"The Ascension could best be described as a trial," she continued. "There will be a panel of five members that will have the final say on your status and you will have an advocate to help you through the process. You will be asked to recount your life histories first. Then you must answer questions from the panel about those histories. There will be an emphasis on dates, places, people, anything that can be verified to corroborate your claim. This process can go on for days, even weeks. There is often a break in the proceedings while certain facts are verified. After all the questions are answered and names and dates verified, the five members of the panel confer and give their decision. That's when the fun starts," she said breaking into a warm smile. "There is a huge celebration after a confirmation, where the newcomer, as you put it, takes a name for himself that is known only by the other members and is never spoken to anyone outside the society. All the members that are alive are summoned to a new confirmation party, and after you take a name you will be introduced to all in attendance, one by one."

"You speak with such confidence about how I'll do."

"Of course I do, I'll be your advocate."

"Really?" I asked, feeling the excitement rising inside me.

"Yes, it's normal for the one who finds you to be your advocate." She stopped and looked at me seriously. "It would be my honor, Evan."

"Great, how many have you done?" I asked, squeezing her hand again.

"I've never been an advocate, but it's not that difficult. I'm basically there to help you with the procedures, all the answers are yours."

"Where is it located in Zurich? Is there a permanent building?"

"Again, that is something I cannot tell you yet. I've told you too much as it is. But I can tell you that I told some of the others about you and I took the liberty of reserving seats on the Sunday flight to Zurich, so you won't have to wait too long for the answers to your questions. I assume you do want to go?" she asked, looking at me for a response.

I didn't have to think very hard about it. One simple answer now could answer a thousand other questions. "Yes, I want to go."

"Good. I'll let them know so preparations can begin."

"What do I need to bring?"

"Nothing special, just normal travel gear. Do you have any suits?"

"No, do I need one?"

She emptied the last of the second bottle into my glass. "As your advocate, I'd recommend you get two or three. Do you have enough money to buy them?"

"I think so. I should after tomorrow. Oh, by the way, I need to use a telephone sometime tonight."