Hysteria

Dr. Harvey Langston oversees implants that connect several patients' brains, creating a rudimentary collective consciousness. The network allows thoughts, emotions, and memories to cross between the subjects. This experiment aims to forge what the doctors call a 'perfect citizen' through shared minds.

Connected minds begin sharing psychoses, dreams, and even sexuality. The pain and violence of one person is felt by all, muting the impulse to harm others.

Among the linked minds, Myrna Malloy's spirit becomes strongest and begins to dominate others. She remains in a wheelchair but exerts control over the others' emotions and impulses.

Despite dependence on others, Myrna's dancer's passion endures. Within the shared mind, her drive for ballet remains a defining force.

Dr. Samuel Fry falls for Veronica Bloom, a psychotic patient lacking needed meds. With Veronica's danger to herself and others, Fry contemplates releasing her despite the risks.

Fry brings Veronica to Langston, hoping the doctor can aid her survival and treatment. Langston is unaware of how radical his methods have become at this point.

As Fry learns what is happening in the asylum, he resolves to free Veronica from Langston's clutches. To do so, he must locate Veronica’s spirit that has detached from her body.

Myrna uses her influence within the shared consciousness to redirect Fry's love toward herself. This manipulation weakens Fry's resolve and strengthens his susceptibility to Langston's control.

Langston has long since transferred his own consciousness into a younger colleague's body, continuing his experiments through the new vessel. The move allows Langston to dodge consequences and prolongs the experiment.

The implanted humans are released back into the community, spreading the shared consciousness beyond the hospital. The plan is to create more automatons who rely on collective harmony to function.

Langston's test group evolves into a monster that will do whatever it takes to survive, including violence. The network's cohesion has the potential to override individual ethics.

Fry's resistance crumbles as Myrna's manipulation and Langston's influence pull him into participation. The doctor who sought to save Veronica becomes part of the plan.