As he peered around the corner there was another echoing snap that ripped through the air, and a sudden sting erupted from his chest and began to spread outwards. A moment of breathlessness fell upon him as he began to panic, reeling in confusion as the world fell away and darkness rushed in.

Rushing lights, white blaring noise, and suddenly he was gasping for air and flailing in the shimmering wetness. His hand finally wrapped about a nearby grasp and he pulled himself upright, coughing and sputtering to clear his lungs. A dull droning voice buzzed all about him, on and on it went until finally coming with clarity.

"Please enjoy your new body courtesy of Gentek corporations, all memories have been downloaded according to our emergency replacement protocols and procedures. Gentek life insurance, a new you is just a slip away!"

art @  loculi