You'd think after all the time I've spent trapped in this murky prison I'd have adjusted. No, it's still quite a shock to be released from the depths of unconsciousness, only to be greeted by an infinite plain of shadows. I glance around, looking for something, some object from long ago that will reassure me. I need to know some of my old world still remains. Nothing. I'm alone. A white light flashes to the left of my... vision, if it can be called that. I ignore it. I've come to realize that its only purpose is to generate hope of this blanket of soot lifting. I hear a creak -- a door opening. -