Your cards are tucked in your jacket pocket. You drag your hands towards them, the bond resisting your movement. It's like dragging your fists through molasses. Wilcox watches you like a cat watching a mouse.
It's tricky, but you manage to pull out your pattern cards with two fingers. You've practiced this maneuver before. You thumb your cards until you find the one you want. The burnt umber pattern writhes as you stare at its loops and whorls. Then you add that pattern's energy to the bonds.
The bonds respond at once. They glow the color of iron in a forge. They also grow warmer, unfortunately, and develop a buzz that sets your teeth on edge. You've ramped up the energy the bonds are drawing.
The effect on Wilcox is dramatic. He grunts. Sweat pops out on his forehead. His right eye twitches. The bonds tighten painfully, but then Wilcox gasps and your arms and legs are free.
You rub your hands and stamp your feet until feeling returns to them. "Dirty pool," Wilcox growls.
You've got no remorse. "I'm sorry, is it my fault you were unprepared for pattern drain?"
Eze smiles. "I may have misjudged you the other day, Dr. .." Darcy, too, looks eminently pleased.
That's One Test You Passed