Insist on keeping the sheet on

“What?! No!” You say, even more confused and now feeling threatened. The redhead looks bewildered. Her face is starting to flush and she’s looking to the blonde for answers. The blonde shrugs. Turning back to you, she takes a deep breath to regain her composure and try a new approach.

“Okay, tell me what’s going on,” says the redhead stepping back and with more conciliation in her voice.

“I don’t know,” You say. And then you babble for a minute about how you woke up here, you don’t know who you are, you don’t have memories, and you don’t have clothes. You sound insane, but you think you are.

“What’s your take Katja?” the redhead directs at the blond.

“I’m not sure. I’ll bring him to Kim for a full scan. He’s only been here a week and we sometimes need to start from scratch and personalize the process for maximum impact,” says Katja, leaning in on some bullshit platitudes to please the redhead, who is clearly in charge.

“Very well… if that’s what’s needed. I’d like to personally inspect him after Kim is finished as well.”

The others nod at her orders as she begins to walk towards the door.

“Wait,” you start to protest.

The redhead turns around to face you and pre-empt any further response.

“It’s okay, we’re your friends and we’re here to help you. You’ve seen some rough times and we’re trying to give you a fresh start. You can trust us. I’m Ana and will see you again shortly. These two here are Katja and Serena.” She says it perfunctory, but with a deep emotion behind her big green eyes.

“I don’t know who to trust until I get some answers,” you say, feeling more assertive. “Where am I?!”

“The ladies will tell you as you accompany them to the doctor. She will also have more answers for you,” says Ana.

You start to protest again, but then don’t see a point. This room offers you nothing so you should at least explore and maybe learn a bit more from the girls.

“I’m keeping my sheet,” you say to the others as Ana departs. They shrug and you’re happy to get at least one concession.

As you walk down the hall, Katja makes good on Ana’s promise and starts to explain.

“You’re in a facility that transforms people into the best versions of themselves. Our programs are streamlined to upskill your psychology using positive-reinforcement mechanisms overlayed on normal cognitive processes,” Katja says as you turn toward the other for clarity.

“We use hypnotic suggestions. That’s why Ana was snapping at you,” says Serena.

You pass by several other rooms. Glancing in there are other men, naked, walking around, eating or watching TV.

“You signed a contract with us a week ago. It’s normal for new recruits to experience a ‘blank slate’ feeling, in fact, it’s what we go for, but we’ve never seen someone get totally erased.”

“Totally erased?” You feel your heart skin and legs start to wobble. “What the hell did I sign yourself up for?” you gasp.

“Serena, grab his arm,” You hear Katja say as your head starts to spin. The Latina picks up your right while Katja holds your left and you’re dragged down the hallway. A few steps in and your toga gets caught underfoot and left behind. At this point you can’t care though. Shame only matters if you know who you are.