Claude dreamed of being trapped, apartment burning, flames melting his skin. He awoke screaming soundlessly and tried jerking upright. Membranes flexed, immobilising him.
“Easy, Mr Hutton. Burn damage was extensive, but once the SmartSkin finishes integrating with your nervous system and musculature it will accommodate every predicted motion. Twitch your thumb if you understand.”
SmartWhat? No, I don’t understand, he thought.
Pressure built around his thumb. It twitched.
I didn’t do that!
Claude felt neck skin constrict, forcing his larynx to rasp, “Thank you for my life, Doctor.”
Someone, please help me!
The Skin pulled Claude’s cheeks into a smile.
sizes="(min-width: 1200px) 550px, (min-width: 750px) calc((100vw - 130px) / 2), calc((100vw - 50px) / 2)"
alt="Trapped by Jeff Currier"
class="motion-reduce"
loading="lazy"
width="1200"
height="630"
>
sizes="(min-width: 1200px) 550px, (min-width: 750px) calc((100vw - 130px) / 2), calc((100vw - 50px) / 2)"
alt="Truth Hurts by Richard Lau"
class="motion-reduce"
loading="lazy"
width="1200"
height="630"
>
sizes="(min-width: 1200px) 550px, (min-width: 750px) calc((100vw - 130px) / 2), calc((100vw - 50px) / 2)"
alt="The Colgate Kid by Jim Myhill"
class="motion-reduce"
loading="lazy"
width="1200"
height="630"
>
sizes="(min-width: 1200px) 550px, (min-width: 750px) calc((100vw - 130px) / 2), calc((100vw - 50px) / 2)"
alt="Public Nuisance by Chris McGrane"
class="motion-reduce"
loading="lazy"
width="1200"
height="630"
>