Print original clawed feet had been sawn off and replaced with metal caps that were welded into the floor. Several restraining straps draped over the chair's back and seat lethargically. A support for the occupant's head had been mounted on the back of the seat, complete with two leather belts of its own--one for the forehead and one to fit between the teeth. Metal cuffs had been built onto the arms, trailing wires out, down onto the floor, and up again to a large machine. A table stood next to the chair and the machine. It contained a similar mess of science-related paraphernalia as the table out in the first workroom.

Mr. Savoy crossed over to the table and picked up a beaker. The excitement on his face was transparent. Lucian followed, a bit more reserved. He knew that his associate was just as excited, if not more, about the possibility of this succeeding as he was, but for a different reason. Savoy had always been enthusiastic about pure science. The process was just as important to him as were the results. Lucian would only be excited once the results were what he hoped for.

"Here you are, Mr. DeYarrik, enjoy." Savoy proffered the beaker to Lucian. Doubtful. The compounds were often rather foul concoctions. But he took the beaker, set his jaws, and poured it into his mouth. Just as he expected, it was a minor miracle that he did not spit it all over the room. He choked it down, and rolled up the sleeves of his shirt. He breathed several times through his nose to steel his reserve, and sat down in the chair. Savoy stepped forward and began tightening the various straps. The little man then stepped over to the machine and put his hand on a large switch.

"Are you ready?" Savoy's anticipation caused his voice to quaver almost orgasmically. Lucian closed his eyes and nodded slightly. Savoy threw the switch.

Electricity slammed its way through his body, arcing up his right arm, through his chest and out through his left arm. The pain was so excruciating that he would have bit through his tongue if the leather strap had not been placed between his teeth. He writhed against the restraints, seeking any kind of relief, but succor remained out of reach.

After what seemed like several eternities, Savoy shut off the generator. Lucian sagged against his restraints, relieved by the sudden cessation of pain. Savoy rushed over, quickly let him out of the restraints, and pulled him out of the chair. The two men slowly made their way out of the room and into the main workspace Savoy holding Lucian up until they got to a couch. He then let Lucian slump down on it. Lucian watched as the small man prepare a cup of tea and eagerly took in shaking hands when it was proffered. The tea was lukewarm--cool enough not to scorch his tongue but warm enough to waft mist. After about a quarter of an hour, he was recovered enough to sit up from his slump.

Savoy drew a stool up close to the couch and looked at Lucian with a quavering look of questioning. "Did it work?"

Lucian carefully set the teacup down next to him on the couch. His hands had stopped trembling, but a sheen of sweat dotted his body. He closed his eyes and held out his right hand. Please let this work this time. He strained as hard as he could, envisioning a blast of energy coming from his hand and striking the wall opposite the couch. After several minutes of effort, he realized that he had been holding his breath. He dropped his hand and began breathing again. He collapsed back on the couch and looked at the wall. No burn spot.

This disappointment was too much. Lucian let out an inarticulate scream of rage. He scooped up the teacup and hurled it at the wall. It shattered, sending liquid and porcelain splinters flying everywhere. He stalked back into the other room and threw himself into the chair. He began fastening the straps. Savoy followed him into the room, spluttering in shock.

"Wait a minute, you want to do this again? You can't withstand another shock like that tonight!"

"I'm not going to because you're going to increase the voltage," he snarled. "Do you have any more of that concoction?"

"Well, yes,