#transfrontal insertion into insulae + 1 transepidural across motor cortex ish

[softgrungeprophet]

probably for scars on skull he should have one longer line on the left and one medium on the right huh... i'll note that down for later

musing on some possible things regarding putting a boy thru various horrors

something something, kidnapped by the military to be experimented on and exploited. bonus muzzle because he bites.

mittens so he doesn't try to gouge open his surgical incisions (he would try, yes) but also so he can't remove the electronarcosis patch or collar, etc. Kind of a non-standard jumpsuit, but I figure he is a unique subject and they may choose to dress him in a uniquely identifying way (reflective stripe). Nylon hobbles vs. metal cuffs and waist chain just a matter of situation.

Modified DBS device to suppress powers via hyperpolarization of specific neurons in the anterior insular cortices, bilateral. Pulses can be used to cause temporary depolarization and trigger involuntary power activation.

epidural electrode grid over meta-motor cortex (fictional auxiliary part of the primary motor cortex) is normally off but can also be used to trigger powers in concert with insular pulses, or to overload his brain and create a massive burst of energy.

Military is also experimenting with ways to induce euphoria via ecstatic aura but so far that mostly just triggers a cascade of depolarization across both insulas, aka, an ecstatic seizure. like Dostoevsky. Oops! They're working on a way to prevent the transition from aura to seizure.

Anyway, TJ escapes, probably. Maybe destroys the entire facility. Probably kills a bunch of people either indirectly or directly.

goes all out on the weirdo front in his 30s, new tattoos, new piercings, DIY hair dye... probably a couple years after escape though. Interim is presumably mostly him being depressed and paranoid since he's like... a wanted fugitive...

Grows out his hair partly to cover up the lumps on his forehead and hide his surgical scars but also partly to "hide in plain sight" by looking pretty different to the average civilian.

Also because he's mildly nervous at the barber now.

also adopts a baby ferret and names her Zephyr. She's a silver panda color with Waardenburg syndrome, thus deaf. She's also a rescue and is very aggressive to other ferrets to TJ keeps her solo and she gets to free roam his bedroom (their bedroom) and sleeps on a pillow next to his head. TJ adores her and she's spoiled rotten. She makes him feel calm. He lets her ride in his hood when he vacuums.

Same wing tattoos as normal timeline but with different context of in part being used to cover up some of his scars and in part just to like, reclaim his personal and bodily autonomy.

EEG I decided even if he destroys the facility there's a non-zero chance he ends up with some copies of some of his tests including brain scans, so I decided he could get that on the back of his neck. X tattoo behind ear also reclamation of the body (location of electronarcosis sticker)

Cracked skull on shoulder because he's Edgy (I just thought it would look nice)

Unlike Lilith, does not keep his dye job touched up. Speaking of Lilith, not sure what their relationship status is at this point. TJ is a little bit antisocial, so. idk.