Growl

It started way down in Lois' throat, a deep menacing vibration that emerged from lips drawn back to portray her new fangs. The hair was standing up on her back and shoulders—she could feel the horripilation—and if Mercy had been physically in the room with her...

"Down bitch," Mercy said. "Or I'll take you to obedience school."

"What have you done to me?" Lois growled—literally growled, unable to keep her rage out of the question.

"All part of the experiment, Lane. You answer the questions, we measure your responses. You don't answer the questions, or lie, and you get punished—and we measure your responses. Either way, we get the data we need. The only question is, how much are you going to fight? Because we've got a way to go, and it's going to be a lot easier if you just give in and cooperate. Who knows?" Mercy teased. "Now, as for the next question: are you a furry?"

Lois snarled. The question was unexpected and ironic, given the transformation. In truth, she didn't think of herself as a furry...but she knew about it. Had done a piece once, covering a furry convention. Had talked for hours about the enthusiasts, some of whom were mental and some who were just kinky. Late at night, in a hotel room, she had sat in silence as six of them held an orgy...none of them had fursuits on, because those things cost thousands of dollars, but they had tailplugs and plastic ears, makeup and acting...three cats, two dogs, and one trans person that looked like a lizard. It had been an eye-opening experience, and while Lois wasn't into the scene, she knew that after the party was over she'd gone back to her own hotel room and fingered herself to sleep...

The screen was counting down, waiting for an answer.

"Go to hell." Lois said—and leaped. Back legs coiled underneath her, muscles surprising powerful; she must have gone six feet in the air, claws scratching at the screen, leaving a trail of thin gashes. She landed back on her feet, easily, surprised at how well her legs absorbed the shock of the landing.

"Bad dog." Mercy said. "Guess you need another penalty."

The panel in the ceiling slipped aside, and another metal arm with a spherical dome attached descended. The bottom half of the dome split and retracted. Lois braced herself.