II: Stayed Awake All Night

The scientist had taken her along a dimly lit hallway to "quarters" of her own. She had not understood this at first, but as soon as she thought of the word and wondered what it meant, the words had flashed across her vision again.

quarters: housing accommodations, as a place of residence, lodging

The room was fairly empty. A bed with white sheets and a stainless steel frame stood against one wall, and a desk and chair made of the same material was placed across from it. A painting of a vase and flowers hung on the far wall, and the walls were painted an off white color.

"Welcome to your new home," the scientist had said with a smile. She stepped into the room, running her hands along the desk and the sheets of the bed. He had stayed in the doorway and watched her explore. She had finally turned to him. "I have two questions," she stated. "First, what is your name?"

He smiled again. She noted that he smiled often. "I am Dr. Willhelm. But you may refer to me as Dr. W."

"Alright," she nodded her head. Now for the hard one. She took a deep breath. "What is my name?"

Dr. W stood on the spot. He had not thought of this. He could not exactly tell the girl that her name was Subject 13 of the Titus project. "Your name," he said carefully, "Is whatever you would like it to be. Your last name is Titus," he added on a sudden whim.

To Be Determined Titus nodded again. "I will consider my choices and return them to you when we meet again," she said cordially. "Good night, Dr. W." He closed the door.

She sat down at the desk and opened the drawers. She selected a piece of lined paper and a fine, black fountain pen. She took an inventory first.

• 1 stainless steel chair

• 1 stainless steel desk, equipped with four packs of lined paper, one pack of black fountain pens, and two rolls of tape

• 1 stainless steel framed bed, equipped with one change of white linen sheets

• 1 hanging painting of a vase and flowers

• 1 light fixture

• 10 clothes-hangers

• 2 changes of clothes, which appear to be some sort of silvery-black body suits

• 1 penknife

• 1 unnamed girl (TBD Titus)

• numerous words in her head

• 1 mission (objective: save us all)

TBD Titus climbed into her bed. She was quite tired. But before she could allow herself sleep, she had an important task to complete.

What is my name? She said silently into the vastness of her brain.

whatever you want it to be

The words that came back were slightly fuzzier than the previous ones. They were blurred at the edges of her vision.

but what is my true name?

subject 13 of the titus project

that's not a name

you wanted answers

all i want is a name

oh, no, you'll want much more than that before this is over. believe me. i know all the answers. or, i should say, you know all the answers.