I am a time traveler ... The Core has labeled the authorized version of we constantly endeavor to maintain as the "approved timeline" - or ATL for short. To be sure, I once believed that time flowed like a river from point A to point B and then to point C, and so forth. Unfortunately, I have come to understand that it absolutely does not unfold in such an orderly fashion ... The day of my departure from this mortal coil was as normal as these departures tend to be in all respects but one: it would be the occasion of my recruitment ... death has often been used by the Core as the vehicle for one's recruitment. After all, it leaves so few loose ends or unanswered questions as to one's whereabouts ... She extended one arm and opened her hand to display a pocket watch that at first glance seemed common in appearance but upon closer inspection was quite detailed in design. "A watch?" "We call it a Horologium ... If you choose to take this from me, your new journey will begin immediately ..." Well, what was I to do? If such a decision had been yours to pursue - to follow after an attractive young woman to parts unknown or to struggle with one's final breath until the very end, only to find oneself then standing before the Maker of the Universe - what choice would you have made? Naturally, I took the watch.