The end-of-day bustle of Everett High School's teachers' lounge gradually quieted as staff members collected their belongings and prepared to leave. Marcus Rodriguez sat alone at a corner table, his signature red-and-bck fleece vest draped over the back of his chair, his mind focused on Alex's impending challenge.

  M-Day was approaching - the monthly training weekend that would now present a critical test for his colleague. Marcus found himself contempting the complexity of Alex's situation with a mix of professional concern and personal empathy. The cybernetic modifications would be impossible to completely conceal during their standard medical assessment, creating an unprecedented operational dilemma.

  Their professional retionship had always been built on mutual respect and unspoken understanding. Now, Marcus recognized the significant pressure Alex would face. These modifications weren't just a technical challenge, but a profound personal vulnerability that would require careful navigation.

  He wasn't developing a pn, exactly. Instead, Marcus was processing the weight of Alex's situation - the potential consequences, the personal and professional risks, the delicate bance between organizational protocols and individual circumstances.

  "Dios mío," Marcus muttered softly, a mixture of concern and professional curiosity threading through his voice. The upcoming weekend would be unlike any they had experienced before.

  Marcus's contemption shifted to the practical challenge at hand: how Alex would conceal his cybernetic modifications. The implications were far more serious than a simple medical assessment. If discovered, Alex risked becoming a subject of intense government scrutiny, potentially subjected to invasive research and investigation.

  The modifications represented a technological leap that society was nowhere near ready to comprehend. Marcus understood the critical need for discretion. Government agencies, research institutions, and military organizations would view Alex not as a person, but as an unprecedented scientific specimen. The potential for containment, study, and potential weaponization was a very real threat.

  Concealment would require more than just strategic clothing or careful positioning. Alex would need to develop a comprehensive approach that addressed multiple potential points of detection: medical imaging, physical examinations, and any incidental observations during the training weekend.

  Marcus's mind worked through potential protective strategies. Specialized clothing with strategic padding and yering. Carefully managed medical documentation. Precise body positioning and movement techniques that could minimize unusual mechanical responses.

  "No pueden saberlo," Marcus muttered - they cannot know. The stakes were too high, the potential consequences too dangerous.

  Marcus recognized the critical constraint: any concealment strategy must integrate seamlessly with standard military uniform and fatigue requirements. Custom modifications would need to appear entirely regution-compliant, avoiding any visual or structural anomalies that might trigger suspicion during inspection.

  The challenge was multifaceted. Cybernetic enhancements would require precise engineering of concealment materials that maintained the exact weight, drape, and structural integrity of standard-issue military clothing. Padding, yering, or structural adjustments couldn't introduce any deviation from regution specifications that would catch a trained eye.

  His background in logistics and outdoor equipment design gave Marcus insight into the technical considerations. The concealment would need to account for:

  Precise weight distributionConsistent fabric tensionMaintenance of uniform silhouetteZero interference with standard movement patternsComplete compatibility with required uniform inspections"La sutileza es cve," Marcus murmured - subtlety is the key. Every detail would require meticulous pnning to ensure Alex's modifications remained undetectable within the strictest military uniform standards.

  After Marcus's st murmured words about subtlety, Jim Patterson from the Science department dropped into the chair across from him, breaking his concentrated thoughts.

  "Hey Marcus, did you hear about that Amazon delivery van that went up in the U-District? Complete battery meltdown," Jim said, clutching his coffee mug with obvious excitement. "Makes you wonder about all this push for electric vehicles, doesn't it? I mean, when they fail, they fail spectacurly."

  Marcus shifted his focus from Alex's dilemma, though the weight of the upcoming M-Day still pressed at the edges of his thoughts. "?Qué pasó exactamente?" he asked, then quickly corrected himself. "What exactly happened?"

  "One of their delivery vans just started smoking, then boom - full lithium battery fire," Jim continued, clearly eager to discuss the technical aspects. "Took the fire department forever to put it out. You know how those battery fires are - they just keep reigniting. Heard they had to evacuate the whole Value Vilge."

  Marcus listened carefully, his teacher's instinct noting the unusual timing and location of such an incident. Something about the description triggered his tactical awareness - perhaps there was more to this story than a simple battery malfunction.

  As Jim continued his analysis of battery fires, Marcus's thoughts suddenly crystallized. Hazel's recent mention of a rescue operation aligned perfectly with this incident - the Amazon van, the Value Vilge evacuation, the conveniently timed distraction...

  He maintained his attentive expression as Jim delved into the technical details of lithium battery failures, but his mind was already piecing together the fuller picture. The delivery driver who'd assisted in their recent operation had orchestrated this, using his own van to create the perfect evacuation scenario.

  "Fascinating from a chemistry perspective, isn't it?" Jim was saying, fully engaged in his technical breakdown. "The way these batteries can chain-react..."

  "Mm-hmm," Marcus nodded, keeping his insights carefully hidden behind his educator's calm demeanor. He'd need to mention this to Alex ter - privately. For now, he simply listened as Jim continued his enthusiastic analysis of electric vehicle safety protocols.

  "What about your expedition company?" Jim asked, shifting in his chair. "You guys must have some electric vehicles by now. Aaron's company seems pretty forward-thinking with equipment."

  Marcus maintained his composed educator's demeanor, not correcting Jim's mistake about his employer's name. "We're still evaluating our options," he replied carefully. "Transportation reliability is critical in our line of work. Can't have a vehicle failing in remote locations."

  "That's exactly my point!" Jim leaned forward, coffee forgotten. "Imagine if something like this happened during one of your wilderness trips. No easy access to emergency services, possibly no cell coverage..."

  Marcus let Jim continue his enthusiastic analysis of the potential risks, offering only neutral acknowledgments. His mind briefly touched on the irony of discussing alternative power sources, given that he knew about certain equipment from the dimensional transfer that utilized micro nuclear technology. But he kept his expression professionally interested in Jim's concerns about electric vehicle safety.

  "Lo siento, Jim," Marcus said, rising from his chair and collecting his red-and-bck fleece vest. "I just remembered I need to check in with the company about some weekend logistics." The half-truth came easily, years of discretion making such exchanges natural.

  Jim nodded, still caught up in his analysis of electric vehicle safety concerns. "We'll have to continue this discussion ter. The whole battery fire issue really raises some interesting questions about expedition safety protocols..."

  Marcus offered a professional smile as he gathered his things. The conversation about the Amazon van had reinforced the urgency of speaking with Alex about the upcoming M-Day. Between the recent rescue operation and the looming medical assessment, they needed to have a serious discussion about how to proceed.

  As he headed for his car, Marcus's thoughts returned to the complex challenge ahead. Alex would have a pn - he always did - but sometimes pns needed a second perspective, especially when the stakes were this high.

  Marcus navigated his way south on Aurora Avenue, the evening traffic flowing steadily if not smoothly. While Highway 99 wasn't as congested as the parallel I-5 corridor, the usual mix of commuters and local traffic kept him alert as he moved through the familiar route from Everett to Lynnwood.

  The transition from commercial strips to residential areas marked his approach to Alex's property. He turned off Aurora onto one of the quieter side streets, where older homes with generous lots provided natural privacy. Alex's pce sat back from the road, unremarkable from the front - just another well-maintained suburban home. But Marcus knew what y behind: a sophisticated facility disguised as a typical oversized garage-workshop setup.

  As he pulled into the driveway, the security system would have already logged his arrival. The "garage" that dominated the back of the property looked like any other rge workshop from the outside - the kind of space someone might use for restoring cssic cars or doing extensive woodworking. But Marcus knew better. The modified interior housed technology that had come back with Alex through the dimensional transfer, carefully concealed from casual observation.

  He parked in his usual spot, noting the precise arrangement of vehicles that kept the operation looking like nothing more than an enthusiast's workspace to any passing neighbors.

  Marcus spotted the familiar flutter of blinds from Mrs. Henderson's living room window as he walked toward the garage's side entrance. He raised his hand in a casual wave, acknowledging the HOA vice-president's surveilnce. Her meticulous observation of the neighborhood's activities had become an ironic yer of their security setup - her presence making the property seem more ordinary, not less.

  The mid-forties neighbor watched with her usual attention to detail, no doubt mentally cataloging his arrival time for discussion at the next homeowner's association meeting. Her consistent monitoring of Alex's "workshop" provided perfect cover - what secret facility would operate under such obvious scrutiny?

  He approached the side door, knowing the sophisticated security systems hidden beneath its ordinary appearance had already confirmed his identity. The contrast between Mrs. Henderson's zealous enforcement of HOA regutions and the advanced technology just feet away never failed to amuse him.

  The side door opened to reveal Rose, her analytical gaze quickly taking in Marcus's arrival. Behind her, Tori's transformed figure was visible - her metallic silver-gold hair catching the workshop lights, her light blue skin and ruby-colored eyes a stark reminder of her altered state.

  "Marcus," Rose greeted him with her characteristic direct manner. "I assume this isn't a social call, given the timing."

  Tori shifted uncomfortably in the background, her 6'1" frame attempting to appear smaller despite her impressive physical presence. Without her holographic disguise, the subtle shimmer of her subdural armor was visible beneath her skin.

  "No," Marcus replied, stepping inside as the sophisticated security systems sealed the door behind him. "Is Alex around? There are some things we need to discuss about the upcoming weekend."

  "He's out," Rose stated matter-of-factly. "Had to handle a situation that came up earlier today. He should be back soon if you want to wait."

  "Speaking of," Rose said, gesturing to one of the holographic dispys floating in the workshop space. The monitor showed Alex's Triumph pulling up to the garage. "Perfect timing."

  Tori moved deeper into the workshop, her metallic hair reflecting the overhead lights as she positioned herself away from the entrance. Her tall Alex parked the Triumph, shutting off its engine and removing his helmet. "Just had to deal with some unexpected visitors at the office," he said, hanging the helmet on a wall hook. "Your boyfriend Brad and a couple of his football teammates decided to do some amateur detective work. Broke in through a side window."

  He looked toward Tori, his tone softening slightly. "He needs an expnation, Tori."

  Tori retreated further into the shadows of the workshop equipment. "I'm not... I'm not quite ready," she said, her voice carrying a mix of regret and uncertainty.

  Rose maintained her analytical observation from near the monitors. "They're certainly persistent," she commented, her attention divided between multiple holographic dispys. "Though breaking and entering seems a bit extreme, even for concerned parties."

  Marcus watched Alex's demeanor, noting how casually he discussed the confrontation. His thoughts about the upcoming National Guard training weekend took on new urgency - if Brad was already investigating this aggressively, they needed to be even more careful about maintaining appearances.

  frame found a spot among the equipment where she could observe without being immediately visible.

  Marcus watched as the sophisticated security systems began their automated sequence, preparing to admit Alex through the main garage door. The ordinary appearance of the garage entrance belied the advanced technology that y beneath its surface, just as Mrs. Henderson's watchful eyes provided their unwitting cover.

  "Speaking of concerns, Alex... this weekend is M-Day training," Marcus said.

  Alex froze in the middle of removing his riding gloves. "Mierda," he muttered. "With everything going on, I completely forgot about that." He looked at Marcus. "Do you remember if this is just training, or..."

  Marcus shook his head. "It's been fifteen years for you. Even my memory of the schedule isn't clear - they might have changed the rotation since my time in service."

  "I need to know what I'm walking into," Alex said, his initial surprise shifting to tactical assessment. "Whether it's just training or if there's a physical evaluation involved."

  Rose gnced up from her monitors with newfound interest, while Tori remained silent in her shadowed corner, watching the exchange.

  "Having Hazel around would help," Alex said, setting his gloves down. "But she's taking some needed rest at her apartment after everything that happened with Zoe." He gnced at the complex monitoring systems. "And I can't exactly call her in for this. She's earned her downtime."

  Marcus nodded in understanding. They both knew Hazel was one of their strongest assets when it came to handling delicate situations, but after the Value Vilge incident and its aftermath, she deserved a break.

  "We need more information before we can form a proper strategy," Marcus said, his educator's precision showing in how he broke down the problem. "Without knowing exactly what type of training is scheduled..."

  "Or what kind of evaluation might be involved," Alex added, his voice carrying the weight of someone who understood exactly what was at stake.

  "Speaking of downtime," Marcus said, gncing at Rose who was still focused on her holographic dispys, "you always seem to be here, Rose. I don't think I've ever seen you take a break."

  Rose didn't look up from her monitors, her hands moving through the holographic interfaces with practiced precision. "This is my downtime," she replied matter-of-factly. "I find the systems here... comforting. More predictable than people."

  Alex and Marcus exchanged a knowing look. Rose's analytical nature and her preference for technology over social interaction was well-known to both of them. Even Tori shifted slightly in her corner, a hint of understanding crossing her features.

  "The systems need constant monitoring," Rose added, as if this expined everything about her perpetual presence in the workshop.

  "Don't worry about Rose," Alex said, a hint of protective fondness in his voice. "She's happier tinkering with the systems than she'd ever be trying to maintain what most people consider a normal social life."

  Rose's lips quirked slightly at this, though she didn't look up from her work with the holographic dispys. The comment seemed to be a familiar understanding between them.

  "Now, about this weekend," Alex continued, returning to the more pressing matter at hand. "We need to figure out exactly what kind of training I'm walking into."

  "Wait," Marcus said, his expression brightening with sudden realization. "What about Michael Delgado? He's Active Guard in your unit - he would know the training schedule."

  Alex's posture shifted, showing immediate interest. "Mike... yes. He would know exactly what's pnned." He paused, considering. "He's been a good friend since I joined the unit. Level-headed, practical."

  "And he always has the most up-to-date information," Marcus added. "Being Active rather than Reserve status."

  Rose's fingers paused briefly over her holographic controls, her analytical mind no doubt cataloging this new potential source of information, before returning to her work.

  "I could reach out to him," Alex said thoughtfully. "He's usually pretty direct with information. No unnecessary complications."

  Alex pulled out a sleek new phone - a recent repcement for the one lost during his time lost in the alternate dimension. "Might as well find out now," he said, dialing Michael's number.

  Marcus watched as Alex waited for the connection, noting how even this simple action carried the weight of their current situation. Tori remained in her shadowed corner, while Rose continued her work with the holographic systems, though her attention had clearly shifted partially to Alex's call.

  Alex waited as the phone connected, leaning against one of the workshop's equipment stations. "Mike? Yeah, it's Alex," he said into the phone. "Had to get a new phone - long story. Listen, I'm a bit out of the loop on this weekend's training schedule. What exactly are we looking at?"

  Marcus watched intently, while Rose's fingers paused momentarily over her holographic controls, her analytical mind clearly tracking the conversation.

  After a moment, Alex's posture rexed slightly. "Mm-hmm. Just basic readiness training?" His eyes met Marcus's, signaling some initial information was coming through. "No full medical this time? Just physical fitness and scenario work?"

  The conversation continued, with Alex occasionally offering brief "uh-huh" responses. Tori remained silent in her shadowed corner, seemingly tense but listening carefully.

  "Thanks, Mike," Alex finally said. "I owe you one." He ended the call and turned to Marcus. "Good news and... well, potentially complicated news."

  Alex set the phone down, his expression a mix of relief and contemption. "Michael confirmed it's just basic readiness training this weekend. No full medical evaluation scheduled."

  Marcus leaned forward, catching the nuance in Alex's tone. "But?"

  "But," Alex continued, "it's a mandatory fitness assessment. Physical fitness tests, tactical scenario evaluations. Not a comprehensive medical exam, but still close enough to require careful management of my... modifications."

  Rose looked up from her monitors, her analytical mind already processing the implications. "Probability of detection?"

  "Low," Alex replied, "but not zero. Standard fitness tests include range of motion, strength assessments. We'll need to be strategic about how I approach these."

  Tori shifted uncomfortably in her corner, the unspoken tension of potential discovery hanging in the workshop's air.

  "I'll need your input on strategy," Alex said to Marcus, his voice carrying the weight of careful pnning. "Especially given the recent complications with Brad's investigation."

  Rose moved toward the back of the Chimera, their armored personnel carrier from the alternate dimension. "That's my queue," she said, her tone matter-of-fact. "You need an image inducer that'll hide your upgrades and not look like fetish jewelry." Her pointed reference drew a subtle reaction from Tori, whose own choker - like Zoe's - glinted with its distinctive, intricately designed central jewel.

  "Something that appears innocuous," Rose continued, her hands already moving across the Chimera's integrated systems. "Minimal profile, maximum functionality. I can design something that would pass as a standard medical monitor or fitness tracker, but with significantly more advanced capabilities."

  Alex raised an eyebrow. "Minimal detection risk?"

  "Absolute priority," Rose confirmed, her fingers dancing across holographic interfaces. "The goal is complete camoufge within standard military technological expectations."

  Marcus watched the exchange, recognizing Rose's particur genius for solving precisely these types of complex technical challenges. The workshop hummed with the potential of her emerging solution.

  Rose's analytical focus sharpened, her gaze turning inward as she began muttering technical specifications. "Integration protocols... servo calibration... potential torso material upgrades... resonance alignment..."

  She moved toward the Chimera, her words becoming an increasingly incomprehensible stream of technobabble. "Micro-tensile strength recalibration... neural interface optimization..."

  Marcus and Alex exchanged a knowing look, both eyebrows quirking upward in simultaneous recognition of Rose's engineering savant mode. Within moments, she had effectively disappeared into her own world of technical problem-solving, completely absorbed by the challenge of creating the perfect image inducer.

  "And there she goes," Alex said softly, a mix of amusement and respect in his voice.

  Marcus nodded. "Completely in her element."

  With Rose now out of sight, fully engrossed in her technical work at the back of the Chimera's integrated equipment shop, the atmosphere in the main workshop shifted. The vehicle's interior had been transformed into a sophisticated technical workspace, its advanced modur design allowing for complete reconfiguration as a mobile engineering station.

  "She'll be at this for hours," Alex said, his tone a mixture of resignation and admiration. "When Rose gets into her problem-solving mode, the rest of the world might as well not exist."

  "Welp, we lost her," Tori commented, her voice carrying a hint of familiar resignation.

  Marcus nodded, understanding the familiar pattern. "Her ability to hyper-focus is both her greatest strength and her most defining characteristic."

  Tori remained partially hidden in the workshop's shadows, her transformed form a subtle presence in the background.

  Marcus turned slightly, lowering his voice as he addressed Alex. "Have you considered the risks of bringing Michael into our... situation? Even with his loyalty, the potential exposure could be significant."

  Alex's expression became contemptive. "Mike's been a solid friend. Levelheaded. But you're right - the stakes are too high to risk casual disclosure." He paused, weighing the potential complications. "We'd need absolute certainty before even considering bringing him closer to the truth."

  "His position in the Active Guard means more eyes, more scrutiny," Marcus continued. "Any hint of unusual circumstances could trigger investigations that we cannot afford."

  Tori remained silent in her shadowed corner, her ruby-colored eyes seemingly tracking the conversation with intense focus. The workshop's technological hum provided a subtle backdrop to their careful strategic discussion.

  Alex nodded, his military training showing in the calcuted approach. "I'll use the training weekend to feel him out," he said quietly. "Gauge his reactions, see how he responds to subtle probing. Not direct disclosure, but strategic observation."

  Marcus recognized the technique immediately. "Tactical assessment," he acknowledged, understanding Alex would use years of interpersonal intelligence gathering to determine Michael's potential trustworthiness without revealing anything substantive.

  "If there are any signs of potential alignment or sympathetic response," Alex continued, "I'll know. But I won't compromise operational security based on a hunch."

  Marcus nods at Alex's consideration of the situation. As important as it is to gain allies, it is also important to keep things secret. The more people in the know, the more potential leaks.

  Their strategy remains focused: careful observation, measured disclosure, and absolute protection of their core operational security. The upcoming training weekend represents both a challenge and an opportunity - a delicate bance of maintaining Alex's cover while potentially identifying potential future support.

  At the National Guard base nearby Michael Delgado set his phone down, puzzled. Alex had been present at their st unit training session just under four weeks ago, which made this call about the upcoming weekend's schedule seem out of pce. Throughout their years serving together, Alex had always been the most organized member of their unit, someone who knew schedules with near-perfect recall.

  The way Alex had asked about the training details felt off - not quite like his usual self. Michael's military-honed instincts picked up on the subtle undercurrent of the conversation. Something about Alex's approach seemed carefully measured, as if he were probing for information rather than simply confirming details.

  Michael leaned back, his analytical mind turning over the conversation. Alex had seemed slightly different - not dramatically so, but in ways that would be imperceptible to someone who didn't know him well. A slight hesitation here, a more calcuted approach there.

  He made a mental note to observe Alex closely during the upcoming training weekend. Not with suspicion, but with the keen awareness of a friend and fellow soldier who sensed something was subtly different.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  A wisp of smoke curled toward the ornate crown molding, catching the amber light filtering through century-old stained gss. Jared took another slow drag from his blunt, admiring how the light pyed with the worn patina of the ancient hardwood floors. The parlor, like most of the old Craftsman house, had seen better days, but its bones were solid. Most people found the house's quirks annoying - the creaking floors, the occasionally flickering lights, the way the air seemed to move differently in certain corners. Jared found it all rather peaceful.

  He sank deeper into the oversized armchair he'd rescued from some vintage store, its faded floral pattern somehow perfect against the dark wainscoting. Two weeks without Daniel's sudden appearances had left the house feeling almost too normal.

  "The new strain at work is showing promise," came Daniel's voice from somewhere behind him.

  Jared didn't startle. Living with a roommate who disappeared for weeks at a time between tech consulting gigs and outdoor expeditions had given him a rather Zen approach to unexpected returns.

  "Yeah," he exhaled another cloud of smoke. "Welcome back, man. Boss is gonna be happy with this harvest. Though I guess you probably already know that, what with the whole time thing."

  Daniel moved into view, his silver hair catching the evening light. He settled into the old LazyBoy with the same casual grace he always had, though now he looked like he'd aged several decades since Jared had st seen him. The recliner creaked softly as he leaned back.

  Jared stared at him for a long moment, taking another slow drag from his blunt. "Man," he finally said, "either this is some really good stuff, or you've gotten way older." He squinted slightly. "Have you always looked like that? Because I'm pretty sure you were younger two weeks ago, but honestly, sometimes I lose track."

  Daniel's weathered face creased with amusement, looking both ancient and ageless at once. The robe he wore seemed to shift slightly, as if catching unseen currents of time itself.

  "It's been an interesting couple of weeks," Daniel replied, his voice carrying the same familiar tone despite its deeper resonance.

  "Yeah? Like, interesting-interesting, or more of that consulting stuff you do with Alex's company?" Jared adjusted his position in the armchair, feet tucked under him. "Because st time you said something was 'interesting,' you came back with that weird tech gadget that kept making my phone py K-pop."

  Daniel's smile deepened, crow's feet crinkling around eyes that seemed to hold gaxies. "Just the usual. Spent some time with Alex's group." He gnced at a spot in the air that Jared couldn't quite focus on.

  "Dude." Jared shook his head slowly. "You know, most people would be freaking out about..." he gestured vaguely at Daniel's aged appearance, "all this. But I figure, you pay your rent on time, you're cool with my job, and weird stuff just kind of happens around you anyway. So..." He shrugged, lifting the blunt, then paused mid-gesture. His eyes narrowed slightly.

  "Wait... are you real? Like, actually here? Because I don't wanna waste a good doobie if you're just some kind of weird hallucination. Had that happen once at a concert - tried to pass to the guy next to me and it just fell on the ground. Total waste."

  "Reality," Daniel said, settling deeper into the LazyBoy, "can be rather subjective at times. But yes, I am physically here right now, if that's what you're asking." He waved off the offered blunt with a slight smile. "I'm good, though. I see more than a good strain can show me."

  Jared considered this for a moment, the blunt paused halfway to his lips. "That's either really profound or really pretentious, man. Kind of hard to tell right now." He grinned. "But you know what? That's exactly the kind of thing I'd expect you to say, so you're probably real."

  "Right?" Daniel agreed, his tone both amused and knowing. "Though 'real' is a rather fluid concept." The robe he wore seemed to shift in a breeze that wasn't there.

  Jared took another thoughtful hit, watching the fabric move. "Okay, but seriously - what happened to you? Because unless I'm way more baked than I think I am, you definitely didn't look like someone's cool grandpa two weeks ago."

  The ugh lines around Daniel's ancient eyes deepened. "Let's just say I've been aging well. Or poorly. Or possibly sideways." He paused, head tilting slightly as if listening to something. "Actually, 'aging' might not be the right word at all."

  "Dude," Jared exhaled slowly. "You know what? I'm not even going to ask. Like, my job is literally growing weed for a guy in another country I've never met. Who am I to judge weird career changes?"

  "Speaking of career changes," Daniel said, his gaze drifting momentarily to a point just beyond the room's physical boundaries, "how are things progressing with your current cultivation project?"

  Jared raised an eyebrow. "Smooth as always. Boss is pretty happy with the test strain development. We've got a new hybrid that's showing some really promising medicinal potential." He took another drag, then added, "Though I'm guessing you already know how it turns out, right?"

  Daniel's lips curved in a knowing smile. "Potential is a fascinating concept. Particurly when viewed from multiple perspectives simultaneously."

  "See, this is why people find you weird," Jared chuckled. "Most folks would just say 'sounds good' or 'that's great'."

  Daniel leaned back, his ancient eyes holding a depth of perspective that transcended Jared's immediate comprehension. "Weird," he mused, "is a retively recent social construct. Until not too long ago - or perhaps a very long time ago, depending on one's perspective - what you might consider 'weird' was simply another form of understanding the world. Different cultures, different times have always had their own frameworks for comprehending the extraordinary."

  He gestured subtly, something in his movement suggesting he was referencing experiences far beyond the confines of their current moment. "Perception is malleable. What seems strange in one context becomes mundane in another. My current state is merely a reflection of journeys that have expanded beyond conventional linear experience."

  "Fair point," Jared said, scratching his chin. "But seriously, you went from looking like a tech consultant in his te thirties to... this." He waved his hand, indicating Daniel's entire aged appearance. "Most people would be freaking out. I'm just... curious."

  Daniel's eyes held a mixture of amusement and something deeper - a wisdom that suggested he'd seen far more than any single lifetime could contain. "Curiosity," he responded, "is often the most intelligent response to the unexpinable."

  The room seemed to shift subtly around him, as if the very fabric of space recognized something different about Daniel's presence. The century-old house's wooden floors creaked, though no one had moved.

  Jared noticed the atmospheric change but didn't seem particurly armed. "So," he said, taking another drag from his blunt, "are we going to talk about whatever happened, or are you going to give me one of those cryptic answers that expin nothing?"

  Daniel chuckled, a sound that was both tired and amused. "I'm not trying to be Gandalf, Jared. Cryptic wisdom isn't the goal. It's just that I've developed a certain... difficulty with linear communication. My thoughts don't always follow the straightforward path they once did."

  He leaned forward, his movements carrying a strange combination of elderly caution and fluid grace. "Imagine trying to describe a complex ndscape when you can see all its dimensions simultaneously. You wouldn't start at one point and move methodically. You'd want to capture everything at once."

  Jared tilted his head, a slow smile spreading. "So basically, you used to talk like a normal person, and now you talk like..." He paused, gesturing with his blunt, "well, like you."

  "Precisely," Daniel agreed, his gaze holding a complexity that suggested multiple perspectives converging. "Linear time has become more of an interpretive framework than an absolute constraint. Communication now requires a more comprehensive approach, where context and meaning emerge from multiple simultaneous points of understanding."

  Jared squinted, processing this. "So you're saying you don't do A to B storytelling anymore? It's more like... A, Q, 7, and maybe a little bit of blue all at the same time?"

  Daniel's smile suggested Jared had accidentally captured something remarkably accurate.

  The sharp rap of knuckles against the door interrupted their conversation. Jared unfolded himself from the armchair, stretching slightly as he moved across the worn hardwood floor.

  When he opened the door, a delivery person stood holding a package. "Daniel Aldrich?" the courier asked, gncing past Jared into the house.

  "Yeah, he's inside," Jared replied, taking the package. He turned, ready to hand it to Daniel—but the chair was empty. No trace of Daniel remained. The LazyBoy sat exactly as it had been, but Daniel had vanished as if he'd never been there at all.

  Jared blinked, looked down and realized his blunt was no longer between his fingers. He gnced back at the LazyBoy, taking in its empty stillness. Shaking his head with a soft chuckle, he muttered, "Damn. That must've been one hell of a good batch after all."

  He picked up the package, turning it over in his hands, wondering about its contents and Daniel's mysterious departure.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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