Schizogenesis [chapter 20]

Minton practically salivated as he thought about what he could do with his new toy. Cruising down a back road in Ed’s dually, he glanced over the dash and saw the CD sticking out of the player. He pushed it in, expecting to hear shit-kicking music. He was surprised to hear a voice discussing molecular physics. Minton listened closely as the professor explained how the machine altered structure at the level of molecules. He said that someone affected by the machine could think objects light or heavy, big or small, and even visible or not.

When it ended, Minton played it again while his excitement grew. He couldn’t wait to try the powers the machine promised. He stopped the truck.

After climbing into the truck bed, Minton examined the machine. Standing next to it, he felt nothing out of the ordinary. He reached over and patted it. Nothing. He nudged it with his foot. Still nothing. He gave it a kick.

It didn’t make a sound but suddenly the air felt different, as if charged with static electricity.

Minton reached down with both hands to grab the machine and shake it but noticed a warm feeling as he touched the machine. The warmth spread up his arms and the skin color seemed to take on a greenish tinge. He felt the pulse in his fingertips and turned loose, stepped back. Too weird.