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you.”
    “Likewise, I’m sure.” Jake brought his seat forward and shook her hand. “Major Graison.”
    “And I believe your first name is . . .”
    “ Major Graison.” Jake nodded closed mouthed and reclined his seat back again.

CHAPTER FIVE
     

I-S.E. Twelve - Seal River Complex, Manitoba, Canada
     
August 2   - 3:42 P.M.
     

    Dr. Jefferson led the group on their initial tour. They all looked exhausted, and he wanted to finish up so he could head back in the helicopter that awaited him. It had to have been tiring for the group and they all showed it, all except Major Graison. Dr. Jefferson looked for signs of physical exhaustion in him, and there were none. They had all endured a flight from their homes, another flight and then a helicopter ride to the complex hidden deep within the Canadian wilderness. He had just finished showing them the other building, a large storage building which was kept locked and then brought them to the main building.
      “This is where you’ll be spending most of your time. The complex was built last year for this experiment, so it is very new.” All of them, holding their belongings, walked around him and into the large open room. “This is the gathering room, a break from the usual scenery of your private quarters. I will almost guarantee that this is where you’ll end up spending most of your time. That and . . .” Dr. Jefferson pointed to one of the two interior doors, “in the dining area through that door and down the hall.” Dr. Jefferson moved the group across the large room. Tables were set up in each corner, filled bookshelves, chairs, two sofas completed the room. “Here in this corner we have a box of board games, should you feel the urge to get competitive.” He looked to Jake.
    Like a schoolgirl, Jennifer raised her hand. “Is the key we were given to our rooms?”
    “Yes,” Dr. Jefferson answered. “The other door leads to the eight private rooms. There is one bathroom between every two rooms. It sets between the rooms with adjoining doors, so for privacy, lock the other side. We’ve already chosen who has which room. The three items, if you requested them, are in your rooms already. I suggest now that you put your personal items away, and possibly meet back here to get acquainted, because this is where I leave you.”
    Turning and starting to walk away, Dr. Jefferson stopped himself with a snap of his fingers. “Almost forgot.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out a set of keys and tossed them to an unsuspecting Cal. “Everything you need to survive for seven months is in the locked storage building. By lottery we picked a person to be in charge of the keys to that building. That’s you, Cal.” Quickly Dr. Jefferson looked. He knew it was coming and he wasn’t disappointed. He hid his smile when he watched Jake grumble and shake his head. After that enjoyable moment, Dr. Jefferson spoke as he moved to the main door. “Cal, you can hold on to that key or pass it along, your choice.” At the door he stopped. “Good luck to all of you. See you in seven months.” With that Dr. Jefferson walked out.

    ^^^^

    Cal didn’t expect much more than what she saw when she opened the door to her very plain room. She laid her bag on the double bed which sat next to the door she closed and locked. A desk, a chair, a night stand and a dresser was all the furniture provided, which left ample room for movement. The bathroom door was open; Cal knew that would change. At the foot of her bed were two boxes, her requests she supposed, and she was right. The one box, still sealed was marked cigarettes. The other, flaps opened, contained Jack Daniels, seven large cans of coffee, two mugs, a small coffee maker and supplies to lighten and sweeten it. That made Cal smile. “I’m all set up,” she said to herself.
      Though she wasn’t much of a team player, she knew at least the first day, she would be cordial. They had agreed to meet back in the gathering room