I took a sip of my coffee. It had long since grown cold, but that didn’t matter; as I typed away on my mechanical keyboard, my monitor burning my retinas with blue light, my only goal was to finally finish my project. I was practically seeing double from staring at the small text of my scripting software, but I was determined to keep going despite my body and mind yearning for rest. 

Because as soon as I finish this, I’ll finally be able to rest, once and for all. 

“Hey, you still- oh, sorry, didn’t mean to scare you!” My roommate Jess apologized, after her sudden appearance in the doorway made me leap a few feet into the air. Her auburn eyes stared at my disheveled appearance apologetically, scanning me with concern. She must’ve just gotten back from her evening workout, as her gray tank top and green nylon shorts were dripping with sweat that covered every inch of her fair skin. A drop of sweat made its way onto the carpet of my bedroom, dropping from the tip of her ponytail full of slightly frazzled raven hair.

“H-Hey! Um, y-yeah I’m still working.” I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes from underneath my glasses, then shook my head to help clear my thoughts a little. I ran my hand through my short red hair as I leaned back in my chair and stretched, sighing contently as I opened my eyes again. “I’ve only got a little bit left to go. And I mean it this time, I’ve just got a few things I need to finish up.”

Jess stared back suspiciously, but then sighed with defeat. “Beth, you know what I’m gonna say already. Just… don’t overdo it, okay? I’m sure whatever your computer mumbo-jumbo will do is less important than taking care of yourself.” She looked at me with deep concern, and it made me shrink into my cheap office chair a little. “Well,” she said, straightening up, “I’m gonna hit the shower. I’ve gotta wake up early for work tomorrow, I’ll probably eat and head to bed pretty quick after. If I don’t see you before tomorrow, then good night!”

I gave her a warm smile back. “If all goes well, you might see me in the kitchen in a little bit! But we’ll see.” She shrugged back, and we both turned back towards what we were doing. My hands crept back up to the keyboard, clattering away with determination. I really did mean what I said: all I needed was to add a few more lines to terminate these processes, and… done! Finally, all the software was done! 

Now I just need to debug one last time, and… oh, an error. Hey, that’s better than the seven last time! Let’s see… oh, whoops, missed a comma here. Honestly surprised I haven’t made more syntax errors with how tired I am. Let’s run it again, and…

No errors.

No errors?

Am I… done?

Wow, I’m actually done! Or at least, I hope I’m done.

There’s still one problem, and that’s testing the damn thing. 

But that’s an issue for tomorrow. For tonight, I think I’ll just treat myself to some ice cream.

Or… maybe not even that.

I was halfway to the doorway when my legs carried me back towards my bed. I didn’t even bother closing my door before I launched myself onto the mattress and buried my poor, abused eyes in the pillows. I took off my glasses, lazily set them down on the end table (or, I think I did, I couldn’t be asked to check), and moments later felt my body give in to sleep. 

The microwave chimed, and I pulled the door open. I carefully grabbed the rim of the plastic cup, brought it over to the table, and peeled back the lid. A wonderfully steamy aroma filled the room, and I stirred my ramen noodles to make sure the artificial flavoring was properly incorporated. I shoved my fork in, twisted it a few times, pulled it out, blew on the noodles, then shoved them in my mouth.

I’ll be honest: I may eat these out of necessity, but I never get tired of the taste! Maybe it’s all the salt in there, but I don’t care! It’s good, cheap, and filling! What more could a starving college student with ever-growing debt ask for?

My moment of reverie was interrupted by the front door unlocking, and a very tired Jess stumbling her way inside. She set her bag down on the counter, then froze as she saw me enjoying my meal.

“You’re… you actually crawled out of your cave?!” She asked in disbelief.

“Y’know, contrary to popular belief, I am in fact a human being that requires sustenance.” I replied sarcastically, grinning smugly as I took another bite of noodles from my cup.

“Coulda fooled me!” She said, playfully jabbing my arm with her elbow as she set her keys on the table. “Does that mean you’re finally done with your project?”

I nodded back, mouth still full of noodles. I managed to swallow, then addressed Jess as she walked back towards the fridge. “Yup! Just need to do actual testing, first.”

Jess grabbed some leftovers out of the fridge, cracked open the plastic container, and threw it in the microwave. “Nice, congrats!” She replied, starting the appliance before turning back to me. “Y’know, you’ve never told me what exactly your project does or anything. So, c’mon, spill the beans: is it a skeleton key to the Swiss bank or the Pentagon or something?”

I chuckled, almost choking on my noodles in the process. “No, no, nothing as crazy as that! It’s actually software for a little contraption I made: it’s basically a fancy neck massager. It massages the skin, but it also sends signals to the body that help your muscles relax even more! All you do is let it sit on the back of your neck, and a little while later, it’ll be completely knot free!”

She raised an eyebrow, her interest thoroughly piqued. “Oooh~, sounds pretty interesting! Maybe I’ll have to try it out sometime!”

“Maybe! I’ve still gotta do a little testing first, make sure it’s safe to use. Don’t want it shattering people’s necks or anything, y’know?” I started slurping up the delicious, salty broth from my cup. 

“Fair enough.” Jess said as she pulled her leftovers out of the microwave. “Well, let me know when you need a human test subject, I could probably use a good massage!”

“Sure, will do!” I got up from the table right as Jess sat down, and threw my empty cup in the trash. “Tonight, though, I need some more sleep. This thing’s absolutely killed my sleep schedule.” I washed the fork, and placed it in the drying rack. 

“Sounds good, I’m gonna eat and hit the hay too.” Jess said, mouth full of reheated lasagna. “Catch you on the flip side!”

“Catch you- oh, before I forget…” I caught myself on the doorframe, and turned to face my roommate. “It’s been really stuffy today, and I think the A/C is throwing a fit. Do you mind sleeping with your bedroom door open? It’ll make the A/C work less, so neither of us will die from the humidity.”

She shot me a thumbs up, and I returned one myself. I walked into my room, set my alarm on my phone, and flopped onto my bed for another good night’s sleep.

The sound of my phone buzzing finally woke me up. I grabbed my phone, silenced the alarm, and looked at the time.

2:30 A.M.

I would never normally set my alarm this early of my own volition. Normally I wake up around noon, or 8 if I have classes.

But today was a special day.

Today… I test the Mind Melter.

I got up from my bed, my pajamas sticking to my skin from the humidity. After retrieving my glasses, I walked over to the computer desk, moved the mouse a little, and the screen jumped to life. The progress bar was filled completely. I closed the window, and ran a few test commands. They all returned errors, but that was intentional. They didn’t have a proper target, after all.

I looked over and unplugged the silver contraption from its charging cable. It was an almost circular metal collar with a hinge at the back that split it in half. The inside was lined with spherical protrusions along the back half, and the front had a small clasp where the ends met. It was a little bulky, but surprisingly light thanks to the aluminum casing. I checked the laptop sitting next to it, and it was reading a signal from the device. Currently it had no target, and was on standby.

That was about to change.

I waited for the fans on my laptop to quiet down, then finally picked up both it and the Mind Melter and headed into the dark kitchenette. I quietly snuck into Jess’ open bedroom, and allowed my eyes to adjust to the darkness. There on her twin-sized bed laid my roommate, quietly sleeping on her side without a care in the world. 

I inched closer, trying my best to control my breathing. I carefully set my laptop on the ground next to the bed, and then crept closer on my knees to the edge of the bed. Jess’ back was to me, giving me the perfect opportunity. I opened the device up, and as quietly and delicately as I could, slipped one end underneath her neck. As soon as it was in place, I slowly got up on my feet and leaned over. I lifted the other end of the Mind Melter over, holding the latch in place as the two ends drew near. I carefully released the small plastic latch, and with an almost inaudible click, the device was now armed and ready.

I remembered to breathe, slowly inhaling as I allowed the soft interior of the device to rest against her neck. She seemed to pay no mind, and so I looked down at my laptop. Its status had changed, and now read “Awaiting authorization” with an option to begin below. I bent down next to the laptop, and with shaking fingers, dragged the pointer the box. I swallowed nervously, and tapped my finger to the trackpad.

The status changed to “Initializing,” and for a few moments it felt like nothing happened. I stood up and watched Jess intently, looking for anything different, but she seemed to just be sleeping soundly. My heart sank, and began reaching over to unclasp the device from her. Just another failure, I thought as my hand touched the back of the device.

And then Jess’ eyes flew open.

I immediately jerked back my hand and stood up straight. I began thinking up my practiced excuse and almost began reciting it prematurely, but then I noticed she wasn’t moving. Her breathing was still deep and steady, and not a muscle other than her eyes had moved. I checked the laptop’s screen, and noticed it had finally changed once more.

“Awaiting Input.”

Oh my god. It worked!

It actually worked!!!!!

I almost jumped for joy, but to be safe, I settled on a quiet fistpump. I wasn’t out of the woods yet, but this was a massive step forward. I walked over to the other side of the bed, and Jess’ eyes failed to track my movement. Even through the darkness, it was quite apparent just how hollow and empty that gaze was.

“Jess, stand up.” I quietly ordered.

Slowly and clumsily, my roommate complied. Her legs swung over the edge, then she pushed her torso upright, and then finally stood up. She continued to stare into space, only blinking a couple times, her ample chest rising and falling steadily. Her slightly tanned skin glistened from the little bit of light that came in through the window, the humidity making her t-shirt and panties stick to her body.

“State your full name.” I commanded.

“Jessica Madeleine Shaw.” She replied, her voice completely devoid of all emotion. If it weren’t for her slight Southern inflection, I’d’ve never known the voice belonged to her.

I licked my dry lips. “Jess, l-listen to me closely,” I said, my voice wavering slightly. “In a moment, I’m going to tell you some things, and those things will become absolute, immutable truths to you. They are things that you believe subconsciously that must be followed no matter what the circumstance. Do you understand?”

Jess nodded slowly.

I took a deep breath to center myself. “Good, then repeat after me: I am controlled by Beth.”

“I am controlled by Beth.”

“Beth is my Controller.”

“Beth is my Controller.”

“I must always obey my Controller’s orders.”

“I must always obey my Controller’s orders.”

“My Controller’s will is absolute.”

“My Controller’s will is absolute.”

“Now, repeat those phrases over and over until they are firmly cemented in your subconscious.”

“I am controlled by Beth. Beth is my Controller. I must always obey my Controller’s orders. My Controller’s will is absolute. I am controlled by Beth…” Jess monotoned into the night. 

I couldn’t help but cheer silently, bouncing around on my feet giddily as I pranced around my utterly enthralled roommate.

Success! I can hardly believe it, but that cutie farm girl is finally MINE! Oh, how I’ve longed for this day to come! Now that I’ve enslaved her, I don’t even know what to do with her! Should I go straight into sex? Or maybe I’ll turn her into my cute little kitty cat. Or maybe… oh, what if I made her forget about this, and just slowly corrupt her?

Ohohoho, delightfully devilish idea, Bethany! I should grab my phone first, though, take a picture to commemorate my first slave’s indoctrination! I almost skipped out of Jess’ bedroom and back into mine, searching for my phone and finding it on my end table. I quickly snatched it up, unlocked the screen, turned on the camera app, and then happily made my way back into Jess’ room, where I…

Wait, where did Jess-

One arm wrapped tightly around my neck, and a hand clasped over my mouth. I tried to scream, but it was futile. I tried to thrash out, but it was useless against her iron grip. She clamped harder on my throat, and I tried desperately to gasp for air. My lungs were burning, my consciousness was fading, and soon enough, everything went dark.

I woke up feeling like utter garbage. I lifted my head, stretched my arms and-

Oh. I can’t move my arms.

Wait, that's not right.

I forced my eyes open slowly, adrenaline suddenly rushing through my veins. It was dark, but a couple of monitors were pouring blinding white light into the room. I looked down to shield my eyes, and found duct tape around my legs. I seemed to be sitting in that cheap office chair I’d spent so much time coding in, but… well, gauging from the fact I couldn’t move my arms from behind me, I probably wouldn’t be doing much of that right now. I tried screaming for help, but found my lips tightly sealed. 

“Oh, you’re awake.” I heard a familiar voice call out. I craned my neck around to see, and lo and behold, Jess was sitting on my bed. Her face was illuminated by a phone, and judging by the barely visible stickers, it was my phone. “Don’t mind me, just been goin’ through your phone to see if you’ve got anything else hidden in there. Haven’t found anything, which is a bit of a bummer.”

She got up and sauntered over to me. “I’d ask you to explain yourself, but I’m not stupid. I know what you said to me while that… thing was fuckin’ with my mind.” She pointed at the Mind Melter, which was sitting on the table once more, charging. “So guess what? I believe in just returnin’ in kind, so how’s about we give you a taste of your own medicine? I think that’s a fair trade… Controller.” She whispered those last few words into my ears, her voice absolutely dripping with poison. 

As she began walking back to the desk, I immediately began thrashing around to try and find a way out. No no no no no, this can’t be happening! It was going so well, my perfect plan! She’s mine, damn it! And now I’m going to lose her, and everything else I’ve worked so hard for! I can’t let that happen, there’s gotta be a way out of this! I tested the restraints on my arms, but they held fast. I tried turning my torso, but there was another line of tape just below my chest that I couldn’t see. My legs gave a little bit of wiggle, but my feet were firmly strapped to the legs of the chair. I tossed and turned in a panic, losing my balance and toppling over like a sack of potatoes onto my side. My head dimly hurt from the impact with the floor, and Jess turned around to face me, Mind Melter in hand.

“Y’know, I don’t blame you for tryin’ to escape.” Jess said as she kneeled down next to me. “But that’s more than you gave me. At least, intentionally, that is. I’m not takin’ any chances with you.”

She slipped the device underneath my neck.

I screamed, and cried, and begged with all of my being. I writhed around as much as I could, as if it would delay the inevitable.

The end of the device clasped shut.

I sobbed, nothing but pathetic whimpers escaping me now.

Jess got up, walked over to my laptop, and clicked the mousepad. 

For a moment, there was intense pain. It was blinding, and stretched from head to toe. I felt a fire go through my entire nervous system, lighting up each neuron in a blaze of torment.

And then, there was nothing.

I felt nothing.

I was nothing.

A vacancy of anything. A hollow emptiness.

I was allowed nothing.

I felt my brain try something.

Something was not allowed.

That something was suppressed by a torrential force, pushing me back towards my state of nothingness.

I became nothing once more.

“Hhhwhhhtnnng cmmmnnndss.” There was something blocking my voice, but that didn’t matter. I had executed the only command available, and was now awaiting more commands.

“Huh, so that’s what I looked like.” A voice said in the distance. It sounded… familiar, but as soon as that thought appeared, it vanished into nothing once more. “Alrighty then, Beth, here’s what’s gonna happen. When you return to normal, you’ll do everything I say, no matter what.  In fact, I want you to bury and imprint that fact so deep within yourself that it could never be undone. You’ll always do exactly what I tell you to, without fail. I am now your Controller, and you must follow my commands. Go ahead and repeat that ‘til it’s firmly stuck in your brain.”

A new command has been recognized.

Imprinting command within the subject’s psyche…

Imprinting…

Imprinting…

Commands imprinted.

“Cmmmnnndss mmmprrrnntddd.”

“Oh, guess that means you’re done, huh? Well, time for the moment of truth.”

I waited for more inputs.

Then, suddenly, thoughts began appearing. One by one at first, then a torrential flood of them. I blinked my eyes, regaining awareness of my surroundings, and then…

Oh.

Oh no.

Tears began welling up in my eyes again. It was all I could do now. I had been… defeated, completely and utterly. There was no coming back from this. I had committed an unforgivable sin, and this was my divine retribution for it. All I could do was sob pathetically as my mind struggled to comprehend this flood of emotions pouring out. 

“Beth, look at me. Focus on me, and listen closely.” Jess said from next to the desk.

I must do everything she says, no matter what.

I tried to keep my eyes closed, but it was as if some invisible force pushed them open. I tried looking away, but they stuck to my roommate’s illuminated figure. My sense of hearing was seemingly heightened, and I couldn’t focus on anything else in the room. I was helpless to do anything except explicitly what she just told me to do; a prisoner of my own body.

“Good. Now, here’s what you’re gonna do.” She walked over and knelt down next to me again, and I was forced to look up at her face. She seemed… anxious, despite how confidently she spoke. “You will not speak to me unless I allow you to. When I cut this duct tape off ya, you’re gonna take your mind-controlling doohickey and plug it in to recharge. You’ll then stand at attention until I tell you otherwise. Are we clear?”

My head nodded slowly. 

“Good.” She ripped the duct tape off my mouth, my skin stinging from the sudden action. I instinctively opened my mouth to cry out for help, but… nothing came out. My vocal chords refused to work. As Jess walked out of the room, all I could do was silently cry even more. She returned a few moments later with a pair of scissors, and a few minutes later I had been freed from my constraints. I slowly picked myself up off the floor, stretching my aching body, then placed my hands on the front of the Mind Melter. I undid the clasp and took off the contraption, then set it on the desk and plugged it in. I then found my body standing at attention, no matter what else I tried telling it to do. 

“Good job!” Jess praised me, shaking my shoulder. “Now, here’s what we’ll do next: as soon as that device is ready, I’m going to have you put it back on me.” I raised my eyebrow, and she shook her head. “Don’t get any ideas: you’re gonna turn it on, un-fuck my brain, then turn it off. Nothing more, nothing less. Once you’ve done that, you’ll stand back at attention. Are we clear?”

I nodded. I tried saying something, even just a confirmation, but I was not allowed.

“Now, go ahead an’ answer my questions: how long ‘til this thing charges again?”

“I… don’t know.” I said hoarsely, my throat extremely parched.

“Well, I guess we can wait a few minutes, then.” She sized me up and down, then sighed as she took a seat on my bed and crossed her legs. “So, answer honestly: why’d you go after me first?”

“A few reasons…” I stated against my will. “You were the easiest person to isolate. You were also the most likely to discover me if I didn’t.” 

“Well, guess that makes-”

“Also you’re kind of cute.” STOP IT ME, STOP TALKING! 

That definitely caught her by surprise.

“I’ve had my eye on you for a while. I do think you’re a nice person. I enjoy being your roommate, and… wouldn’t have minded being more than that.”

That got her blushing furiously. “O-Oh, well… y’know there’s more- no, y’know that already, I don’t need to explain how people normally go ’bout these things. But… were you really interested in me, like, romantically? What’d you… actually want from me?”

Wait, hold on, this is my chance!

“I want you to become my devoted and loving slave.”

Immediately, Jess’ eyes went wide. “What? Wait, hold on, no…” She held her head in her hands, nails digging into her scalp as she tried to fight it. “No! I’m not! I’m not your… your…”

Sorry, Jess. Just following orders.

She looked down at her hands, then finally looked up at me, tears welling in her eyes. “I’m your slave? I… I am!” Her expression of shock melted into pure glee at this new revelation, as her mind started fitting everything together to comply with my demand. “I love you so much Controller, I’ll do anything you ask of me!”

I opened my mouth to say something, but no sound escaped. I still wasn’t allowed to speak.

“Oh my gosh, I totally forgot!” My fawning slave girl blubbered. “You can talk and move like normal again, Controller!”

Suddenly, I felt a huge wave of relief wash over me as I could finally relax my posture. I started giggling uncontrollably, which grew into a raucous, maniacal fit of laughter as I flopped back onto my bed. “I almost can’t believe it! I’ve done it, again! You nearly turned the tables on me, but I was always in control! You’re mine, and you’re never going to leave me or try to break free ever again!” I punched a fist towards the ceiling in triumph, my sweat glistening from the light of the computer monitors.

Jess snuggled up next to me, pressing herself into me and cooing into my ear. “I’m so sorry I did that to you, Controller. I swear, I will never betray you ever again! I jus’ want to be near you and serve you forever.”

I pet her head, causing her to mewel appreciatively. “That you will! But first, we’re going to put your plan into action. As a certain someone said,” I booped her nose, “I’m not taking extra chances. You’re going to put it on me, undo everything you did, and then release me. Does that sound like a plan?”

She gazed over at me adoringly. “Absolutely, Controller! Anything for you!”

I yawned deeply, then smiled warmly at her. “Good. Now, it’s been a bit of a hectic morning so far, wouldn’t you say? Let’s get this over with, then continue this after a few more hours of sleep.”

Jess happily got up from the bed and began walking over to the desk. “Alrighty then, Controller!” She picked up the headset, unplugged it, and brought it back over to me.

She placed it around my neck, sending a chill down my spine.

The front latch closed quietly.

She walked back over to the laptop, and clicked the trackpad.

For a moment, every neuron in my body was alight.

And then, there was nothing.