“Welcome to existence child.”

The words rang like an ever-present echo in the newly found consciousness. A long body, weak and pale lay limp on a chrome work table. A small trickle of blood slid down its prickly skinned wrist from a recently formed wound. Its eyelids slowly opened revealing two beautifully deep light green eyes that quickly dilated to the very bright lights shining on them. Three figures, professionally dressed in surgeon’s attire stood around the body, observing their most recent accomplishment.

“Vital signs are ok?” one asked.

“Everything looks good.”

A heartbeat was heard through the soft, subtle beeps emitted from the machine next to the wall. Somewhere in all of the wires and tubes connected to the body was the assurance of life. The affirmation of coherence.

A sharp scalpel was laid aside, its job done. One of the medics wiped away blood droplets from two small slits that were newly embedded in the body’s right wrist, not an inch apart and perfectly parallel to each other. The gloved hands of the doctor finished cleaning off the blood with a small towel, then filled the wounds with two metal, rectangular receptors. They were very small and hollow, keeping the wounds from closing and allowing room for something a bit smaller to be inserted into them.

“Send him to Enlightening. Hook up the subliminal. Leave him for one hour.”

Footsteps clicked on the floor, making their way to and through the exit door.