HOLOCENE

"All I can say is that an unbelievable scheme is in motion."

Movement at your peripheral vision.

"Nothing for it now, CASCADE -- we await the conclusion."

The tabletop is splattered with the drying blood of your old friend.

Rotanev's shrine sits undisturbed under its worn wooden awning.

You unfold the cipher and remember the instructions extracted from the novel:

You return to the desk. Everything is right where you left it, including the pack of Suprema 100s.

H.S. Lastra's blood-obsessed pulp epic awaits you.

"All sleeping soundly here, CASCADE... Any luck with those brakes?"

A typed page lies upside-down in a stack of similarly formatted files. The cover reads: 'Remote Viewing Testimonial N.28'.

"As I suspected, my sources were very pleased with your work. Well done, Hershel. It's an honour to work with you again."

"It's cold out here." The girl rolls her shoulders and lightly stamps a foot.

The ration pack crinkles as you turn it over.

"CASCADE." The barest of nods. "I've been playing 'I Spy' relentlessly with myself to pass the time. Pretty even as things stand, but I'm…

The weight of the thesis threatens to strain your hand muscles.

The novel lies where you left it, gathering expensive dust -- 'Blood Type: Hecatomb' by H. S. Lastra.

The mould's tendrils rise gently as you approach.

M.I.H.O.'s report on inter-matter phasing is still there, and still tempting.

Stopping abruptly by the Honour book stall, your double HOLOCENE opens the duffel bag he has been carrying with him and begins depositing…

A stray cat hops soundlessly over a nearby wall. Your double turns to you.