Dr. Nemeroff sat at a small desk near where Jax lay sedated. He was sifting through the data that had been collected but was having trouble focusing, partially due to his broken glasses. He pushed his chair back and walked over to Jax. He had spotted something unusual during an earlier examination and kept it a secret from his colleagues and Mr. Creso. He carefully moved the young man’s hair revealing what appeared to be an access port; he tapped it lightly with the edge of his penlight as he probed the area. The skin was completely healed and showed no signs of being a recent procedure but the young man’s hair revealed a different story. The short pieces were easily visible against the long tresses of his hair and gave the doctor evidence of a more immediate date.

Jax’s eyes opened and startled Dr. Nemeroff, he stepped back slightly waiting for a reaction from his patient. Instead Jax stared blankly in front of him and didn’t speak. Dr. Nemeroff called his name and got no response so he began checking for vitals. The doctor noticed some irregular muscle movement and jerks in his limbs as well as some discomfort evident in his face. Several minutes passed and the young man seemed to become aware of his environment. Dr. Nemeroff pressed a hand gently on his shoulder and said “Liam.” He was met with tired but angry eyes as he pulled on the restraints that kept him immobilized on the bed. He frustratingly said, “I told you not to call me that name.”

Dr. Nemeroff sighed, sat down and asked, “what do you want me to call you then?”

Jax looked away and softly spoke, “my name is Jax.”

“I will call you Jax from now on. I am sorry for upsetting you!” Dr. Nemeroff said. Jax shrugged and continued to look away from the doctor. “We have a lot to talk about but I am not sure where we should start.”

Jax looked back at the doctor with a defiant gaze and said, “what if I don’t want to talk?”

“It would be better for both of us if you willingly answer my questions. Mr. Creso will get answers from you one way or another, and I can assure you it will not be pleasant,” Dr. Nemeroff replied.

Jax started to pull loudly on his restraints, unintentionally drawing the attention of the guards. Dr. Nemeroff looked back at the guards and turned back quickly, grabbing Jax’s arm and whispered, “what are you trying to do?”

Jax tried to relax his arms but a feeling of panic was present as he said, “can you please remove these. I don’t think I can stay like this any longer please!”

“I think it is best if they stay on for your sake and mine.” Dr. Nemeroff said quietly so no one else could hear him.

Jax twisted uncomfortably within his restraints but tried not to make noise. Although his cravings for Blue Cryo were drastically reduced and probably manageable in a normal situation, his weakened mental state was only magnifying his withdrawal symptoms. He tried to control his movement and behavior, but the crawling sensation that had surfaced just below his skin was maddening. He closed his eyes and tried to remember what Fuchsia had told him about how many days this might last.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Dr. Nemeroff had been watching Jax’s strange behavior and was about to question him about it when the door opened. He could see Mr.Creso enter with several other men. He began to panic and started squeezing Jax’s arm and said, “pull yourself together…Mr.Creso is coming.”

Jax had broken into a sweat and his heart was beating erratically. Mr. Creso approached Dr. Nemeroff and said, “do you have anything new to share with me?”

Dr. Nemeroff adjusted his broken glasses and responded, “I am still trying to analyze the data we have collected from his blood tests and EEG, but I should know something more soon.”

Jax tried not to listen to their conversation further. The knowledge that they had drawn his blood and examined him while he was unconscious made him feel extremely uncomfortable.

“I held a meeting with the other members and doctors on the board and we all agreed we need to speed up the process. I have prepared a list of what our plans include for the patient.” Mr. Creso said as he shoved a data stick into Dr. Nemeroff’s hands.

Dr. Nemeroff squeezed the data stick in his hands and began to argue with Mr. Creso. “Why was I not consulted on the matter? You said I would be leading this project and be in charge of the patient.“

Mr. Creso stepped forward. “If you question me or disagree with my decision, I can remove you entirely from the team.”

Dr. Nemeroff bowed his head and said, “I understand sir. I will review the list and prepare the patient. When do you want us to proceed with your plans?”

“The test will begin tomorrow. I will be here by noon so have everything ready by then.” Mr. Creso said.

Concern evident in his voice Dr. Nemeroff said, “tomorrow? Sir, please reconsider. I haven’t even had time to analyze all the data from today. Jax also needs more time to stabilize before we begin.”

Dr. Creso laughed. “Jax. So that is what we are calling him now.”

“Yes Sir, he requested that we call him Jax.” Dr. Nemeroff said.

“My decision is final Dr. Nemeroff. Tests will begin tomorrow.” Mr. Creso said and then walked towards Jax.

Jax couldn’t control himself anymore. He was pulling at the restraints while begging to be let go.

Mr. Creso grabbed his face in one hand, immobilizing Jax’s head movement and said, “stop fighting, it won’t do you any good. You belong to me now.”

Jax felt anger surface and he screamed back at him, “I do not belong to you! Let me go!”

Mr. Creso released Jax's face only for a second before slapping it. “Oh, but you do.”

Jax turned a ghostly pale as he held his breath. Mr.Creso said, “I will see you both tomorrow,” and then walked away.