"You don't want to open that." The guard was dressed in strange garb, almost like a human soldier, but also jester-like, as if he couldn't quite decide how serious he was about his occupation. I had been waiting ages to begin this particular experiment, so his strange appearance was not about to deter me.

"Yes, I do. This is the whole reason I've traveled across the universe... to examine creatures so primitive and yet, so perplexing." Perhaps I could reason with the man. I could, of course, force my way into the deep recesses of the human's brain, but then I would risk fracturing the specimen's mind. That wouldn't do since I had already reached my abduction quota for the quarter. Patience and cunning would be the best path. "Step aside, and I promise to simply observe and not damage any of the neurons or processes I encounter."

"Well, alright then." The colorful soldier said cheerfully as he stepped aside. I could hardly contain my excitement. I had succeeded. I was finally going to observe the internal workings of the elusive earthling. My findings would surely be published in scientific papers across the galaxy!

Slowly, I opened the heavy metal door and peered inside. My initial observation upon poking my head in was simply a quiet darkness. Had I been forewarned of what I would encounter beyond the threshold, I would have gone no further. But ignorant of what awaited me, I ventured through to find the discovery of my career.

It only took a moment in that tiny room before the pain and shouting began. It was everywhere... noise... flashing lights... confusion. I have never been so over-stimulated in my life! I immediately turned to retreat, only to find the metal door shut tight behind me.

"Let me out!" I banged on the door in desperation. This was not at all what I had intended. I hadn't brought the proper equipment to withstand such calamity. "You must open the door!" I screamed.

"Can't do that." The soldier's voice was as even as before, completely untroubled by my predicament. "It's my job to keep all trauma sealed away. I can't let you out until it returns to its dormant state."

"No, please!" I didn't know how much longer I could handle this. I hadn't expected nor prepared to withstand the intense commotion I was experiencing this deep into the specimen's consciousness. More blaring alarms and random screams filled my ears. I began to feel dizzy. "Please! How long am I trapped in here?"

"No, one knows." The soldier said. I fanned my face and leaned against the door. What had I gotten myself into?

Then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the commotion stopped. I looked around me, finding only darkness and silence once again. Slowly, the metal door opened, and I fell out of the room and onto the Subconscious room floor. The soldier-jester blinked at me but said nothing as he shut the door behind me. I didn't care. I was just grateful to see a familiar face.

"What was that?" I asked when I finally found the courage to speak.

"Suppressed childhood trauma. We don't go in there." The soldier answered matter-of-factly.

"I can see why." I answered and bolted for the exit.