Tiffany stared through the bars at the well dressed man standing on the other side. It had been weeks since anyone had last been stupid enough to speak to her, let alone say anything so far fetched. 

"You're messing with me," she said bluntly. 

"I assure you, I'm dead serious," said the man, smiling slightly. "And, no, this is [i]not[/i] a trick to get you to go to your execution. If we wanted you dead, we wouldn't need to resort to deception."

Tiffany's eyes widened, and she mustered her strength to sit up in her bed, sliding away. Suddenly, she was trembling, the chain joining her wrists shaking slightly. He had just read her mind. She had to keep it [i]blank[/i].

So, naturally, all the thoughts she wanted to keep hidden rushed forward all at once.

"If we believed you were worthless, we wouldn't be bothering with you," said the man, gesturing to the guard, "And, no, you will [i]not[/i] use this opportunity to escape. We won't let you." He exchanged a glance with the man holding the keys. "Take off her handcuffs, but reapply the fluids. This one will need some extra watching."

Tiffany rubbed her wrists after her restraints were removed and she was helped into her wheelchair. She bit her lip as the guard stuck that awful needle into her arm. She could practically feel the strength draining from her limbs. But if this man was to be believed, soon, she would be allowed to walk around again, like she used to, before she'd lost everything.

"My name is Dr. David Peterson, by the way," said the man, "And, yes, I am Gifted. This way." He began walking, and the guard followed, pushing her along in her wheelchair. "This is what a second chance looks like, Tiffany," said the doctor, "I hope you will cooperate with us so we won't have to take it from you."

She nodded, nervous. Maybe this time she really should be on her best behavior. Even if she did deserve to be locked up forever, who was she to turn down a chance at something better?

There were other prisoners of varying ages in the doctor's retinue. Tiffany studied them, but of course, she didn't know anyone else here. Only the guards who were responsible for her. 

Once he had gathered enough people. the doctor led them into an elevator, which sprung to life as the doctor pushed the button to send them to the surface. How long had she been buried for, anyway? She'd stopped keeping track of the time ages ago. Had it been years?

The elevator doors opened, and suddenly, blinding light washed over them. With effort, Tiffany positioned a heavy hand between her eyes and the sun. It was so warm up here! But what were they doing? 

Once her eyes had adjusted and she allowed her hand to fall into her lap, she started laughing. There was a huge, futuristic-looking jet parked in front of them. Were they going for a ride already?

"I think the doc has read a few too many comic books," she said to no one in particular.