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Alison checked over her dress one last time, doing her best to stifle her nervousness. Everything had to be perfect, after all. She'd planned and researched this encounter so many times in her head, she felt sure she had every contingency covered, but still she fretted over details. How much of the bodysuit's collar poked through the top of the tearaway material, for example, and whether or not the boots would give away the game too early. Most importantly, though, she'd have to deliver the opening honestly, as though completely spontaneous, without giving away a hint of how many times she'd rehearsed it all in her mind.

At last she decided to leave the collar as is, brushed back her short auburn hair, and steeled herself for the moment to come. Walking casually, she approached the maitre-d and began a pretense of requesting a table for herself, alone. She spoke loudly enough that her quarry could easily overhear. Dr. Verklind always sat in the same small booth near the front, facing out, as if to keep an eye on the comings and goings in this quaint little seafood restaurant. Although he never so much as lifted his eyes, she knew full well he'd already taken notice of her, exactly as hoped.

Just before completing her reservation, Alison feigned noticing the retired scientist for the first time and smiled. "I think I see someone I know, actually," she said in a slightly lowered voice. "Give me a moment."

"Of course, madam." The host stepped aside as she swept past, deliberately letting her boots click noticeably on the spotless hardwood floor. She drew herself up to the small booth, summoning her confidence and resolve as best she could.

"Dr. Verklind?" she asked, as though she didn't know his identity for certain, when in fact she'd studied everything about him with the greatest of care for the last several months. "You're Dr. Hans Verklind, aren't you?"

He looked up from the menu. Surprisingly young for someone with such a distinguished career, he had short black hair, penetrating blue eyes, and an air of supreme indifference wrapped in a crisply tailored business suit. In all her careful surveillance, she'd never seen him dressed in any way short of impeccable, professional and handsome in every way. "Yes, you've found me," he admitted with a smile, standing to greet her, the sort of simple courtesy lost on so many of his contemporaries. "Of course, you realize this gives you the advantage, for I don't know you, I'm afraid, although I feel I should."

"Yes, I worked for the company for a couple of years," said Alison, "but I doubt we ever came in contact. My name is Dr. Alison Simms." She reached out a hand, which he shook gently. As she pivoted, the slit on the side of her dress parted, revealing just enough of her well-toned leg to show a tall black leather thigh boot underneath. His eyes flicked to the shiny footwear instantly, exactly as she hoped.

"Well, it's nice to meet a fellow employee," answered Dr. Verklind, still continuing to stand, making no visible indication he'd noticed the boots, though of course he had. Alison knew just about everything that would catch the eye of Hans Verklind--footwear, hairstyle, topics of conversation, everything. Meanwhile, he just continued speaking as though nothing special happened. "Are you meeting someone here tonight, or...?"

"No, no, I'm by myself," she replied demurely, again reaching into her well-practiced bag of tricks as she flashed a shy, unassuming smile. "I was wondering if I could ask you about--"

"Well, then, you must dine with me," Hans insisted suddenly, pointing a hand at the open seat before him. "I so rarely have anyone else to speak to, and I can't possibly pass up the opportunity to chat with a fellow scientist. Please, I insist."

"I really--oh, very well, if you like," replied a smiling Alison, sitting down carefully without trying to appear to eager. I really thought that would be harder, she considered, even as he settled into his own seat only once she became comfortable. I guess I overprepared for that part. Now I've got my foot in the door, let's see how far I can get this to go...

* * * * *

Six months ago, Dr. Hans Verklind abruptly retired from his senior position at the company he'd founded, Microtech Labs. A somewhat mysterious and reclusive sort by any account, he'd been seen working late hours for many weeks prior, engaged in some personal project kept completely off the books. Seeing as he owned the company and set the rules, none could fault or question him, but speculation raged over what he might be working on in secret. The rumor mills suggested all manner of crazy things, including research into the occult (based on a few brief glimpses of what looked like ancient books in his possession), but nobody really knew for sure.

When he actually resigned and left his office, the move caught everyone by surprise. Attempts were made to locate some inkling of what he'd been working on, but the computers were wiped clean, and he never used any networking so nobody had a way to track down any sort of logs of his research. He continued to serve in an advisory position for a month or so, helping transition others into his job duties, but after that made a clean break and hadn't been back to the company since.

Most people shrugged this off as strange behavior from a frustrated prima donna who couldn't get what he wanted and gave up, but Alison thought differently. She'd seen Dr. Verklind from a distance on several occasions and found him fascinating enough to take a closer look at. He'd never undertaken any kind of social life while at the company. Never married, or even attempted so much as a single date, despite being almost unbearably attractive and available. She'd considered throwing herself at him on more than one occasion before he finally quit the company. Since then that's nearly all she could think about--that, and the fact that she knew without a doubt he'd found what he was looking for. He hadn't given up or surrendered--he quit because he succeeded.

Yet despite his victory, he chose to keep it to himself, leaving the company and hiding whatever he'd discovered from the world. Alison knew whatever he'd created must be something special, something amazing--yet for whatever reason he chose to keep it under lock and key. Why he would do this, she had no idea, but she simply had to find out. She intended to learn his secrets, and then, if she could convince him to do so, she'd help him share it with the world. With all the planning she'd done, and all the obsessing, she hoped tonight would be the night to make that happen.

The hard part, as the conversation continued through dinner, was not mentioning or bringing up the actual subject of her interest. Alison knew if she so much as attempted to steer things in that direction, he might figure out the real reason for her presence and end things abruptly--and forever, most likely. She had to pretend to have no interest in that particular subject whatsoever. So, they spoke about her time at the company, what she did now, where she hoped to be in five years...actually, she had to admit, he did a pretty good job of keeping her talking about herself. Part of this no doubt came from his impeccable sense of politeness and courtesy, which she found quite charming, but also because he seemed genuinely interested in her--something that, when she became aware of it, caught her somewhat by surprise. Of course she'd dressed appropriately, done up her hair in the right way, and had an attractiveness of her own, but honestly his lack of interest in relationships led Alison to believe she wouldn't ever really have a chance of actually achieving anything other than a passive, physical pique. The idea that something else might happen never occurred to her even once in all her careful planning.

By the time dessert arrived, she'd already come to this realization and did her best to push it aside. She didn't come here to get bogged down in impossible sentiments, after all. "Enough about me," she insisted with a laugh, upon finishing another of her conversation-making anecdotes. "My gosh, it seems I've been doing nothing but blather about myself all night long! I must be boring you out of your mind."

"No, no, that's quite all right," insisted Hans, smiling back at her in a way that made her shiver just slightly. "I enjoy hearing about you, Alison. This is quite the treat for me, having a companion to dine with. Thank you for stopping by my table tonight."

"Well, thank you for letting me join you," said Alison, smiling back. "I must admit, I'd expected to spend my meal with my face buried in my phone. This is so much more pleasant. I'm serious, though, I've really been hogging the limelight all evening. If I were a suspicious woman, I might think you were trying to avoid talking about yourself."

Dr. Verklind smiled again and raised his glass. "I admit, you've caught me there," he told her. "You see, sooner or later, no matter how enjoyable the discussion, sooner or later the topic turns to my departure from Microtech. It's rather inevitable, of course, as I'm sure you might imagine."

"Well, I had no intention of bringing it up," said Alison, quite truthfully as it turned out. She'd instead rather hoped he'd do so on his own, and now he had, exactly as she hoped. Now, according to all the scenarios she'd run in her head the last few months, he'd either dismiss the incident and ask her not to bring it up again, or he'd give a brief, noncommittal explanation and then move on. Actually, he did neither--instead, he did something completely unexpected, and quite beyond her wildest hopes.

"I know you didn't," he told her, "but I know you're wondering all about it. Everyone who had anything to do with the company wonders that. It's a great mystery and people love mysteries, wouldn't you agree?"

She nodded. "Yes, but I really don't want to intrude on what is obviously a personal matter for you."

Hans smiled, nodding slightly to himself, as though making a decision. "Look, Alison, I like you--it's obvious enough that we're both attracted to each other, and I'd love to see you again in the future." At this she felt a chill run through her body, but she said nothing, continuing to listen intently. "However, there are things you don't know about me--things that my departure from the company were designed to hide from the world. I wouldn't feel comfortable attempting to forge a relationship with you if I didn't provide full disclosure on these matters."

Alison nodded, her whole body tingling all over with excitement, while she forced herself to remain outwardly calm. She focused on the way he'd wrapped up all of his feelings in a scientific process and tried to do the same. "I appreciate your honesty," she told him, "and your willingness to share some of this with me, even though we only just met."

"I feel like I've known you for months," said Hans with a casual shrug. "In fact, I must admit that throughout the evening I've been able to recall seeing you now, several times, at various locations in the company. You wore your hair longer then, but I did notice--a woman of your beauty would be hard to miss. Back then my work was everything--I wouldn't have even considered dating or pursuing romance. Now, I think, perhaps I'm ready to do so, but first we must clear the air over my past. Are you willing to accompany me to my home this evening, Alison? There are things that can only be explained with direct observation."

"Um, yes, of course," she admitted, again feeling that rush of excitement, hoping it didn't show too badly how desperate she was to do exactly as he suggested. She'd even planned ahead for just such an occasion, not really expecting to get the chance, but feeling it best to be prepared. "Do you want me to follow your car there, or...?"

"No, I'll drive, if you don't mind," he replied. "There is one other matter, of course, and I'm sure you'll understand--there can be no electronic devices on the grounds. You'll have to leave your cell phone, and any other such items, behind. As you'll understand once you know more, my work must remain secret from the world, at least for now."

"Of course," she agreed readily. "I'll leave it in my car, and come back for it later." In the morning, I hope, she added excitedly.

* * * * *

Alison could barely contain herself during the ride to Hans's house. She felt a little awkward sitting silently in the back, but kept her mouth shut for fear of giving away her excitement. Dr. Verklind, for his part, seemed content to just ride along in silence, occasionally glancing at her in the rear-view mirror. As he pulled into the driveway, he did so again, smiling at her reaction upon seeing his home lit up in all the floodlights. The curving walls, ensconced in glass and buttressed by Roman style columns, appeared to sink down into the ground, the house being built upon the back of a distinct slope leading down into the woods beyond. Alison let out a breath at the subtle beauty of it all.

"I'm quite proud of the design," he remarked, waiting patiently while the garage door slid open. "I think it's quite something when you get to see your hard work come to fruition, don't you?"

"Yes, absolutely," agreed a nodding Alison, for she knew quite well he'd designed the facility himself. She just hadn't seen it before now, and hadn't expected the various shimmering glass panels to look quite so amazing at night. As the car slowly withdrew into its pristine space--the cleanest garage she could ever remember seeing--the floodlights began shutting off one by one, causing the house to appear to steadily fade away. As the door slid shut, everything all but disappeared out there.

"Come on inside," said Hans amiably, stepping out of the Lincoln and holding out a hand to help her, should she need it. Alison declined, but appreciated the gesture, following him as he passed through the entrance door, arriving in a welcoming entry area decorated lavishly with art pieces and sculptures. "As you can see," he told her, "I've amassed a decent collection over the years, but I'm quite unspecialized, going with whatever strikes my fancy. Here, let me show you another room where you can see more examples."

Alison followed as he took her through a side door into an area filled with dioramas and models. Alison raised an eyebrow at the detail level on some of the small structures, which looked to have been scratch-built. "Did you make all these by hand?" she inquired, peering in curiously at the little swimming pool and jogging track nearby. "What is it, a planned retirement center?"

"In a way," answered Hans. "Most of what you see here is the product of idle time, my version of a hobby if you will, but a way to continuously test my reflexes and attention to detail. In any event, I'm sure you didn't come here to gawk at such things, but rather to discuss my work. To that end I invite you to my secret lab, a place that until now no other human being has seen. Of course I expect you to keep what you observe in strict confidence."

"Of course," agreed Alison immediately, never once hesitating as he moved past the elaborate displays to a secure door protected with several security measures. He dealt with each one in turn, then waved her forward as the heavy portal swung open, revealing a small computer lab beyond. She raised an eyebrow, glancing around in surprise to see very little here other than electronic hardware of various types, along with several video screens, an array of what looked almost like sound equipment, and a small refrigerator. She expected quite a bit more, honestly.

"I see you're disappointed," said Dr. Verklind with a chuckle, even as the door ground ominously shut behind him. "I suppose you expected huge Tesla coils sparking with electricity, or vast test tubes full of experimental victims suspended in formaldehyde?"

"Perhaps I've seen too many movies," agreed Alison. "I did expect more, I have to admit. So what exactly am I looking at?"

"The conclusion of a decade of research," explained Hans. "You can't see it, though, because you see only the exterior trappings. The true wealth lies within the computers, chemicals, and processes found here...as well as a small amount of magic."

"Magic?" Alison looked at him doubtfully. "A man of science, believing in magic? I find that hard to believe."

"I once thought as you did," agreed Dr. Verklind, casually flipping through an ancient-looking tome before setting it down on a shelf nearby, "but my research insisted what I wanted to do had to be possible, yet science alone didn't suffice. I was forced to open my mind to greater possibilities--a difficult hump to get over, as you noted, and yet it led directly to the breakthrough I'd long been denied. Assuming you can accept this for yourself, you'll soon see exactly what I mean."

Alison hesitated--but only for a moment. "I think I'm ready to be open-minded," she told him firmly. "After all, it obviously worked for you."

Hans smiled and nodded. "I thought perhaps you might. Very well, then, let me proceed directly to the heart of the matter. What I'm prepared to show you may one day change the world. It will definitely change your life, in a way you can't possibly imagine just yet. For quite some time, I've been searching for someone who might be willing to take this next step, if you will, into a greater world. I must admit I didn't expect that someone to come directly to me, but here you are. I admire your tenacity and resolve, Dr. Simms."

Alison smiled demurely, accepting his praise, while at the same time slightly worried by the implication that he perhaps knew all about her all along, and none of her careful charade mattered in the least. "Please, just call me Alison," she insisted. "I thought we were on a first-name basis."

"Forgive my businesslike approach," he went on, "but for the moment I must remain professional, I'm afraid. Let me ask you this, Dr. Simms--Alison, I mean. What, exactly, did you expect to achieve by coming here?"

"What?" she asked, feigning innocence at the last. "I wanted to see your research, of course. You did invite me, after all."

He nodded slowly. "Yes, I did, but this was always your goal, wasn't it, Dr. Simms? Your arrival at the restaurant last night, dressed as you are, was no accident, and you knew all the right things to say--every nuance well rehearsed, to the letter, never mentioning my work but ready and eager to discuss it, and hopefully guide me toward bringing you here. Now that I've done so, what is it you wish from this point forward?"

Alison nodded, her stomach feeling momentarily hollow at having been caught out, and at being seen through so easily--yet just the same, she also felt a surge of hope and possibility flowing from his words. "I want to see your research, obviously," she admitted. "I know you must've discovered something truly wonderful, but for whatever reason can't share it. I want to help you advance your knowledge, study whatever it is in detail, and do whatever you need to do to advance the project as far as possible. Even more than that, though," she went on, seizing the initiative desperately, "I want to be a part of your life, Dr. Verklind. In studying your work I've seen what a lonely man you must be. You own this amazing home, but it's empty, and you dine alone nearly every night. You need someone, and I'm willing to be that person, if you'll let me."

He stared at her for a moment, trying to read her expression and body language, no doubt trying to discover any trace of deception in her words--but she meant all of them, every last one, or she wouldn't be here. He seemed as though struggling to accept what he heard, and come to a decision about what to do with her. For that frozen instant she felt everything she'd worked for slipping out of her grasp, but she still had one last card to play.

"Let me show you one more thing, Dr. Verklind," she told him, moving around the far side of one of the desks. "This may take a moment, but bear with me, it'll be worth your time. Let me show you everything I have to offer, and I do mean everything."

As she spoke she worked the clasps free on her dress, and untied the loose belt holding it around her waist. With great care she pulled the whole ensemble up over her head, tossing it aside with a flourish. Then, turning to face him, she gave a quick pirouette, even as his eyes went wide. She stood before him now dressed only in a svelte black leather bodysuit, unzipped about halfway, her well-tanned legs clad in the tight thigh boots she let him catch a glimpse of earlier. She looked slim, sexy, desirable...in every way perfectly attired just the way she knew he'd appreciate. She'd done her research, after all.

Hans gave a low whistle at the sight of her. "You do know how to close your case, Dr. Simms," he told her with an appreciative nod. "So, to be sure I understand correctly, in addition to everything else you mentioned before, you're also offering me this...this utterly ravishing body of yours."

She moved closer, turning so he could see her trim waist, and slim backside as well. "That's exactly what I'm offering, Doctor," she said in a sultry, seductive voice. "And I think we both know your answer, so let's stop with all the posturing and get to it."

Dr. Verklind nodded at that. "To think, all that searching, and you just came to me," he muttered softly. "Serendipity, it seems, comes when you least expect it, but is no less as sweet. Very well, Dr. Simms, we have an agreement. I will show you what I've discovered, but first, to seal our arrangement, we should have a toast."

With that, he reached into the little refrigerator and withdrew a bottle of wine, as well as two frosty glasses. Alison raised her eyebrows at that, because obviously she hadn't been the only one preparing for a moment like this. She almost considered trying to put her dress back on, but decided not to bother. With her offer and his acceptance of it, she might as well start getting comfortable around him as much as possible.

He put the glasses on the nearby desk and poured, but as she reached for hers, he brought out a small pouch and dumped a single white pill into it. Then, without attempting to hide it, he dropped the little drug into her wine, which began to bubble noticeably. In mere moments the pill had completely disappeared. "What is this?" Alison asked doubtfully.

"In order to show you what you wish to see," explained Hans, "I must temporarily sedate you, in order to safely move you to the designated location. You won't be out more than a few minutes, and when you awaken everything will become clear. You can, of course, refuse--I'll happily return you to the restaurant, and our business will be concluded, permanently. Or you can take this and open the door to your new life. The choice is yours."

Alison nodded, figuring she knew exactly what he meant, although of course she could hardly be faulted for making that assumption. Without a care for any possible consequences, she didn't hesitate, clinking her glass to his before downing her portion in a quick flourish.

* * * * *

Alison awoke, her head spinning for a moment as she tried to rise. For a moment everything looked indistinct and blurry, but quickly came into focus. She stood, eyes wide, as she took in the impossible panorama before her.

She stood on a vast wooden plain, amid several enormous towers of plastic and metal, cut and carved in the shape of huge electronic devices. A long, hexagonal cylinder of plastic stretched out on the ground nearby, terminating in a conical point. An extremely thick length of wire, perhaps as big around as her arm, snaked off into the distance, everything fading into shadow more than a few dozen feet away. On the ground nearby she spotted several other huge, strangely familiar objects that looked out of proportion: paper clips and a sewing needle half her height; a coin as big around as a garbage can lid; staples as long as her forearm. Then, as her eyes traveled further, her mind not quite yet grasping her strange new reality, she came upon a plastic bottle taller than herself, filled to knee height with a thick red liquid. A huge label had been wrapped around one side, and as she slowly moved to read the words, her heart sank steadily in her chest.

"Shrinking Formula."

Alison gasped and took a couple of steps away. Shrinking...formula...!

This can't be real. This has to be a joke of some kind. He built all of this, to test me, play with my mind...

"Ah, I see you're awake."

The voice boomed like thunder, echoing down from on high like the word of God. Hans came into view then, emerging slowly from the shadows, a torso and head far larger than any creature Alison had ever seen or imagined, stretching high into the dark sky overhead. Even as she recognized the now massive form of Dr. Verklind, she found herself lost in a panic. Screaming in terror, she scrambled back, slipping and stumbling in her heels, suddenly catching sight of the needle and grabbing it up in both hands. A single rope-thick length of thread dangled out of the eye, flapping around mockingly as she ran, dashing behind one of the pieces of electronics where she huddled near the bottle, gasping for breath and shivering uncontrollably.

"Now, now, there's nothing to fear, Dr. Simms," the booming voice announced from high overhead, just out of sight. "I've no intention of harming you. I could've placed you in a cage, you know, but I thought perhaps to ease you into the transition by surrounding you with a few ordinary objects."

"Stay away from me!" Alison screamed, her little voice echoing weakly all around, seemingly swallowed up into the shadows. "Don't touch me! Stay away!"

"Ah, I'm hurt," said Hans, leaning over a bit to get a better view. He could see her just fine, but she continued watching around the corner, clutching the needle as though ready to stab anything that moved. He brought his hand closer, as though moving to grab her, and she brandished the weapon as courageously as she could, obviously determined to fight no matter the odds. "I see the miniaturization process hasn't robbed you of any of your spunk or determination," the gigantic scientist went on. "I'm truly impressed, Alison. Very good."

"Miniaturization process!" she shrieked, momentarily reaching out to poke ineffectually with the needle. "You shrank me, you asshole! How dare you do this to me! Put me back to normal, or I swear, I'll put both your eyes out!"

"Dr. Simms, please, calm yourself," sighed Hans, withdrawing his hand. "Control your emotions and take a look around. You now stand in a unique position in the world. You're only three inches tall--the smallest person who's ever lived on this Earth. Doesn't your scientific mind even find that the least bit interesting?"

"No!" she screamed. "I never asked to be turned into some kind of--of test subject for you! I was supposed to be your assistant, working with you to..."

Her voice trailed off as she realized just what she'd actually said, and what she'd promised. She all but agreed to this, but without realizing it at the time. She said she'd do whatever it took to help him with his research, and he took her up on it. Worse, she realized with growing dismay, I offered him my body, too, and this is what he did with it...!

"Ah, I see the truth has dawned at last," said Hans, pulling up a chair with a loud scraping noise and settling in before her. "I've been searching a long time for the right candidate for the procedure. You meet all the criteria, Dr. Simms, and you passed the job interview with flying colors. Furthermore, I believe you meant every word you said to me before. Now that you're small, you can live up to your promises in every conceivable way. Now why don't you put the needle down--you must know I can relieve you of it at any time. Besides which, you must also know that I left it there on purpose, to give you something to hold onto if you needed to find courage. The time for that is past, though. It's time to face your new life."

Alison shut her eyes. She felt supremely humiliated, not just because of her size, but because she'd been the one who set out to manipulate him and wound up being manipulated instead. Yet despite all that, and the terrifying knowledge that she was now tiny, she could feel a sense of excitement, the thrill of being the first person ever miniaturized, and everything that would almost certainly mean.

The needle clattered to the desk and she opened her eyes, stepping toward his waiting hand. "I'm ready, Dr. Verklind," she told him honestly, and as usual, she meant every word. "Where do we start?"

"You'll see," he replied, watching as she cautiously took her first steps into his trembling palm, "but please, don't call me Dr. Verklind any more--I think Verkleiner would be more apropos, given the situation. For simplicity's sake, though," he informed her with a gleam in his eye, "you can call me Dr. Minimizer."

Description

Alison checked over her dress one last time, doing her best to stifle her nervousness. Everything had to be perfect, after all. She'd planned and researched this encounter so many times in her head, she felt sure she had every contingency covered, but still she fretted over details. How much of the bodysuit's collar poked through the top of the tearaway material, for example, and whether or not the boots would give away the game too early. Most importantly, though, she'd have to deliver the opening honestly, as though completely spontaneous, without giving away a hint of how many times she'd rehearsed it all in her mind.

At last she decided to leave the collar as is, brushed back her short auburn hair, and steeled herself for the moment to come. Walking casually, she approached the maitre-d and began a pretense of requesting a table for herself, alone. She spoke loudly enough that her quarry could easily overhear. Dr. Verklind always sat in the same small booth near the front, facing out, as if to keep an eye on the comings and goings in this quaint little seafood restaurant. Although he never so much as lifted his eyes, she knew full well he'd already taken notice of her, exactly as hoped.

Just before completing her reservation, Alison feigned noticing the retired scientist for the first time and smiled. "I think I see someone I know, actually," she said in a slightly lowered voice. "Give me a moment."

"Of course, madam." The host stepped aside as she swept past, deliberately letting her boots click noticeably on the spotless hardwood floor. She drew herself up to the small booth, summoning her confidence and resolve as best she could.

"Dr. Verklind?" she asked, as though she didn't know his identity for certain, when in fact she'd studied everything about him with the greatest of care for the last several months. "You're Dr. Hans Verklind, aren't you?"

He looked up from the menu. Surprisingly young for someone with such a distinguished career, he had short black hair, penetrating blue eyes, and an air of supreme indifference wrapped in a crisply tailored business suit. In all her careful surveillance, she'd never seen him dressed in any way short of impeccable, professional and handsome in every way. "Yes, you've found me," he admitted with a smile, standing to greet her, the sort of simple courtesy lost on so many of his contemporaries. "Of course, you realize this gives you the advantage, for I don't know you, I'm afraid, although I feel I should."

"Yes, I worked for the company for a couple of years," said Alison, "but I doubt we ever came in contact. My name is Dr. Alison Simms." She reached out a hand, which he shook gently. As she pivoted, the slit on the side of her dress parted, revealing just enough of her well-toned leg to show a tall black leather thigh boot underneath. His eyes flicked to the shiny footwear instantly, exactly as she hoped.

"Well, it's nice to meet a fellow employee," answered Dr. Verklind, still continuing to stand, making no visible indication he'd noticed the boots, though of course he had. Alison knew just about everything that would catch the eye of Hans Verklind--footwear, hairstyle, topics of conversation, everything. Meanwhile, he just continued speaking as though nothing special happened. "Are you meeting someone here tonight, or...?"

"No, no, I'm by myself," she replied demurely, again reaching into her well-practiced bag of tricks as she flashed a shy, unassuming smile. "I was wondering if I could ask you about--"

"Well, then, you must dine with me," Hans insisted suddenly, pointing a hand at the open seat before him. "I so rarely have anyone else to speak to, and I can't possibly pass up the opportunity to chat with a fellow scientist. Please, I insist."

"I really--oh, very well, if you like," replied a smiling Alison, sitting down carefully without trying to appear to eager. I really thought that would be harder, she considered, even as he settled into his own seat only once she became comfortable. I guess I overprepared for that part. Now I've got my foot in the door, let's see how far I can get this to go...

* * * * *

Six months ago, Dr. Hans Verklind abruptly retired from his senior position at the company he'd founded, Microtech Labs. A somewhat mysterious and reclusive sort by any account, he'd been seen working late hours for many weeks prior, engaged in some personal project kept completely off the books. Seeing as he owned the company and set the rules, none could fault or question him, but speculation raged over what he might be working on in secret. The rumor mills suggested all manner of crazy things, including research into the occult (based on a few brief glimpses of what looked like ancient books in his possession), but nobody really knew for sure.

When he actually resigned and left his office, the move caught everyone by surprise. Attempts were made to locate some inkling of what he'd been working on, but the computers were wiped clean, and he never used any networking so nobody had a way to track down any sort of logs of his research. He continued to serve in an advisory position for a month or so, helping transition others into his job duties, but after that made a clean break and hadn't been back to the company since.

Most people shrugged this off as strange behavior from a frustrated prima donna who couldn't get what he wanted and gave up, but Alison thought differently. She'd seen Dr. Verklind from a distance on several occasions and found him fascinating enough to take a closer look at. He'd never undertaken any kind of social life while at the company. Never married, or even attempted so much as a single date, despite being almost unbearably attractive and available. She'd considered throwing herself at him on more than one occasion before he finally quit the company. Since then that's nearly all she could think about--that, and the fact that she knew without a doubt he'd found what he was looking for. He hadn't given up or surrendered--he quit because he succeeded.

Yet despite his victory, he chose to keep it to himself, leaving the company and hiding whatever he'd discovered from the world. Alison knew whatever he'd created must be something special, something amazing--yet for whatever reason he chose to keep it under lock and key. Why he would do this, she had no idea, but she simply had to find out. She intended to learn his secrets, and then, if she could convince him to do so, she'd help him share it with the world. With all the planning she'd done, and all the obsessing, she hoped tonight would be the night to make that happen.

The hard part, as the conversation continued through dinner, was not mentioning or bringing up the actual subject of her interest. Alison knew if she so much as attempted to steer things in that direction, he might figure out the real reason for her presence and end things abruptly--and forever, most likely. She had to pretend to have no interest in that particular subject whatsoever. So, they spoke about her time at the company, what she did now, where she hoped to be in five years...actually, she had to admit, he did a pretty good job of keeping her talking about herself. Part of this no doubt came from his impeccable sense of politeness and courtesy, which she found quite charming, but also because he seemed genuinely interested in her--something that, when she became aware of it, caught her somewhat by surprise. Of course she'd dressed appropriately, done up her hair in the right way, and had an attractiveness of her own, but honestly his lack of interest in relationships led Alison to believe she wouldn't ever really have a chance of actually achieving anything other than a passive, physical pique. The idea that something else might happen never occurred to her even once in all her careful planning.

By the time dessert arrived, she'd already come to this realization and did her best to push it aside. She didn't come here to get bogged down in impossible sentiments, after all. "Enough about me," she insisted with a laugh, upon finishing another of her conversation-making anecdotes. "My gosh, it seems I've been doing nothing but blather about myself all night long! I must be boring you out of your mind."

"No, no, that's quite all right," insisted Hans, smiling back at her in a way that made her shiver just slightly. "I enjoy hearing about you, Alison. This is quite the treat for me, having a companion to dine with. Thank you for stopping by my table tonight."

"Well, thank you for letting me join you," said Alison, smiling back. "I must admit, I'd expected to spend my meal with my face buried in my phone. This is so much more pleasant. I'm serious, though, I've really been hogging the limelight all evening. If I were a suspicious woman, I might think you were trying to avoid talking about yourself."

Dr. Verklind smiled again and raised his glass. "I admit, you've caught me there," he told her. "You see, sooner or later, no matter how enjoyable the discussion, sooner or later the topic turns to my departure from Microtech. It's rather inevitable, of course, as I'm sure you might imagine."

"Well, I had no intention of bringing it up," said Alison, quite truthfully as it turned out. She'd instead rather hoped he'd do so on his own, and now he had, exactly as she hoped. Now, according to all the scenarios she'd run in her head the last few months, he'd either dismiss the incident and ask her not to bring it up again, or he'd give a brief, noncommittal explanation and then move on. Actually, he did neither--instead, he did something completely unexpected, and quite beyond her wildest hopes.

"I know you didn't," he told her, "but I know you're wondering all about it. Everyone who had anything to do with the company wonders that. It's a great mystery and people love mysteries, wouldn't you agree?"

She nodded. "Yes, but I really don't want to intrude on what is obviously a personal matter for you."

Hans smiled, nodding slightly to himself, as though making a decision. "Look, Alison, I like you--it's obvious enough that we're both attracted to each other, and I'd love to see you again in the future." At this she felt a chill run through her body, but she said nothing, continuing to listen intently. "However, there are things you don't know about me--things that my departure from the company were designed to hide from the world. I wouldn't feel comfortable attempting to forge a relationship with you if I didn't provide full disclosure on these matters."

Alison nodded, her whole body tingling all over with excitement, while she forced herself to remain outwardly calm. She focused on the way he'd wrapped up all of his feelings in a scientific process and tried to do the same. "I appreciate your honesty," she told him, "and your willingness to share some of this with me, even though we only just met."

"I feel like I've known you for months," said Hans with a casual shrug. "In fact, I must admit that throughout the evening I've been able to recall seeing you now, several times, at various locations in the company. You wore your hair longer then, but I did notice--a woman of your beauty would be hard to miss. Back then my work was everything--I wouldn't have even considered dating or pursuing romance. Now, I think, perhaps I'm ready to do so, but first we must clear the air over my past. Are you willing to accompany me to my home this evening, Alison? There are things that can only be explained with direct observation."

"Um, yes, of course," she admitted, again feeling that rush of excitement, hoping it didn't show too badly how desperate she was to do exactly as he suggested. She'd even planned ahead for just such an occasion, not really expecting to get the chance, but feeling it best to be prepared. "Do you want me to follow your car there, or...?"

"No, I'll drive, if you don't mind," he replied. "There is one other matter, of course, and I'm sure you'll understand--there can be no electronic devices on the grounds. You'll have to leave your cell phone, and any other such items, behind. As you'll understand once you know more, my work must remain secret from the world, at least for now."

"Of course," she agreed readily. "I'll leave it in my car, and come back for it later." In the morning, I hope, she added excitedly.

* * * * *

Alison could barely contain herself during the ride to Hans's house. She felt a little awkward sitting silently in the back, but kept her mouth shut for fear of giving away her excitement. Dr. Verklind, for his part, seemed content to just ride along in silence, occasionally glancing at her in the rear-view mirror. As he pulled into the driveway, he did so again, smiling at her reaction upon seeing his home lit up in all the floodlights. The curving walls, ensconced in glass and buttressed by Roman style columns, appeared to sink down into the ground, the house being built upon the back of a distinct slope leading down into the woods beyond. Alison let out a breath at the subtle beauty of it all.

"I'm quite proud of the design," he remarked, waiting patiently while the garage door slid open. "I think it's quite something when you get to see your hard work come to fruition, don't you?"

"Yes, absolutely," agreed a nodding Alison, for she knew quite well he'd designed the facility himself. She just hadn't seen it before now, and hadn't expected the various shimmering glass panels to look quite so amazing at night. As the car slowly withdrew into its pristine space--the cleanest garage she could ever remember seeing--the floodlights began shutting off one by one, causing the house to appear to steadily fade away. As the door slid shut, everything all but disappeared out there.

"Come on inside," said Hans amiably, stepping out of the Lincoln and holding out a hand to help her, should she need it. Alison declined, but appreciated the gesture, following him as he passed through the entrance door, arriving in a welcoming entry area decorated lavishly with art pieces and sculptures. "As you can see," he told her, "I've amassed a decent collection over the years, but I'm quite unspecialized, going with whatever strikes my fancy. Here, let me show you another room where you can see more examples."

Alison followed as he took her through a side door into an area filled with dioramas and models. Alison raised an eyebrow at the detail level on some of the small structures, which looked to have been scratch-built. "Did you make all these by hand?" she inquired, peering in curiously at the little swimming pool and jogging track nearby. "What is it, a planned retirement center?"

"In a way," answered Hans. "Most of what you see here is the product of idle time, my version of a hobby if you will, but a way to continuously test my reflexes and attention to detail. In any event, I'm sure you didn't come here to gawk at such things, but rather to discuss my work. To that end I invite you to my secret lab, a place that until now no other human being has seen. Of course I expect you to keep what you observe in strict confidence."

"Of course," agreed Alison immediately, never once hesitating as he moved past the elaborate displays to a secure door protected with several security measures. He dealt with each one in turn, then waved her forward as the heavy portal swung open, revealing a small computer lab beyond. She raised an eyebrow, glancing around in surprise to see very little here other than electronic hardware of various types, along with several video screens, an array of what looked almost like sound equipment, and a small refrigerator. She expected quite a bit more, honestly.

"I see you're disappointed," said Dr. Verklind with a chuckle, even as the door ground ominously shut behind him. "I suppose you expected huge Tesla coils sparking with electricity, or vast test tubes full of experimental victims suspended in formaldehyde?"

"Perhaps I've seen too many movies," agreed Alison. "I did expect more, I have to admit. So what exactly am I looking at?"

"The conclusion of a decade of research," explained Hans. "You can't see it, though, because you see only the exterior trappings. The true wealth lies within the computers, chemicals, and processes found here...as well as a small amount of magic."

"Magic?" Alison looked at him doubtfully. "A man of science, believing in magic? I find that hard to believe."

"I once thought as you did," agreed Dr. Verklind, casually flipping through an ancient-looking tome before setting it down on a shelf nearby, "but my research insisted what I wanted to do had to be possible, yet science alone didn't suffice. I was forced to open my mind to greater possibilities--a difficult hump to get over, as you noted, and yet it led directly to the breakthrough I'd long been denied. Assuming you can accept this for yourself, you'll soon see exactly what I mean."

Alison hesitated--but only for a moment. "I think I'm ready to be open-minded," she told him firmly. "After all, it obviously worked for you."

Hans smiled and nodded. "I thought perhaps you might. Very well, then, let me proceed directly to the heart of the matter. What I'm prepared to show you may one day change the world. It will definitely change your life, in a way you can't possibly imagine just yet. For quite some time, I've been searching for someone who might be willing to take this next step, if you will, into a greater world. I must admit I didn't expect that someone to come directly to me, but here you are. I admire your tenacity and resolve, Dr. Simms."

Alison smiled demurely, accepting his praise, while at the same time slightly worried by the implication that he perhaps knew all about her all along, and none of her careful charade mattered in the least. "Please, just call me Alison," she insisted. "I thought we were on a first-name basis."

"Forgive my businesslike approach," he went on, "but for the moment I must remain professional, I'm afraid. Let me ask you this, Dr. Simms--Alison, I mean. What, exactly, did you expect to achieve by coming here?"

"What?" she asked, feigning innocence at the last. "I wanted to see your research, of course. You did invite me, after all."

He nodded slowly. "Yes, I did, but this was always your goal, wasn't it, Dr. Simms? Your arrival at the restaurant last night, dressed as you are, was no accident, and you knew all the right things to say--every nuance well rehearsed, to the letter, never mentioning my work but ready and eager to discuss it, and hopefully guide me toward bringing you here. Now that I've done so, what is it you wish from this point forward?"

Alison nodded, her stomach feeling momentarily hollow at having been caught out, and at being seen through so easily--yet just the same, she also felt a surge of hope and possibility flowing from his words. "I want to see your research, obviously," she admitted. "I know you must've discovered something truly wonderful, but for whatever reason can't share it. I want to help you advance your knowledge, study whatever it is in detail, and do whatever you need to do to advance the project as far as possible. Even more than that, though," she went on, seizing the initiative desperately, "I want to be a part of your life, Dr. Verklind. In studying your work I've seen what a lonely man you must be. You own this amazing home, but it's empty, and you dine alone nearly every night. You need someone, and I'm willing to be that person, if you'll let me."

He stared at her for a moment, trying to read her expression and body language, no doubt trying to discover any trace of deception in her words--but she meant all of them, every last one, or she wouldn't be here. He seemed as though struggling to accept what he heard, and come to a decision about what to do with her. For that frozen instant she felt everything she'd worked for slipping out of her grasp, but she still had one last card to play.

"Let me show you one more thing, Dr. Verklind," she told him, moving around the far side of one of the desks. "This may take a moment, but bear with me, it'll be worth your time. Let me show you everything I have to offer, and I do mean everything."

As she spoke she worked the clasps free on her dress, and untied the loose belt holding it around her waist. With great care she pulled the whole ensemble up over her head, tossing it aside with a flourish. Then, turning to face him, she gave a quick pirouette, even as his eyes went wide. She stood before him now dressed only in a svelte black leather bodysuit, unzipped about halfway, her well-tanned legs clad in the tight thigh boots she let him catch a glimpse of earlier. She looked slim, sexy, desirable...in every way perfectly attired just the way she knew he'd appreciate. She'd done her research, after all.

Hans gave a low whistle at the sight of her. "You do know how to close your case, Dr. Simms," he told her with an appreciative nod. "So, to be sure I understand correctly, in addition to everything else you mentioned before, you're also offering me this...this utterly ravishing body of yours."

She moved closer, turning so he could see her trim waist, and slim backside as well. "That's exactly what I'm offering, Doctor," she said in a sultry, seductive voice. "And I think we both know your answer, so let's stop with all the posturing and get to it."

Dr. Verklind nodded at that. "To think, all that searching, and you just came to me," he muttered softly. "Serendipity, it seems, comes when you least expect it, but is no less as sweet. Very well, Dr. Simms, we have an agreement. I will show you what I've discovered, but first, to seal our arrangement, we should have a toast."

With that, he reached into the little refrigerator and withdrew a bottle of wine, as well as two frosty glasses. Alison raised her eyebrows at that, because obviously she hadn't been the only one preparing for a moment like this. She almost considered trying to put her dress back on, but decided not to bother. With her offer and his acceptance of it, she might as well start getting comfortable around him as much as possible.

He put the glasses on the nearby desk and poured, but as she reached for hers, he brought out a small pouch and dumped a single white pill into it. Then, without attempting to hide it, he dropped the little drug into her wine, which began to bubble noticeably. In mere moments the pill had completely disappeared. "What is this?" Alison asked doubtfully.

"In order to show you what you wish to see," explained Hans, "I must temporarily sedate you, in order to safely move you to the designated location. You won't be out more than a few minutes, and when you awaken everything will become clear. You can, of course, refuse--I'll happily return you to the restaurant, and our business will be concluded, permanently. Or you can take this and open the door to your new life. The choice is yours."

Alison nodded, figuring she knew exactly what he meant, although of course she could hardly be faulted for making that assumption. Without a care for any possible consequences, she didn't hesitate, clinking her glass to his before downing her portion in a quick flourish.

* * * * *

Alison awoke, her head spinning for a moment as she tried to rise. For a moment everything looked indistinct and blurry, but quickly came into focus. She stood, eyes wide, as she took in the impossible panorama before her.

She stood on a vast wooden plain, amid several enormous towers of plastic and metal, cut and carved in the shape of huge electronic devices. A long, hexagonal cylinder of plastic stretched out on the ground nearby, terminating in a conical point. An extremely thick length of wire, perhaps as big around as her arm, snaked off into the distance, everything fading into shadow more than a few dozen feet away. On the ground nearby she spotted several other huge, strangely familiar objects that looked out of proportion: paper clips and a sewing needle half her height; a coin as big around as a garbage can lid; staples as long as her forearm. Then, as her eyes traveled further, her mind not quite yet grasping her strange new reality, she came upon a plastic bottle taller than herself, filled to knee height with a thick red liquid. A huge label had been wrapped around one side, and as she slowly moved to read the words, her heart sank steadily in her chest.

"Shrinking Formula."

Alison gasped and took a couple of steps away. Shrinking...formula...!

This can't be real. This has to be a joke of some kind. He built all of this, to test me, play with my mind...

"Ah, I see you're awake."

The voice boomed like thunder, echoing down from on high like the word of God. Hans came into view then, emerging slowly from the shadows, a torso and head far larger than any creature Alison had ever seen or imagined, stretching high into the dark sky overhead. Even as she recognized the now massive form of Dr. Verklind, she found herself lost in a panic. Screaming in terror, she scrambled back, slipping and stumbling in her heels, suddenly catching sight of the needle and grabbing it up in both hands. A single rope-thick length of thread dangled out of the eye, flapping around mockingly as she ran, dashing behind one of the pieces of electronics where she huddled near the bottle, gasping for breath and shivering uncontrollably.

"Now, now, there's nothing to fear, Dr. Simms," the booming voice announced from high overhead, just out of sight. "I've no intention of harming you. I could've placed you in a cage, you know, but I thought perhaps to ease you into the transition by surrounding you with a few ordinary objects."

"Stay away from me!" Alison screamed, her little voice echoing weakly all around, seemingly swallowed up into the shadows. "Don't touch me! Stay away!"

"Ah, I'm hurt," said Hans, leaning over a bit to get a better view. He could see her just fine, but she continued watching around the corner, clutching the needle as though ready to stab anything that moved. He brought his hand closer, as though moving to grab her, and she brandished the weapon as courageously as she could, obviously determined to fight no matter the odds. "I see the miniaturization process hasn't robbed you of any of your spunk or determination," the gigantic scientist went on. "I'm truly impressed, Alison. Very good."

"Miniaturization process!" she shrieked, momentarily reaching out to poke ineffectually with the needle. "You shrank me, you asshole! How dare you do this to me! Put me back to normal, or I swear, I'll put both your eyes out!"

"Dr. Simms, please, calm yourself," sighed Hans, withdrawing his hand. "Control your emotions and take a look around. You now stand in a unique position in the world. You're only three inches tall--the smallest person who's ever lived on this Earth. Doesn't your scientific mind even find that the least bit interesting?"

"No!" she screamed. "I never asked to be turned into some kind of--of test subject for you! I was supposed to be your assistant, working with you to..."

Her voice trailed off as she realized just what she'd actually said, and what she'd promised. She all but agreed to this, but without realizing it at the time. She said she'd do whatever it took to help him with his research, and he took her up on it. Worse, she realized with growing dismay, I offered him my body, too, and this is what he did with it...!

"Ah, I see the truth has dawned at last," said Hans, pulling up a chair with a loud scraping noise and settling in before her. "I've been searching a long time for the right candidate for the procedure. You meet all the criteria, Dr. Simms, and you passed the job interview with flying colors. Furthermore, I believe you meant every word you said to me before. Now that you're small, you can live up to your promises in every conceivable way. Now why don't you put the needle down--you must know I can relieve you of it at any time. Besides which, you must also know that I left it there on purpose, to give you something to hold onto if you needed to find courage. The time for that is past, though. It's time to face your new life."

Alison shut her eyes. She felt supremely humiliated, not just because of her size, but because she'd been the one who set out to manipulate him and wound up being manipulated instead. Yet despite all that, and the terrifying knowledge that she was now tiny, she could feel a sense of excitement, the thrill of being the first person ever miniaturized, and everything that would almost certainly mean.

The needle clattered to the desk and she opened her eyes, stepping toward his waiting hand. "I'm ready, Dr. Verklind," she told him honestly, and as usual, she meant every word. "Where do we start?"

"You'll see," he replied, watching as she cautiously took her first steps into his trembling palm, "but please, don't call me Dr. Verklind any more--I think Verkleiner would be more apropos, given the situation. For simplicity's sake, though," he informed her with a gleam in his eye, "you can call me Dr. Minimizer."