The Research Center isn't far, and you soon find yourself approaching the tall glass structure at a brisk pace.
As you step through the doors of the King Applied Research Center, you're greeted by a slender young woman who, despite wearing a crisp white lab coat, seems to be a receptionist.
"Welcome to King Applied Research Center!" she says warmly. "My name is Rosa. How can we help enrich your life today?"
"I, uh, heard you guys were looking for participants for some kind of study?"
Rosa smiles.
"That's right! Here at King Applied Research Center we're always working for the betterment of mankind, but this quarter has been exceptionally exciting! As we speak, several of our most groundbreaking long-term projects are nearing completion and entering the testing phase."
As if from nowhere Rosa produces a stack of papers, which she then hands to you.
"By signing these papers you agree that any and all information, trade secrets and unreleased technology within this building are the sole property of King Applied Research Center, and that you will not reveal to anyone, in whole or in part, any details of our projects or your participation therein."
After flipping through the papers to confirm that they were, in fact, a standard nondisclosure agreement, you sign with the provided pen.
"Excellent!" says Rosa with a smile. "Now, as I said, there are several ongoing studies in which your participation would be most valuable. You will, of course, be well compensated for your time. My personal favorite is the IDTS. That's short for Inter-Dimensional Temporal Shifting. In addition to being one of the first to experience the wonders of paradox-free time travel, you'd be paid $2000 for your—"
"The wonder of what now?" you exclaim. "You're pulling my leg, right?"
Rosa smiles warmly.
"That's a common reaction among those new to our research, but I assure you the technology is quite real. However, your skepticism is understandable. For that reason I would like to remind you that you will receive the full $2000 for your participation whether or not the trial proves successful."
"Uh…right," you say. "Still, are there any trials being conducted in this dimension?"
"Oh, most certainly!" says Rosa. "Over in Experimental Neurology they're currently testing an exciting new consciousness transference protocol. While we're not offering quite as much for participation in that study, it's another personal favorite of mine. Compensation in that study falls between $1000 and $1500, depending on the particulars of your trial."
"That sounds interesting," you say, "what's a consciousness transference protocol?"
"To put it in layman's terms, CTP is what you might call 'mind switching' or 'body swapping.' It's quite safe, and sure to be all the rage when it's released to the public in a few years. Once again, you'll be paid whether or not anything actually happens, so please put aside your skepticism."
"Uh… right then," you say. "Is there anything else? Maybe something… less weird?"
Rosa looks disappointed, but only for a second.
"Well, if you really wanted, you could participate in one of our more mundane studies. The Experimental Neurology department is also collecting data for one of their other projects, still in the design phase. All you'd need to do is let us scan an image of your brain for later use in development. It's an entirely passive process, and has no effect on the subject whatsoever. You simply sit down, let us take an image of your brain, and walk out. We can only offer $50 for your participation, though."
You pause to consider your options. Rosa looks at you appraisingly.
"You know," she says. "There's one other program that might be perfect for you. You look about seventeen or eighteen; you're probably looking to participate in these studies as a means to help pay for college, no?"
To be honest, you were more concerned with having a little pocket money for dates and videogames, but the college thing is important too.
"Uh, yeah," you say. "Always preparing for the future, that's me."
Rosa smiles.
"That's good," she says, "because here at King Industries, we're dedicated to the future too. And the future isn't just about fancy gadgets and scientific discoveries; more than anything, it's about the people who are going to live there. That's why, starting this year, we're opening a brand new university to educate the young men and women that will one day inherit our legacy. Our vision is to create an institution that will combine all the personal attention of a small school with the tremendous knowledge and resources of King Applied Research Center. All of which will be provided at no cost to you."
"Wait, what?" you say. "Are you offering me a full-ride scholarship to your new college?"
Rosa smiles.
"That's right; as one of our first students your tuition will be entirely waived, food and board will be provided at no cost and you will receive an additional stipend each semester to cover books, supplies, and entertainment."
"Don't I have to, you know, apply or something first?"
"Not at all. One of the central innovations of the King Model for Higher Education is our comprehensive placement test. No matter what your talents, we're confident we can find a place for you at King University."
While you scramble for a response, the phone rings and Rosa smiles apologetically.
"I have to get that" she says. "Just come tell me when you've made a decision, and we can start the appropriate paperwork."
With that, she leaves to answer the phone, leaving you momentarily unsupervised.
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