Their home I assumed. It was a contrast of them both. The Mother and The Artist. I did not care. I wanted my assignment so I could leave and not feel whatever that was. At the time if I had to quantify the feeling it would have been bitterness. Which leads to my name after all? Bittersweet. I did not pick it The Mother did.

I stood at attention and waited for The Artist. She walked out all sweet smelling kissing her lover talking in soft whispers about how everything went. The Mother of course said everything went fine. The Artist walked over to me. Inspected me, proud of what I had turned into. She said at ease, so I stayed in my defensive posture.

“Well Shane. You faired exceptionally well despite your time in the Pool. How do you feel?” The Artist asked examining my every movement, my every breath. I betrayed nothing in my stance and that is what she walked away with.

“Good.”

“Anxious to get out with the show I see. I like that. Well here in the manila envelop are three cites in which you can choose to live. You will have a loft in the city of your choice along with an identity to match. Considering your age, and outward appearance I suggest you take the persona of an artist. Trust me it works. Also in the file you will find a list of 30 individuals whom we would like for you to mark. Along with the list are vital statistics, habits, and love interests for the last 5 years. You will mark these 30 individuals within the time allotted.”

“How much time?”

‘The course of one solar year. The methods you are to mark them are not….I repeat not under negotiation, you will mark them according to their file. Any questions you may direct them to your handler. She will be call sign Mouth. The Mouth will relay any difficulties and progress made along the course of your timeline. Weapons, supplies, anything you need are to be referred to The Mouth. Not me, not The Mother am I understood?”

“Loud and clear.”

“Your transport will leave in 5 minutes the choice of cites are Montréal, LA, and NYC.”