Mind Games: An Exquisite Experiment (Season 2, Ep 1)

Part 2

"Good afternoon. We have everyone checked in and can begin the process. A couple of administrative notes before we begin. If we choose you, you will have exactly thirty minutes to wrap up your affairs for a minimum of two weeks. You'll note in the information provided, prior to your arrival, this could be extended for up to two months. Is there anyone here who cannot, or would choose not, to continue longer than two weeks?"

Hands went up around the room.

"Very good. If you will all form a group to the right, that would be splendid. You are now group one. Our attendant will take down your numbers and then lead you through to the next stage."

People shuffled around the room. Some moved to make a path while others formed into the group.

"Is there anyone here, should you make it past the final decision stages, who could stay longer than one full quarter?"

I scowled at the question. I'd put everything into storage right before showing up here today. The last of my money paid for a year and I hoped I would be back at my dance company before a payment was due next year. If two weeks paid well, I sat and wondered what additional time would pay. It wasn't like I was missing anything. The dance company couldn't afford my physical therapist and my medical bills, even after insurance, were more than I could fathom. With little thought, I raised my hand.

"Excellent. Those who could stay for a full quarter, please form a group over here."

I smiled as the miniscule crowd worked its way toward me.

"Looks like I was lucky enough to be in the right place," I muttered.

"Here's hoping you feel lucky after all the decisions are made," the man across from me replied and with a slight nod, passed me to walk through the double doors in front of us.

"Everyone else, please form a group in the center."

The mass majority of people formed a group in the center of the room.

"These three groups will be as important as your number. You'll see a person coming around with a colored ribbon to attach to your arm band. Group one, your color is red. Group two, your color is green. Group three, your color is yellow. Once you have your colors, please proceed to the room through those double doors. There are refreshments for each group based on your colors. In addition, you'll be called first by your color then narrowed down by your number, if necessary. Are there any questions?"

"Great," I said with a shake of my head, "I think I just volunteered as tribute."

"It can't be that bad. Besides, they'll feed us and house us. It's better than where I was thirty minutes before I walked through those doors," the woman beside me said.

"Sorry to hear it," I offered.

"Don't be. I've made lots of bad decisions. Maybe this one will be a good one."

"Let's hope," I agreed and forced a smile.

A young man handed me a green ribbon. I attached it to the arm band and picked up the package of papers.

"Group two, please proceed forward and enjoy our lounge."

Our small group of no more than forty people moved forward through the double doors. On the other side, we were met with tables full of food. Each area was skirted in different colors. Behind the green skirts, every station had an attendant who waited for our approach. For our small group, there were ten tables of food and drink presentations. While there were only two red tables, which laid out in a buffet. The yellow tables where a mix of both buffet and service but compared to the number of people, there would be quite the wait.

I stared at the differences in offerings. The odd imbalance struck me as both funny and cruel, as I approached the drink station.

"How may I be of service," the person behind the bar asked.

"Tonic water with lime, please."

"Would you like anything in your tonic?"

I shook my head.

"No, thank you. I think I will need my wits about me."

They nodded and handed the glass to me.