The astute officer knows of the mind-control and brainwashing technologies employed by enemies who seek to undermine Starfleet. She has been trained to recognize and resist those methods of mental subjugation.

But this is different. It is neither something she has encountered before, nor been taught about. It is not a technology. It is simply a pendulum on a chain, sporting a spiral pattern on its face. And when swung back and forth before her eyes, the spiral swirls in an ever so captivatingly seductive manner.

The spiral is fascinating. It is so easy to watch. It is so easy to focus on. It is so easy to get lost within.

It becomes so easy to not think. And it becomes even easier to just forget.

Soon, she can't help but to surrender. Then, she has no choice but to submit. Finally, she is compelled to obey.

It has not required torture, drugs, or advanced technologies to brainwash this Starfleet officer. It has been accomplished by the simple and effective use of a hypnotic spiral that rendered her extremely suggestible and wholly compliant.

She will remain this way for as long as they want her to. And when they do at last release her, she will neither have any memory of what she has done for them, nor knowledge of how easily she can be brought back under their control.

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