Arnold had barely knocked when the door flew open.
“Well, it’s about time you got here.” The woman said. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve been waiting for you?”
“Um…” Arnold didn’t know how to reply to that. It was clear that he had knocked on the wrong apartment door. With a glance at the number on the door, he realized his poker night was on the floor above.
“I’m Ulily.” The woman said. Her dark auburn hair was pulled back in a ponytail that almost whacked him when she turned around. “We don’t have a lot of time. Let’s get started.”
“I’m Arnold.” Said Arnold.
“I know.” She snapped. “Just sit down on the couch and I’ll be there in a minute.”
Arnold had no idea why he was letting Ulily boss him around. But he kind of liked it. There was something familiar about her, too. She came back with two glasses of water and gave him one.
“What’s the point of making appointments if you don’t keep them, Arnold?” Ulily folded her arms.
“I think there’s been some sort of mistake. I’m due at the apartment above you for a poker game with a friend.”
“So you were going to leave me waiting for you for even longer?” Ulily rolled her eyes and turned on the television. An older woman in uniform appeared on the screen.
“Ah, my best team is finally back together.” She adjusted her glasses and shuffled what sounded like paper. “Shall we move on to your next assignment?”
“This is a weird TV show.” Arnold said.
“Ulily.” The woman snapped. “Are you telling me Arnold still hasn’t recovered from his trauma?”
“He’s three years late.” Ulily said. “I think that’s a fair assumption.”
“Will somebody tell me what is going on?” Arnold didn’t like raising his voice, but he had never felt so confused. He knew it was something familiar that was bothering him. All of this…
“You’re an agent of the I.G.S.A.” Ulily said.
Arnold blinked.
“The Intergalactic Security Association.” Ulily stared hard at him, like she didn’t know if Arnold was faking it.
“We’ve waited long enough.” The woman on the television said. “We’re going to have to force your memory back.”
“What?” Arnold didn’t like the sound of that.
“I’m sorry you can’t recover at a normal pace, but we’ve run out of time. We need you back. Now.”