Chapter seven: A long time ago

“Your mother was told just after you were born that the day would come when you will be taken. She knew all along. In fact I told your mom myself. She understood once we told her what important work we would be doing.
 
“Now you may look on me and say how could I have told your mother. We may look on the surface that we are a similar age. But we are not. I entered the chamber and was reprogrammed. Like you will soon be. The chamber visit has long term benefits. One is you stop aging physically. You are…well…in a way immortal. That’s funny! I’ve never said it like that before but I guess it is accurate. You live forever! Wow. That does sound good when I say it that way.”
 
There was a pause. Hank had his mouth open ready to speak. But couldn’t.
 
“But. There is one thing you should know. You will be stripped, cleaned and restarted. In fact you will die for a period of time. This new rebirth will give you a clean slate to begin your important work without the distress of your family history. You will be pleased. Everyone who has been through it has been pleased.
 
“But…” Hank fell silent again.
 
“And you... You will be especially pleased. You will be programmed with the red cane as your source. The first time in my lifetime. The red cane. We are so glad you are here. Real progress is just about to happen. An explosion of epic proportions. And you will cause this explosion. You.
 
I know I am doing all the talking but it is because I want you to know that everything will be fine.
 
So now you know. It is time. The chamber is just around the corner. Normally we wait for a month before you enter. But not you.
 
We will meet again for the first time. And when we meet again I will bow to you. We all will.”

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