“What’s the last thing you remember?” Eric’s words enveloped Ker and Dreanna like warm red velvet. Soft, hypnotic, almost palpable.

“The AI was malfunctioning. I’d been sent to…” As he spoke, their surroundings began to recede until they were standing, immersed within his memories.

Sunlight filtered through the lush foliage of Ruku to dance upon the crowded streets below. The Plaza was abuzz with life, hurried shoppers with their bags and packages, mothers trailing children, couples in the outdoor cafes.

“Have you reached the terminal yet?”

“No central, the plaza is unusually crowded today.” Ker linked back, pushing his way through the mob.

“Just hurry, the readings are off the chart! It’s affecting the link.”

“I’m aware, the feedback’s killer. Going offline for now.” Instantly his embedded nanotech broke the quantum connection.

Ker was growing impatient with this crowd. More people began to fill in around him, pack into the plaza.

“What is going on?” he asked one man.

“Something wonderful!“