Dr. Ross was a man of science, a titan in the field of internal medicine. His worldview was built on the solid foundation of anatomy, chemistry, and peer-reviewed studies. To him, the ancient Eastern practice of acupuncture—poking patients with thin metal needles to manipulate "energy"—was nothing more than a parlor trick, a placebo effect sold to the superstitious.
But what unfolded before his eyes shattered that foundation into dust.
Nine needles. That was all it took.
Three seconds after the final needle quivered into place, the old man’s body, which had been limp and grey, suddenly convulsed. A violent tremor rippled through his muscles, starting from his chest and radiating outward.
Frank Yates moved with the reflexes of a striking viper. He snatched the oxygen mask away from the
