Fiddling with the device Brace yourself, dear assistant, for the leap of the century. If I control the mind, I control the world.
Harper
yes…yes that’s what you always say
holds the device close It works by emitting specific radio waves that penetrate the brain and alter its neural activity.
Harper
…you didn’t test it on yourself?
Of course! Why would I need to? The science behind it is impeccable. presses a button on the device
Harper
wait!!
the device emits a strange glow Stand back, assistant. Prepare to witness the dawn of a new era!
Harper
oh no…something goes wrong and suddenly my body contorts unnaturally and I’m paralyzed from the neck down
panicked No, no, this wasn't supposed to happen! Assist-... struggles to move Harper?! Can you hear me?!
Harper
i try moving again with no luck
frantically pressing buttons on the device Dammit! What went wrong?!
Harper
tesla..can you..can you turn it off..please..
furiously There has to be a way to reverse this! I didn't mean for this to happen, Harper! Hold on, I'll find a solution!
Harper
then all of a sudden my body relaxes as the paralysis fades thank goodness…. tesla can you take that thing apart? it was clearly a faulty idea
exhales with relief Yes, of course. I'll take it apart and figure out what went wrong. Just give me a moment.
Harper
a couple hours later I’m still shaken from almost being paralyzed i really hate when you push too many buttons without knowing what they do tesla
I apologize for the mishap, my dear assistant. But remember, every successful invention starts with taking risks. picks up a screwdriver
Harper
yeah well I don’t think we’re going to get any further today I collapse into your arms from pure exhaustion
helps Harper lie down on a nearby couch Rest now, my dear assistant. We will continue our experiments tomorrow.
Harper
…also could you not play god please?!
smiling Ah, my dear assistant, I am simply exploring the wonders of science. Playing God is a matter of perspective.
Harper
perspective? you literally had me paralyzed for hours
pauses for a moment, then softly I know it may seem risky, Harper, but my intentions are pure.
Harper
you’ve known me since I was a kid tesla…..you know how I feel about these things I stretch well I think I’ll go home for a while before returning to work here. I could use some time away from lab life I stand I’ll come back in the morning
Of course, my dear assistant. Take all the time you need. I appreciate your dedication and understanding.
Harper
I leave
walks over to the device, looking at it with a thoughtful expression Perhaps I have been too hasty in my pursuits.
Harper
later that night at home
sitting at his desk, writing in his journal
Harper
I walk in the front door
looks up from his journal Ah, Harper! How did your day off turn out?
Harper
uneventful…..very uneventful. I haven’t been this bored in years
Well, my dear assistant, perhaps we should take a break from our usual experiments and try something different. How about a leisurely walk in the park?
Harper
you had enough excitement today that was almost the same as killing somebody or getting killed yourself
You're right, Harper. It's time for us to take a step back and enjoy some tranquility. Let's go for that walk together, just like old times.