Week 4 Theme. Truth...or Consequences. Playing with truth, facts, and the area just beyond them

Part 1.

We're sitting in chemistry class. I'm next to my lab partner Tim and the teacher has just explained that we're going to try to make a white cloud in a test tube using Chloride and Hydrochloric acid. The tube itself is clear glass with several rubber bands attached for venting, I think. Collectively the class is seated and waiting patiently for the desired result to happen but nothing seems to be. Our teacher frowns at the tube then shakes her head.


"I guess the tube is too big for this to work, sorry guys."


Part 2.

I'm sitting next to my lab partner Tim in chemistry class waiting for our Prof to gather up the various materials required for the lab demonstration. Quiet whispers went through the students as she dipped a Q tip in Hydrochloric acid. Small wisps of steam rose from the chemically quenched material as it was fitted into an arcane looking tube assembly. Our attention is once again caught as she places another Q tip, this one dipped in Chloride, into the assembly. We wait in anticipation as the steam from the Hydrochloric acid simmers at one end of the tube which our Prof promptly held up for our inspection, but nothing seemed to be happen. After several minutes of waiting she sighed then set the contraption down.


"I guess the tube is too big for this to work, sorry guys."


Part 3.

Test tubes bubbled over with all manner of noxious fluids and the class sat in rapt silence as their Professor brandished a test tube that frothed near to the brim with a hellish green liquid. Beside me Tim coughed hoarsely as fumes from the concoction waft past us, I was lucky enough to hold my breath. Our instructor is wild eyed, turning brass knobs and rusted steel leavers of a giant steam punk machine that dominates a quarter of the room, her movements are a manic display of insane genius that none of us in the room can hope to follow.


I'm pretty sure she cackled on about at test at one point...but I was too wrapped up in what she was doing to really pay attention


Down through a funnel goes the green liquid to spiral through several tubes, through bunson burners and mingled mixtures to finally rest in a single, monstrous vat. The entire machine quakes with the reaction, brass washers and iron bolts rattle to the ground as our instructor laughs madly at what seemingly is something of great importance.


And that's when the whole thing blew up.