March 3, 2092, in a secret military base somewhere in Antarctica.
"Ruby, are you ready for your lesson? A dry, authoritative voice jolted a crippled little girl awake.
Recognizing the voice, the girl began to tremble in fear, although it was hard to tell the difference from the tremors caused by her muscular dystrophy. With what little strength she was able to muster, she yanked the quilt over her and curled up into a ball underneath.
Unfortunately, that didn't stop the clatter of pumps on the floor from drawing closer. An exasperated sigh sounded just above her, a few inches from her nightstand.
"No need to hide, I know where you are." Phoebe Hale dully pulled down the bedspread, exposing the terrified kid in her pajamas.
Anyone who looked at the child would have only seen a hideous, misshapen, sickly runt, but a loving, albeit slightly worried smile softened the face of the young woman in uniform.
