Michael was desperate for money. His student loans were due and jobs in his field dried up shortly after he graduated. He answered an ad for medical testing subjects. During the orientation they explained the more involved the testing was the higher the pay would be to the participants. Michael agreed to be in several studies over the next couple of months. The longest available were two week studies. He did as many as they would allow him. He got $400 for the two week studies. They forced him to take off a week in between tests.
Most tests were fairly benign. The worst was the hair growth gel. He was told to rub it in his hair each night. After two days the hair on his knuckles carpeted the back of his hands. Eventually, his hands had returned to normal but they made him wait a month until he was allowed on a new program. Things went on like that for almost a year when the research director called him into her office.
"I see that you have really embraced our program here. I would like to offer you a more long term study. Would you be interested? The pay is very excellent." She smiled genially at him.
"Of course I am interested!" Michael exclaimed.
"Now before you sign any paperwork you must understand. These tests are much more involved. You will experience many more physical symptoms. We do guarantee that you will not experience any permanent damage or alterations" She cautioned him.
He paused for a moment, "How good is the pay?"
She wrote a number down on a notepad and handed it to him. They were offering him $10,000 for a month. Michael almost fell out of his chair.
"Where do I sign?" he demanded.
She rose and usher him to her door. "First, you must go through an orientation process. If you are still interested then you will sign the contract and consent form. Then we will begin. Morgan will guide you through it all."
A pretty nurse stood outside the director's office smiling at him. She led him to a small conference room. A round table sat in the middle of the room. A folder laid on the the table flanked by two chairs. Morgan and Michael sat down. She began to explain the program.
"This study is on parasites. We introduce a particular parasite into your system. We see how it develops over the next month. After that it will be removed from your body." She cheerfully told him.
"What does this parasite do?" Michael asked her with concern in his voice.
"We just watch its growth. At most you will feel a little more hungry. The last week of the month we bring you here and record our findings. The only discomfort you may experience is during the removal process it but it is only temporary," she reassured him.
Michael was apprehensive. Growing a lot of hair on your knuckles is one thing but a parasite is completely different. The money would really help him a lot though. If things went well he could pay off his loans years ahead of time with a few of these studies. Reluctantly, he agreed. She had him sign the paperwork and led him to an exam room.
A male nurse came in carrying a small tray. On the tray was a vial of clear liquid. The nurse took the stopper out of the vial and handed it to Michael.
" Swallow all of the liquid please," the nurse said tersely.
Michael paused and then tipped the vial back emptying it into his mouth. It had an oily texture to it but no taste. He felt it slide down his throat. The nurse took the vial back.
"You may experience a little stomach cramping toward the end of three weeks. It is nothing to be concerned about. Come back on the 23rd please. If you have any questions please call the number supplied in your packet." The nurse left before Michael could say anything. He slid off of the exam table and left the building. He felt queasy but he wasn't sure it was from the stuff he had just swallowed or nerves.
They weren't kidding about the increased appetite. By the end of the first week Michael was eating double of what he normally ate. He never did put on any weight during those three weeks. His sex drive had increased as well. Michael typically didn't have one night stands but he found himself picking up women at the bar most nights. The only downside had been his food and drink bills. He was glad he would have extra money soon.
Two days before he was to return to the research facility he felt a twinge in his belly. It was a sharp ache that gradually dulled. Eating help to ease it. He packed a bag for the week and took the subway to the facility on the morning of the 23rd. He checked into the front desk. Morgan collected him from the waiting room fifteen minutes later. She showed him to a very comfortable room.
"This will be your room for the week. All of the data will be collected here. There is a menu in the nightstand if you feel hungry. The kitchen is always open. If you need anything just dial zero. Your doctor will be in shortly." Morgan smiled at him and closed the door.
Michael surveyed the room. A bed was on one side of the room. A dresser was at the foot of the bed. The nightstand next to the bed had a phone and inside the drawer was the menu Morgan had mentioned. A chair and ottoman was on the other side of the room. A television was mounted to the wall and could be moved by remote control to either be seen from the chair or bed. On the wall by the door stood the only medical looking piece of furniture was a desk with medical swabs and a rolling stool under it. Michael unpacked his things into the dresser. He was just about to turn on the television and order some food when the doctor came into the room. A nurse followed him wheeling a machine into the room.
"Well, Michael my name is Dr. Anggar. I will be monitoring you over this next week. Do you mind if I see what's been going on inside of you and then we will talk particulars?" He asked Michael already getting things ready.