agony from the stress I was putting them through.
"AAAHHH fuck!" I yelled as I pushed through the pain.
I was running out of breath, and fear was building up inside me as my eyes narrowed on the panel. The display showed my speed was twenty miles per hour. I didn't know how long I had been running, and I was on autopilot as the display read twenty-five miles per hour. At this speed, I would probably break my back from the impact, so I closed my eyes.
It was all I could do to keep going as I felt the speed of the treadmill increase incrementally. I heard a scream.
"Was that Diane... I mean Dr. Iris. Was she already back up to the speed where she fell off, or was she at a higher speed?" I couldn't tell, but I heard her screaming as she tried to keep up with the pace of her treadmill.
As I ran for my life without even taking a breath, I became lost in my thoughts. I could only hear the treadmills and the pounding of feet as we ran together. There was a sudden increase in speed. As I listened to the treadmill's motor changing gears, I noticed the treadmill's speed suddenly increased. Keeping up almost caused me to lose my balance. Getting my rhythm back took a few minutes of awkward running. I made the mistake of opening my eyes only to see the number one hundred and five miles per hour. My heart dropped as I saw this number, and I almost swallowed my tongue.
'What the fuck? In God's name, how is this even possible? Was it showing the proper speed?'
I realized that falling now meant certain death. Neither could I speak nor cry for help because I had no breath. I had pushed my body beyond the pain raging in my legs and was close to passing out. Then, suddenly, I felt my body give out. There wasn't enough oxygen in my body, and my vision was dimming.
"Arrrggghhh...... I... Can't... Keep... this... up..." I heard Dr. Iris screaming at the top of her lungs.
We were both coming to the end of our limits. Not that I ever thought this was my limit or hers. I was fearful of what this meant.
'This isn't humanly possible. The numbers have to be wrong. There was no way I was running at over one hundred miles per hour. No human could physically do this.'
I felt my legs falter when the headphones cracked to life with the Doctor's voice.
"This concludes today's test. You may begin your cooldown period, and then you may get dressed and return to your quarters. We have scheduled you for another test in three days. Take that time to prepare for the next test. It will be much longer than this one," the Doctor announced as I heard the motors in the treadmills wind down slowly, allowing us to reduce our speed gradually.
Within ten minutes, we were both lying in a sweaty heap on the floor. All I heard was the MRI machine and treadmills lowering into the platform onto the facility's floor. I couldn't help but think this was the worst morning exercise I'd ever done, as I was out of breath and on the verge of blacking out. I lay there on the floor, disgusted by how my body had become drenched from head to toe with salty sweat. What little clothing I wore was soaking wet down to my underwear. A few feet from me, I glimpse Dr. Iris face down on the floor, motionless. Similarly, sweat soaks her bra and pants. Except for her shallow breathing, she was unmoving.
I didn't have enough breath to speak, so I forcefully dragged myself over to her. Then, while lying face down on the floor, I crawled beside her, placing my arm around her midsection. The sounds of footsteps caught my attention. 'Someone is coming?'
I glimpse a woman leaning over me. A few strands of her blonde hair fall in front of her face. Her expression is that of anger.
"Garbage! These tests prove nothing. They should be done with them so I can squeeze the life from your body with my hands. I won't make it quick or painless, either. You took something precious from me, and I will be the one to end you!" the blonde woman said in a bitter voice.
She's the DNA Labs staffer. An Executive Assistant Manager, whatever that means. She spits on me as she leaves. 'What could I have done to someone I'd never met?' Seconds later, my vision fades to black.
— Warning... The thought process interrupted. —
— Warning... Subject-001-0909 magicule count has reached uncharted limits. —
— Warning... Sending report on Subject-001-0909 magicule count to Admin. —
— Erasing session and terminating the session. —
Normal thought process engaged.