Lynne smiles at each of us like a proud parent. “I’m sure you’ve all wondered why you were selected for this mission. In our early tests, we discovered that electronic equipment of any kind short-circuits when it goes through the aperture. You can still bring back technology from the future, but we’re also interested in sketches and notes on how it all works, along with your general impressions of the world. With this goal in mind, you were each chosen because of your unique talents. With your help, we’ll be able to glimpse the future and bring about a new era of prosperity and progress.”

This must be why they picked me, since I’ll remember everything I see in the future perfectly. If Adam is such a genius, it makes sense they’d want him too. My gaze travels from Zoe to Chris and Trent. What are their special skills?

Once we’ve finished eating, Lynne explains that they have clothes for us to wear in the future so we won’t stand out too much, no matter what the fashion trends are in ten years. I’m sent to the exam room from before to change and given a plain black T-shirt, dark blue jeans, a hooded jacket, and basic walking shoes. There’s also a watch with tiny silver hands and twenty-four hours on it instead of twelve. I put it on my arm above my mother’s watch, which rarely leaves my wrist.

Now that I’m alone and have a second to think, too many questions race through my head. In a few minutes, we’ll be going to the future. Everything is moving so fast, and they did little to prepare us for whatever we’ll face.

Lynne’s explanation of why they chose us rings hollow in my ears. I know my perfect memory is rare, but I’m sure they could find someone over eighteen with the same skill. So why are they using foster kids? And what was with all the medical tests? Is the accelerator really safe—or did they pick us because we’re expendable?

I’m supposed to wait here for Lynne to get me, but I’m too antsy. I pace back and forth, my blood racing along with my brain. It’s about a million degrees, so I remove the jacket they gave me, tossing it on the bed. I examine everything in the room, but there’s nothing of interest, just the same medical supplies you’d find in any doctor’s office.

After twenty minutes I can’t take it any longer. I need answers, and if no one will tell me anything, I’ll have to find them myself—somehow.