"Ah, crud, I feel hot!" Kevin exclaimed, his voice a strained rasp. The heat radiating from his skin intensified, a burning sensation that felt like it was originating from his very core. He instinctively loosened his collar, his fingers fumbling with the buttons. The air in the lab, already thick and stale, seemed to press in on him, suffocating him. He scanned the room, his gaze landing on a faded sign marked "Restroom." He stumbled towards it, the cool tile a welcome sensation beneath his boots.
He pushed through the door, the dim light of the restroom a stark contrast to the shadows of the lab. He lurched towards the sinks, his reflection a distorted image in the cracked mirror above. He twisted the cold water faucet, the rush of water a sharp, welcome sound. He cupped his hands, splashing the icy water onto his face and neck, repeatedly. The shock of the cold momentarily quelled the burning sensation, but it quickly returned, a persistent, throbbing heat. He gasped, his breath ragged, as he continued to splash himself. After a few desperate seconds, the intensity began to subside, the burning sensation receding like a tide. "Geez," he muttered, his voice hoarse, "what was that?" He stared at his reflection, his eyes wide with a mixture of confusion and apprehension. He ran a hand through his damp hair, his fingers lingering on his still-warm skin. He slowly put his shirt back on, the fabric feeling strangely tight against his skin. He exited the restroom, a lingering unease settling in his stomach.
A minute later, he slid into the driver's seat of his car, the familiar scent of worn leather and motor oil a small comfort. He pulled away from the abandoned laboratory, the building receding in the rearview mirror. He reached for his Plumber's badge, the cool metal a reassuring weight in his hand. He activated the built-in intercom. "This is Kevin Levin, Plumber Badge 371-B, do you copy?"
A static crackle filled the car, followed by a clear, authoritative voice. "We copy Unit 371-B. Kevin Levin, what's your position?"
"I just left the abandoned base," Kevin replied, his voice steady despite the lingering unease. "The intel was right. There was a lot of stuff there, couldn't all be legal. I did a mandatory sweep, you guys are clear to send a forensic team in there."
"We copy. We'll send a team right away."
Kevin was about to respond, to acknowledge the confirmation, when all of a sudden, he began to feel strange...
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