Whenshewastenyearsold,VeronicaLakadisobeyedherfather,andtalkedbackwhensheknewsheshouldn'thave.Herpunishmentcameslowlyintheformofthe"Taps."Asherfatherholdsanailunderherfingernail,hetapsitwithahammerjusthardenoughtodrawblood,slowly,onefingeratatime...FiftyyearslaterDr.VeronicaLakamayseemlikeaharmlessoldlady,butwithherpartnerDr.MarkIvy,thepainmachinewasborn,adevicethatcantransferpainfromonepersontoanother.First,theyhavetofigureouthowtomeasurepainonlevels.Then,theyhavetofindhumanvolunteers,apersonwhofeelsthepain,andadoctortoacceptitbygoing"underthewires."ButitwouldneverbeVeronica.Ever.Shecanneverforgetthe"Taps."