Chapter 2: Chapter 2
I woke up early today, feeling refreshed and energized. Yesterday's successful test with my neural dampening device had lifted a significant amount of stress weighing heavily upon my shoulders. I spent yesterday evening reading a fascinating book and sipping aromatic tea, enjoying the simplicity of the moment.
This morning, I found myself humming a cheerful tune as I prepared the lab for the day ahead. Eventhough the device was still only set at 5%, I could hardly believe how effective it was. I had not had any migrains or anxiety from the moment I turned it on. Maybe today would be the first day in a long time, that I would actually enjoy working.
One by one, my colleagues would enter the lab. Where normally I would be inclined to ignore them, as I wouldn't be able to conjure up the will to fake a "Good morning". I now greeted them all individually with a genuine greeting. I had never thought that I would be capable of such positivity at this hour again. One by one, they were visibly surprised by my warm demeanor - some even shared a smile with me. It was a far cry from our usual cold interactions.
The morning passed smoothly, each task completed with efficiency and focus. The tranquility I experienced allowed me to approach my work with a renewed sense of purpose. The conversations around me flowed effortlessly, with laughter filling the air. I found myself engaging in light banter, enjoying the camaraderie among my peers.
However, as it was nearing noon, my boss entered the lab and asked if he could have a word with me in his office.
Mr. Harrison was a businessman first and a scientist second. Or rather, not at all. His priorities lay more within the realm of profit margins and sales figures than the intricacies of scientific discovery or realistic expectations. We often clashed over differing views, which led to tensions between us. I had come to learn that he did not appreciate defiance.
He motioned for me to sit across from him in his spacious office.
"Christianne," He began.
Yes, he was rather old fashioned. He called all his staff by their first name, but at the same time demand that we call him mr. Harrison.
"I have gotten word from IBM and the robotics code you wrote for them, has stopped working. I want you to try and fix it, because they are all on my ass about it." Mr. Harrison sighed deeply, leaning back in his chair.
He was blaming me for something gone wrong. Again. He didn't give me a lot of information to work with, but I already learned to expect no different. It's not like he had a degree in robotics, AI and biochemical engineering afterall.
"Sure," I replied cautiously, forcing a polite tone. "Let me take a look at it."
"Good, I want it done in a week's time."
A week! That was simply impossible. Escpecially because he didn't even specify what the original fault even was! Although I didn't agree with his timeline, I nodded reluctantly to appease him. I wasn't sure whether I could handle this challenge. Yet, I suppressed my concerns and tried to stay positive. As I returned to my computer, I immediately went to work on the code. I knew tonight was going to be another late one.
I had spent hours that day just even trying to find the problem. Meticulously I sifted through the code, analyzing every single aspect of it. Rewriting small bits of it. And running a bunch of simulations to see where the problem could possibly lie. But I didn't get anywhere with it.
Slowly I could feel myself getting stressed again. That familiar yet unwelcome pressure in my head had returned. The tightening in my temples and a feeling of uneasiness started creeping up on me, as I analyzed the code once more. I had hoped that the neural dampening device would have provided a buffer against such stress. However, it seemed to become ineffective as I delved back into the depths of frustration. I pushed my chair away from the desk and took a few deep breaths, attempting to regain control over my mounting agitation. But it didn't seem to help.
As I ran my hand across the back of my neck, I got reminded of the fact that I was wearing the device and it was still only running at 5% strength. Maybe, if I increased it's power by a bit, this headache would slowly subside. I reached for my phone to check the settings for the choker. I hesitated for a moment, thinking I knew the inherent risks involved in increasing the power. But with the looming deadline bearing down on me, I had no choice but to push forward.
With a deep breath, I adjusted the dial on the app to a new setting. 10%. For a brief moment my vision became slighlty foggy and a feeling of warmth spread from my neckline to my entire body, feeling almost lightly orgasmic.
As I reoriented myself, my mind never really cleared up, as a slight haziness stayed in my mind. But seeing as it didn't feel bad, I ignored it and tried to focus back on the lines of code. Alas I still could not figure the problems out. But instead of wracking my brain trying to figure it all out, I decided to call it a day early and headed home. There is no point stressing over this now, as that won't improve the quality of my work.
I knew that I needed to clear my mind and refresh myself, so I gathered my belongings and walked out of the lab. I had to admit. Even after the effects of the neural dampening device were heightened, I was still unable to find the source of the malfunction. But it didn't matter anymore. I had a deadline, and I was ready to tackle it head-on.
Upon returning home, I put on my comfiest pair of pajamas and settled on the couch with a bowl of freshly microwaved popcorn.