The tension in the room was mounting as more people came in. Since the girl, two more had entered; a red-headed boy and another with covered eyes. Could he be blind? Max was unable to tell, because the boy carried himself well, and easily found a seat at another table.

Her excitement was rapidly starting to dissipate, replaced by nerves. This was not what she had expected when she had heard she would be leaving her room. Determined to put on a brave face, she spoke. "Uh, hi... everyone." She wasn't talking to anyone in particular, just trying to break the awkward silence. And, like she always did when she was embarrassed, she babbled. "I'm Max...ine. But you can call me Max... or Maxi... or... whatever is easiest. Are you part of Vlad's experiments too? I mean..." The room was so still that she almost choked on her words. "What're your names?"