A test subject

"Yes, yes, thank you for coming up," Max says, waving his hand as if to dismiss the formalities. "I really need you to stand over here." He points to a slightly raised circular platform a few meters away. Confused, Molly obliges and moves towards the platform, stepping up onto it.

"It's funny," Max explains, "this is usually the hardest part. I can make a suit that turns invisible, but as soon as I look for a willing test subject, it's the most complicated thing." He holds up the ray gun, inspecting it. "Sorry, test subject?" Molly asks timidly, voice breaking. "You didn't say-" Max looks up at her. "Oh did I not mention that? Usually the interns know what to expect when they come up here, but you must be new. Oh well, I don't mind at all." He flips a switch and the gun starts humming. A few small lights flicker to life on its side and Max looks at it, pleased.

Molly stands still, frozen. She wanted to help out Max but a test subject?! What sort of weapon or device was he testing out!? Was this covered in her contract? Surely Max wouldn't do something that would harm her. Wait could she get hurt? A thousand questions flew through her head and immobilized her. Unbothered, Max raised the gun and pointed it at her. "Hold still..." he said, then fired.