The Soldiers

Priscilla leads you down a long corridor that connects the main Pinehearst building with a new warehouse annexed along the northern end. Inside, the warehouse reminds you more of a gym, very bright and clean with stark white walls and ceilings. It all feels rather sanitized and institutionalized.

But you're staring at the occupants.

There is a platoon of military soldiers dressed in fatigues, standing at attention. Most are young, but all look battle-hardened: you can see it in their stance and face. After a moment, you become aware that Priscilla has walked away. At the same time, Carla Klaus, head of RARU -- Pinehearst's Rapid Assessment & Response Unit -- comes in, a sour expression on her face.

"Ahh, I see you've been introduced to our replacements," she says.

"Our what?" you say, suddenly feeling deeply helpless.

She shakes her head and walks over to join Priscilla in the corner with a tall, dark man: Senator Petrelli. Petrelli's blonde aide is nearby. She stares at you -- cold, blue eyes -- until you look away.

Your eyes fall on a workstation near you. A technician sits at a computer terminal, monitoring various video feeds.

"What are those?" you ask.

"Outgoing personal mail from our recruits," the technician says. "I'm screening them for security breaches. Loose lips sink ships, right?"

Your cell phone rings.

• Answer the phone...