Mercy

A familiar boyish face filled the screen, and Lois shivered at the sight of Mercy Graves, Lex Luthor's bodyguard and chauffeur. She wore a grey suit, buttoned up and proper, small breasts almost hidden. The background of the picture was a blank field of color that pulsed slightly between white and pink. Instinctively, Lois worked to cover herself with her hands.

"Thank you for agreeing to this treatment," she said. Mercy didn't smile, her voice flat and without affect. All business. "The lights are coming on now."

The sun lamps against the walls began to heat up. Lois worried for a moment, but suddenly felt...good. All the aches, nausea, and fever she'd been experiencing vanished in moments as she soaked up the rays.

"The cocktail you drank contained a genetically engineered retrovirus—as we speak, it has permeated your system, and is rewriting ever cell with a light overlay of alien genetic material. The sunlamps will activate new structures in your skin cells. "

The lights continued to intensify, and though Lois knew she should start to feel the burn from the lamps, it felt no more than being out on a summer's day...albeit naked. She wondered how well Mercy could see her with the lamps on, or if this was a pre-recording.

"The cells absorb yellow sunlight—as you are experiencing right now—which boost the immune system. You will never be sick again. You will age slower, process toxins faster. But that's not all."

Lois shuddered at this implication, and looked around the room as Mercy continued her monologue. The naked reporter looked back at the screen, Mercy's blank face, and still couldn't tell if it was happening in real time or a recording. The background seemed to be pulsing faster.

"...the alien genetics spontaneously mutate in response to certain frequencies of radiation. In the native lifeforms, these effects are temporary, but for a percentage of those who undergo this treatment, the effects are permanent. Imagine a natural breast augmentation, with no surgery or healing time. Or an instant, perfect gender reassignment for transgender individuals. Even more exotic options are available for those who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder..."

The light was almost blinding now, even with the goggles, but Lois felt...alive, almost burning with excess energy. Even the tinge of pleasant alcoholic haze had vanished. She felt better than she ever had in her life...but also deathly afraid. Whatever else Lex was, he was a genius. If anyone could do what Mercy was claiming it was him. The thing is, she only knew of one alien that absorbed yellow sunlight...and only one thing that caused such rapid and drastic changes to him...

"...other frequencies cause mental changes. You might experience a shift in sexual preference, or gain a sudden surge of confidence..."

Lois wondered about the other women, who had stood where she stood now. This sort of treatment had to be experimental...even if it worked, there could be side effects.

"...we are now going to administer the change you requested." Mercy said. The background behind her was pulsing regularly. "Stand still."

And Lois did.

A panel disappeared from the ceiling, and a small arm began to descend. On the end of it was a chunk of crystal. For lack of better options, Lois steeled herself. Whatever was going to happen, she couldn't run from it.