"...And you understand that your participation in this research is entirely voluntary?"
"Yes."
The attendant marked off a check box on her clipboard and proceeded to the next question robotically reading the instructions. "You understand that at any point you may opt out of the research study?"
"Yes."
"You are here entirely of your own free will and understand that you may leave the room at any time?"
"Yes."
"You understand that you are entitled compensation in the amount of $500 upon the completion of your participation in this research study?"
"I do."
"Have you smoked in the last 48 hours?"
"No."
Another check mark. The sound of her pen was loud on the clipboard. "Have you drank any alcohol in the last 48 hour?"
"No."
Check. "Have you injected any substance in the last 48 hours? Illicit or not. That would include insulin, anabolic steroids, opioids...?"
"No."
Check.
"One final question. You consented to this on the release previously but we want it for the recording: you understand that this test involves the injection of a cocktail by your administrator followed by a physical examination and that the effects will wear off within one hour of administration."
"Yes." I replied nervously. Reality set in. This was no longer an abstract ad to make some quick cash.
"Thank you, Mr. Pierson." Having completed the form quickly and efficiently she clipped her pen into the clipboard and tucked her short blonde hair behind her ear. From beneath the intake form there was a Manila envelope marked "STEP TWO". She unsealed the envelope and produced a sheet of paper from inside. She adjusted her glasses and paused as she read the small print on the page. "It appears I will also be your test administrator today." She seemed surprised but she gathered herself and then continued. "I will step out of the room to give you some privacy." Her eyes widened as she skimmed the page of instructions. "Please disrobe completely and change into the gown provided on the table. You may fold your belongings and leave them in your chair. Proceed behind the curtain. Once you have entered the partition the test will commence. If at any time you wish to cease the test simply speak this phrase. Your administrator... I... will immediately cease the test and leave the room."
She handed me a small slip of paper that said "Promise Ripple Sanctuary." Clearly they were just three words chosen to not have any chance at accidentally being uttered.
"At that point you may change back into your clothing and exit the exam room. Failure to complete the examination will not have any impact on your compensation. The examination will not be unpleasant, but part of the test is to judge the efficacy of administering the process without inducing undue anxiety on our participants."
I nodded. She handed me her clipboard and asked me to sign and date the bottom of the page. I did so and handed the clipboard back to her. She left the room.
The room looked like a large doctor's office examination room with a giant shower curtain hanging from the ceiling dividing out the partition.
I followed instructions and kicked off my flip flops, my jeans, underwear and shirt. I had taken a physical before so it wasn't as if I was uncomfortable but as I reached for the gown, my eyes caught the camera in the corner of the room. Still, $500 is $500, so I put on the gown and pulled back the curtain. It was a standard open back hospital gown. It was short but gave me enough coverage in the front to be modest - about down to mid thigh.
In front of me was a raised platform about two feet off of the ground and about a meter square. On the platform was what looked like a tall standing desk with two leaves flipped up to the sides. The surface of the desk was raised high enough to where when I wasn't standing on the platform, I could easily walk under it entirely.
Taped to the underside of one of the upturned leaves was a plastic folder containing sheet clearly marked "SUBJECT INSTRUCTIONS" in large red letters.
I stepped up on the raised platform and pulled the sheet out of its sleeve.
"Welcome. Please read all instructions.
1. Stand on the blue X facing the red X.
2. Place your torso against the black rubberized cushion.
3. Carefully pull each leaf down behind you. Each should make a "click" sound when it locks into place.