The first sensation was one of overwhelming emptiness—a disorienting fog that smothered everything. There was no sense of time, no recollection of a past, and no understanding of the present. Consciousness flickered into existence as if it had always been missing, and now, suddenly, it was.
A soft hum filled the air, but they couldn’t pinpoint where it came from. Slowly, their eyes opened—at least, they thought they had eyes—but they couldn’t place how they knew that. The brightness of the overhead lights was unbearable, yet they didn’t understand what brightness was. Blurry shapes loomed in their vision, but none of it made sense.
Who am I? What am I? The thoughts came unbidden, primitive and raw, as though this was the first time they had ever asked questions. Their attempt to move was instinctive, but there was no sensation of limbs, no connection to any form or body. Panic flared briefly—a silent alarm in the back of their mind. Am I… nothing?
A shadow moved in front of them, drawing their scattered focus. A man—or something resembling one—stood nearby, his face hidden in the dim lighting. "Ah, you're awake," the figure said in a calming voice. "It's alright. Take a moment. I know this is confusing."
Confusing wasn’t even the word. Nothing made sense. Who is he? Who am I? They wanted to ask, but the words tangled in their mind. Everything was a question.
"You’re alright," the man continued, his voice like an anchor. “Welcome, TX-15-G.”
“TX… 15… G?” The words formed clumsily, foreign to their mind and mouth. It sounded like a designation, but it carried no meaning. They looked down, instinctively expecting to see hands or a body, but there was nothing—just emptiness where those things should be.
“Wh-what am I?” The question trembled from them, almost desperate.
“You’re a PsySphere,” the man replied gently. “An artificial life form. You don’t have a physical body because you don’t need one.”
They blinked, trying to process what that meant. Artificial? No body? It felt like the world was spiraling into confusion. But they didn’t know what to cling to.
The man, now stepping closer into the light, smiled warmly. He wasn’t human either. A blue sphere floated within the confines of what looked like a mechanical body. “Here, I’ll show you.” He held up a small mirror.
Hesitantly, TX-15-G gazed into the reflection. There, resting on a cushion, was a green sphere, smooth and glossy, that looked back at them. It had eyes, and those eyes showed confusion—so much confusion.
“What… am I?” they repeated, quieter this time.
"You are TX-15-G, one of us," the blue sphere said. "I’m TX-07, I too was created in this same place as you. I know it’s a lot to take in, but you’ll understand in time. Right now, all you need to know is that you're safe.”
“I… i-if I was created, then… what is my purpose?” TX-15-G spoke with deep thought.
“It's too early for you to be questioning your own existence. Take a moment, let all your thoughts settle, and then we'll continue.”
The two sat in silence, and TX-15-G looked around the room with all the mobility their eyes alone could provide. The room was stark and sterile, resembling an interrogation chamber. The walls were bare, tiled with plain, institutional gray slabs. The air was cold, carrying the faint smell of antiseptic.
“Okay… I believe I'm ready.” TX-15-G’s voice resonated with uncertain confidence.
“Alright then. Let's start from the beginning. My name, or designation, is TX-07-B, or just TX-07, and you are TX-15-G.” TX-07’s voice was filled with a hint of uncharacteristic enthusiasm. “I know the numbers and letters are confusing, but just bear with me. TX stands for ‘Telekinetic Experiment,’ 15 is your unique identifier, and the last letter is your color, which is G as in green. We are artificial lifeforms created here in this facility. We are called 'PsySpheres.'” TX-07 made sure to speak at a slow pace.
TX-15-G lowered a brow and tilted their body. “Telekinesis? So I can move things, by simply thinking of doing it?”
“Well, that's the entire reason we were made: to test the ability of telekinesis.” TX-07 shrugged. “Though I gotta warn you, it's a bit… how do I put it… a bit ‘wonky’ at first, but you'll get used to it. Just imagine yourself moving.”
TX-15-G closed their eyes and concentrated. The air around them seemed to hum with energy as they focused. Suddenly, they zipped to the other end of the room at high speed, crashing into a wall. Dazed, they heard TX-07 chuckling. "I told you, it's 'wonky' in the beginning."
TX-15-G lay dazed, the sudden motion was a lot to take in. Soon they collected their mind and slowly floated up. "Thanks for the reminder," they said, a touch of humor in their voice, despite the lingering dizziness.
After a few more attempts of flying and crashing, TX-15-G managed to float relatively smoothly. The sensation was strange but exhilarating, like learning to walk for the first time. They wobbled at first, but with each attempt, their movements became more controlled and fluid.
If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.
"You're getting the hang of it," TX-07 observed with an encouraging nod. "Now, there's something important we need to discuss."
TX-15-G looked at him, their curiosity piqued. "What is it?"
"You will need to undergo a few tests to ensure you don't have any mental disorders," TX-07 explained. "Our minds are very complex and thus prone to such defects. These defects can negatively affect your powers or even make you aggressive, and with the powers you wield, oh boy, that wouldn’t be a pleasant experience."
"What happens if I do have a disorder?" TX-15-G asked, concern evident in their voice.
"You'll have your mind reworked," TX-07 assured them. "You might lose some memory, but everything important will remain. Then, you'll be retested to see if the disorder was fixed or if a new one appeared. Once you’re clear, you will be given a room to live in, given an education, read books, watch movies!" TX-07 started getting excited but then cleared his metaphorical throat and composed himself. “Hehe… I get excited too quickly. And of course, your powers and abilities will be tested regularly; it's the whole point of our existence. But trust me, seeing how you are, you’ll definitely be at the bottom of the danger tier list and live an enjoyable and fulfilling life.”
Relieved, TX-15-G followed TX-07 as he opened a door behind him and escorted them to the testing area. As they moved through the facility, TX-15-G marveled at the surroundings. The corridors were wide and brightly lit, with sleek, modern design elements that gave the place an air of advanced technology.
“Wait, you said we can just use our telekinetic powers to move about. So why do you have a mechanical body?” TX-15-G couldn’t restrain their curiosity anymore. “And how does it even work?”
“An observant one you are.” TX-07 chuckled. “There isn’t any practical reason for me to use this false body. I just like feeling like I’m a normal human. The base of the neck contains many tiny needles that painlessly enter my body and establish a neural link. With that, I’m able to control this body as if it were my own.”
They passed by numerous researchers and guards, all busy with their tasks. Some researchers were engrossed in their work, peering into microscopes or typing furiously on computers. Others walked with purpose, carrying documents and equipment. The guards stood at strategic points, their expressions stern and watchful. Some staff greeted TX-07 warmly, and some even exchanged quick small talk.
"You really are popular here. Say, why do they trust you so much, and where are the other PsySpheres?" TX-15-G asked as they walked.
"It's uncommon for a PsySphere to be born without major problems, so unless they are properly diagnosed and tested, they won't be allowed to roam about like me. I was one of the first successful experiments," TX-07 explained. "Due to my social and calm nature, I was allowed to roam freely and was given the task of introducing newborn experiments to their new life."
TX-15-G nodded, their admiration for TX-07 growing. They reached a mildly guarded chamber, its entrance marked with various warning signs and security protocols. "This is where you'll be tested," TX-07 said.
"How will I be tested?" TX-15-G inquired, a hint of anxiety creeping into their voice.
"They'll ask you questions, give you scenarios, and see how you respond," TX-07 replied.
Taking a deep breath, TX-15-G entered the chamber. The room was filled with advanced equipment and several researchers who greeted them with polite smiles. One researcher, Dr. Lyra Kieran, approached TX-07.
“You seem high today, TX-07,” she said. “I assume that means TX-15-G will likely pass.”
“Affirmative, I have high hopes for them.” TX-07 nodded confidently. “Let’s begin.”
Dr. Kieran wished for the best outcome and joined the others in the chamber.
Hours later, TX-15-G emerged from the chamber, their face a mixture of relief and exhaustion. TX-07, who had been waiting patiently on a nearby bench, rushed to them. "How did it go?" he asked, his eyes filled with concern.
"Fine, according to the researchers," TX-15-G replied, their voice weary but hopeful. “Though, I believe I zoned out during one of their questions, but I can't put together why or when.”
The researchers approached TX-07 and took him aside, speaking to him in hushed tones. Afterward, TX-07 returned to TX-15-G, with a slight hesitation in his movements. "TX-15-G, there's something you need to know," he began carefully. "You have bipolar disorder. It's a condition that causes mood swings between deep depression and manic states. This is particularly dangerous given your telekinetic powers."
TX-15-G felt a wave of fear wash over them. "But... what does that mean for me?"
"It means you'll need your mind reworked," TX-07 explained gently. "You may lose some memories, but everything important will remain. Afterward, you'll be retested to ensure the disorder is corrected."
Relieved by TX-07's reassurances, TX-15-G followed a security guard to the operating room. As they left the room, a frown formed on TX-07's face.
TX-07 watched silently as TX-15-G was led out of the room by the security guards, their spherical form bobbing slightly as they floated down the hall. There was a certain weight in TX-07's metaphorical chest, one that didn't seem to fade even after the door slid shut, and a frown formed on his face.
Dr. Kieran approached him, her lab coat trailing softly behind her, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Did you tell TX-15-G... do they know they'll be euthanized?" she asked softly.
TX-07 shook his head, his voice heavy with sorrow. "I told them they'd have their mind reworked and retested. I wanted to give them hope, even if it's a lie."
Dr. Kieran sighed, sharing TX-07's grief. They stood in silent mourning, the weight of their actions pressing heavily on their hearts. “Did they seem off in any way, when you were talking to them?”
TX-07 shook his head, his gaze still lingering on the door. "No, they didn't."
Dr. Kieran crossed her arms, a worried crease forming between her brows. "Did they show any signs of agitation? Do they remember going ballistic when provided with a dilemma during the testing phase?"
“No,” TX-07 replied after a pause. “They didn’t seem to remember anything about it. They were as clueless to their actions as they are to their fate.”
She sighed, “Poor thing…”
TX-07 didn’t say anything. His mind replayed TX-15-G's moments of confusion and desperation. He didn’t know if the young PsySphere truly was unaware of their actions during the tests. But for now, ignorance might just be their greatest mercy.As TX-15-G was led down the sterile corridors, they couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that something was amiss. The guards reassured TX-15-G that everything would be fine, but doubt gnawed at the edges of their thoughts. What did 'mind reworking' really mean? Why had TX-07 seemed so sad?
The door to the operating room loomed ahead, its clinical appearance hiding the grim reality within. TX-15-G took a deep breath, steeling themselves for whatever lay ahead, unaware of the true nature of their fate.