Needler

After a skirmish, survivors are recovered who remain in a trance-like, semi-catatonic state incapable of spontaneous action yet able to obey explicit commands; medical readings show prefrontal electrical loop-feedback resembling a functional lobotomy. A research and command team convenes to examine one such survivor and debate possible causes, considering ranged directed-energy mechanisms but lacking a convincing explanation. The narrative follows diagnostic interviews, demonstrations of the conditioned state, and escalating concern when further attacks suggest the enemy weapon can operate across interstellar distances, prompting a search for scientific and tactical countermeasures.