Introduction 9

Prologue
Dream/Vision (3 December 1963, Moscow)

She continued to look at the ids. She would have been … 25 when she got this. My age. In Yakutsk, wherever that is. Siberia. Not here. Did her life start after my memories end? Based on the dates, that was 7 years ago. She put her hand to her head in frustration. I need to get as much information as I can. She continued to look through the booklet. Marriage status matches this guy, as well as address. I guess that makes sense considering the consistency here.

She didn't know what to think. Everything seemed to fit together, but it was wrong, impossible. The life she was put into – this was wrong, she couldn't do this for many reasons. It was not that she didn't understand what this meant, it was that she did, and she couldn't be a part of it. She looked at her passport and id again, trying to take it in.

This is ridiculous, why would they even want me. I am not the same type of socialist they are. It would make more sense for them to imprison me, force me to work. This is not a labor camp. Besides, the uniform was an officer uniform. It was like they said, “I think she needs to be in charge of people – it would help with her self-confidence.” … Eto nelepo. There is no way this could be me.

There is no way I am getting through the day; this entire thing is crazy.

Besides, it would be irresponsible of me to do this. I would have access to classified information I should not and power over others not intended for me. Maybe I can tell him. If I still speak as this woman, but as if I lost my memory, he may be able to get me out of this situation without harm to me, or anyone else.