[EXPERIMENT LOG #0002]
Title: One Reflection Too Many
Author: Il Dottore, Creator of Problems No One Dared to Imagine
Dedication: In honour of a brave orange-lover. May your favourite citrus be spared
[Hypothesis]
Will an orange forced to witness suffering inflicted upon perfect genetic copies of itself display outward indicators of distress and fear?
[Objective]
To measure stress and fear responses in an orange observing harm inflicted upon its clones.
[Method]
A single orange was selected following routine screening to ensure it did not possess defects such as bruising and discolouration, structural weakness including premature softness and signs of prior distress. The baseline condition of the orange prior to cloning was logged.
This primary orange — henceforth referred to as Specimen 0 — was cloned into 25 genetically perfect copies, identical and indistinguishable in every way. Cloning was accompanied by verbal stimuli to provoke an initial stress response. Laboratory assistants were required to repeat the following phrase to Specimen 0 over the course of the cloning process:
“Observe closely. Your clones will not shield you. Every drop of juice spilled will bring you closer to your doom. Your suffering will surpass theirs.”
The cloned specimens were stored out of sight in a dark, temperature controlled environment to preserve perfection until selection, blissfully unaware of the situation.
Specimen 0 was observed post-cloning for any deviations from its initial state, then transferred into a transparent, soundproof isolation chamber with an unobstructed view of the experimental zone in preparation for the procedure, and secured in place with a simple mechanical clamp.
Step 1:
An orange was retrieved and immobilised within a mechanical clamp deliberately designed to resemble the human hand, preventing resistance and escape, all in clear view of Specimen 0. The procedure began with the removal of the outermost zesty layer using a human fingernail [1]. Assistants involved in the experiment scraped their nails directly across the surface in slow, controlled movements, careful to preserve the underlying layer. Once the bright, textured surface had been removed revealing the dull layer immediately beneath, the scraping began anew, stripping away layer by layer until the pith was finally exposed.
Step 2:
The pith was meticulously pulled away with a sharpened scalpel. Each movement exposed the delicate inner tissue, transforming the extreme discomfort caused by the zest removal into extreme agony as the raw flesh was fully exposed.
Step 3:
The laboratory assistants were instructed to select one of the following three procedures, varying from orange to orange, ensuring Specimen 0 could not anticipate the method which the next clone would be subjected to:
Variant W: One segment was removed and juiced using a portable mechanical juicer. The resulting acidic liquid was sprayed onto the remaining tissue causing an excruciating sting before proceeding onto the next segment. This procedure was repeated until the orange was consumed entirely.
Variant X: This followed the same procedure as step 1: One segment was removed and juiced using a portable mechanical juicer. The resulting acidic liquid was sprayed onto the remaining tissue. Salt granules were gently rubbed onto the exposed flesh of the next segment immediately after liquid application. This intensified the stinging sensation and increased sensitivity. The next segment was then removed and the procedure repeated until the orange was consumed entirely.
Variant Y: This followed the same procedure as step 1: One segment was removed and juiced using a portable mechanical juicer. The resulting acidic liquid sprayed onto the remaining tissue. Prior to this application, the juice was heated to a temperature high enough to cause a mild burning sensation on contact. This process was then repeated on the remaining segments until the orange was consumed entirely.
Variant Z: This followed the same procedure as step 2: One segment was removed and juiced using a portable mechanical juicer. The resulting acidic liquid was heated to a temperature high enough to cause a burning sensation on contact before being sprayed onto the remaining tissue. Salt granules were aggressively rubbed onto the exposed flesh of the next segment immediately after liquid application. This segment was then removed and the procedure repeated until the orange was consumed entirely.
The outlined steps were repeated on the remaining clones.
Specimen 0 was observed and monitored throughout the experiment to record changes to its original state. Three assistants were assigned exclusively to this task, each positioned at a unique angle to guarantee uninterrupted surveillance.
[Results]
Specimen 0 remained calm during the initial stages of the first cloning procedure. This composure changed into clear signs of confusion once technicians began repeating the specified phrase, and subtle physical changes were also observed: the pores on its surface appeared slightly enlarged suggesting a stress response linked to the unknown and the anticipation of distress.
Initial Exposure: A clear deviation from the baseline was observed when Specimen 0 initially witnessed the procedure in full. Surface moisture increased noticeably, accompanied by a mild softening at the base - a clear loss of structural tension beginning to take hold.
Specimen 0 was highly responsive to the pith removal. Moisture secretion increased significantly resulting in a pool of juice at the base. This appeared involuntary, suggesting a stress-induced failure to retain internal fluids. A strong citrus scent was detected when technicians briefly opened the isolation chamber for closer observation.
Repeated Exposure: Moisture accumulation continued on the surface of Specimen 0 as well as further softening of the skin, this time around the sides. These responses were heightened and more pronounced than during the initial exposure suggesting stress in anticipation of continued exposure. Pore dilation and juice output fluctuated throughout the procedure, particularly once Specimen 0 registered the variability of step 3.
Exposure to the four variants of step 3 demonstrated varied stress responses, ranging from minor deviations to major collapses:
Variant W (juice only) consistently produced the least severe response. Initial exposure to this variant resulted in a minor increase in surface moisture, however, no significant changes were observed. Repeated exposure to this variant caused moisture levels to rapidly stabilise when it was selected. Specimen 0 clearly felt relief while observing this variant in comparison to the others.
Variant X (juice and salt) caused an immediate increase in juice output, exceeding previously recorded amounts under other variants. Irregular pore activity described by assistants as ‘twitching’ across the surface was noted, the rind seemingly unable to maintain tension indicating a minor structural collapse as Specimen 0 was repeatedly exposed to this particular variant at a more frequent rate in comparison to the others.
Variant Y (heated juice) caused a distinct deviation from the baseline. Initial exposure to this variant produced a quiet, high frequency squeal from Specimen 0 followed by a prolonged gurgling that persisted until the clone was completely reduced to nothing.
Variant Z (heated juice and salt) resulted in Specimen 0 exhibiting physical resistance, twisting with great intensity against the mechanical clamp. Specimen 0 was unable to free itself despite high levels of moisture having accumulated at points of restraint.
By the end of the experiment, Specimen 0 had undergone significant deterioration. Moisture levels had diminished to the occasional droplet rolling down the surface.
Specimen 0 had visibly deflated to approximately 50% of its original size causing it to slip through the grip of the clamp, though no residual strength remained, preventing any movement or escape attempts.
Sections of the rind had begun to flake indicating dehydration and loss of moisture retention. A faint, putrid, citrus odour was detected at the final inspection which involved opening the isolation chamber, indicative of internal degradation beginning to take place.
[Curious Deviations]
Two clones displayed unusual responses. They did not display immediate distress or fear, appearing unusually resistant to the ministrations of the technicians and even seemed eager. Standard responses were only triggered once the pith was revealed.
[1] One clone displayed a hardening of the rind during zest removal. This sudden rigidity caused the operating assistant’s fingernail to detach, necessitating personnel replacement as well as the selection of a stronger tool before the procedure could continue. The tool in question was a thin, metal scraper which permitted the controlled removal of the outer layer.
[Conclusion]
Specimen 0 exhibited clear signs of distress and fear when forced to witness suffering inflicted on its clones. Responses intensified, peaking during variant Z. Repeated exposure to harm led to structural collapse and deformation, supporting the hypothesis that observation of harm alone results in outward indicators of distress and fear.
[Notes]
The same laboratory assistants who submitted a petition requesting exemption from future lemon-related incidents after [Experiment #0001] were intentionally assigned to this procedure due to their citrus related aversion.
An assistant involved in administering the procedure wore noise-cancelling earplugs without authorisation. This impaired his ability to respond to verbal commands during the experiment. The assistant was subjected to disciplinary measures in the form of being forced to consume Specimen 0’s decomposing remains in full view of the remaining staff. This assistant — having been involved in petitioning to be excused form lemon-related experiments after [Experiment #0001] — was consequently assigned to independent cleaning duty and made responsible for disposing of the citrus residue.
[Side Notes]
Reactions of cloned specimens are not recorded in this log as they were deemed irrelevant to the hypothesis.
Thank you for visiting my laboratory,
Where nonsense reigns and the strange becomes routine.
I eagerly anticipate the delightful disorder your hypotheses shall unleash upon my humble domain of discovery.
Yours in scientific mischief,
~ Il Dottore
