Somewhere deep under the city is a gray room. The only light comes massive, oddly shaped tubes.

Dr. Mathiason is laying on a white chair with a plastic visualization mask over his eyes. The word "D.A.R.R.E.N." is etched into one side.

He stirs. DR. CASTON (early 70s) looks up.

DR. CASTON: Welcome back. Everything green? You were in 218’s mind a long time.

Dr. Mathiason removes the headset and returns his glasses to his nose.

DR. MATHIASON: Thanks. Most of this batch is ready. I logged my notes. 193 is dark.

DR. CASTON: Darks have been less frequent lately. Recycle it?

DR. MATHIASON: Yeah. And about 218… send it to my lab. Something didn’t take in the trial indoctrination. I’m gonna try to find out what it was.

DR. CASTON: Does it have anything to do with those markings?

DR. MATHIASON: Markings?

Dr. Caston points to one of the glowing tubes. Zara is inside, curled in a ball. Others are in the adjacent tubes and look identical except for one detail. Zara has white lines beginning on her face the extend and spread down her limbs and back.

DR. CASTON: You didn’t notice?

DR. MATHIASON: No I didn’t… I think we can salvage it but I need to make sure it doesn’t happen again. I’ll let you know.

Dr. Caston nods, almost bored. He stretches and exits the room leaving Dr. Mathiason staring at Zara in her tube. Her face is calm. Peaceful.

DR. MATHIASON: Why are you different...?