"The very same. I hope it's not inappropriate to be so forward, but I saw that you have the same tattoo as Poppy and I just thought..."

"No. Welcome. Don't give it another thought. It is indeed a pleasure to meet you," she said taking my hand again. "I did not think I would meet you until tonight."

"Will you be there tonight?" I asked, sipping my coffee.

"I will. I am sitting on the panel."

"You're one of the five that will have the final say about me?" I asked, trying to mask my concern.

"I will cast one of the five votes, yes. But it will be only one of five. I'm very much looking forward to hearing about you."

"I'm very anxious to get started. Is it against the rules for me to meet with you before this begins?"

"No, it is not against the 'rules'. It is okay now, but we must not speak or be in contact after the Ascension has begun, not until a decision has been reached anyway. So you may be at ease.

"So you were a Bulgar," she said smiling.

"Yes, the first time."

"What did you do in that life?"

"I was a farmer until the land was nationalized by the Communists."

"1946," she said astonished. "Is this only your second trip?"

"No, third."

"Lucky you. I can hardly wait to hear about it."

"Speaking of hearing about me, I was wondering if there are any tips you could give me that could help us make this easier."

"No. I am sure you can understand why I cannot. Poppy is to be your advocate is she not?"

"Yes, she is, if she ever shows up."

Nadya laughed. "Well, she does have a habit of doing that. But do not worry," she said, dismissing my anxiety. "She will be here, and she will be able to help you with your 'tips', as you put it."

I nodded solemnly, realizing how efficiently I had been put back in my place. "I have another question for you. What happens to a neophyte if he fails to win a majority vote in the affirmative?"

She shook her head. "Do not take a negative approach. I have every confidence that Poppy would not have brought you here and summoned all of us had she not believed you to be what you claim. If you are indeed one of us, we will find out. We are very thorough and we always find the truth. So relax, be at ease."

"Thank you. I will. I feel better already," I said even though I didn't. My stomach was in knots. The strong coffee wasn't helping.

"How did you and Poppy meet?"

"I was shot behind her church," I said raising my foot. "She found me and stitched the wound."