Any illusions of a warm and comfortable surrounding were shattered the moment Scully entered the building. Janus Pharmacuticals was a cold, metallic, sterile and lifeless environment. The only presence of humanity was the androgynous receptionist who sat at the front desk, and Scully wasn't entirely sure he or she wasn't a hologram.
"Hello, Dr. Anderson," the receptionist smiled, "How may I help you?"
Scully was amazed that she was able to speak; she almost did not recognize her own voice. "I'm part of the research team..." she began. "Yes, for the Cassandra Project," the receptionist replied. "I will need you, please, to look directly at me before we continue." As Scully did as she was instructed, a narrow beam of light swept her face from left to right. "This retina scan will enable you to move freely about the facility and gain access to the office should I not be at my desk." Scully almost panicked until she remembered the contact lenses she had put in before she left on her journey.
"Thank you, Dr. Anderson," replied the receptionist. "Your offices are straight down the hallway. You will make a right at the stairwell, and the attendant will be there to assist you."
Scully made her way down the corridor. She took in every surface, every smell, and noticed every door. She looked for clues and hoped that she did not look as conspicuous as she felt. In an instant, she became aware that she had stopped becoming an agent and had become a mother looking for her lost child. In the same instant, she realized she would have to ignore her maternal instincts if she would have any hope of finding her daughter alive.
Scully reached the door to the offices for the Cassandra Project. She saw the same keypad she 'd seen when she entered the building, and on reflex entered in the four digit code she had used earlier. A red light blinked furiously beside the door. She tried again.
The red light blinked at her defiantly.
The attendant in the glassed-in room looked at her. "Is there a problem, Dr. Anderson?" asked the attendant. It seemed a million years had passed before she heard herself respond. "I can't seem to get into my office," she replied. "What is your password, please?' asked the attendant." "One-Oh-One-On" she replied. "I'm sorry; but that's not correct," the attendant replied.
Scully felt the fear rise in her throat.
"I need the password that was sent to you in the mail, " the attendant continued. "We've had to ask that our researchers present a password when they arrive. We have had an unfortunate breach of security in recent days. Do you have that password, Dr. Anderson?"
Scully's mind raced forward. She tried to figure out all possible means of escape, and if that were not possible, all the things that might happen if and when they discovered who she was.
She even thought of the possibility that she may never see those she loved again.
Scully thought, and thought hard before she spoke.
"Spender," she replied. "The password is Spender."
There was an audible click as the door unlatched.
"Have a pleasant day, Dr. Anderson," the attendant replied as she entered the labs.