Beyond the Knife

[_the_oracle_]

I can see Superman's lone figure standing just beyond the glass. Supervising, making sure nothing's to go wrong. They're prepping me now and put me under. I'm trying to force my eyes to stay open so I can watch the proceedure, but in the back of my mind, I know I'm not going to be able to.

{Do you know what it feels like to be placed under anesthesia, but still be awake in the process?}

The voice. HIS voice is speaking to me again.

Damn you, Brainiac.

Superman's figure is the last figure I see before my eyes shut completely. "Don't worry Barbara. You're in good hands."

What was that last part he said? I couldn't understand him too well.

My mind shoots back to Brainiac. No.

{Let's find out, shall we?}

What does he mean by that?

I can feel the blood corsing through my veins at a faster pace. It's his probes. That damn virus. He's activated something.

I can feel something being placed over each of my eyelids. It doesn't take me long to figure out exactly what it is.

Medical tape.

~"Scalpel..."~

The pain that comes soon after it's horrifying. I can't move. I can't scream-- but hell--

The next image I see is Brainiac's form in front of me and me? I'm standing. On my legs, but yet I'm in pain.

{Let's make a deal, Miss Gordon....}