Issue 1 Downtime

Standing outside the building, Emily throws a rock through Ryan's window.

When he doesn't immediately answer, she picks up another rock.

"...Why are you throwing rocks at the building?" Ryan asked, not really realizing that that was the window to the office closet he never used.

"I am looking for Ryan Gabriel," Emily says.

She throws another rock.

"...My number is listed."

"I do not know how to read," Emily replies.

Ryan rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Why did you need to find me?"

"People have disappeared," Emily says. "It is all very exciting."

"Wait, what? Where? When?" Ryan asked, going from one to panic in no time flat.

"You are getting hysterical," Emily says. "If you want, I can slap you back into your senses, sir."

"Answering the question will be enough," Ryan assured her.

"Of course," Emily says. "What question would you like answered?"

"Tell me what happened. Exactly."

"Today, I woke up and thought I was lost again," Emily begins. "It took me approximately twelve minutes to remember where I was. I have difficulties maintaining a solid form in my sleep, so I had melted out of my bed clothes during the night and was naked. My immediate reaction was annoyance. I do not like being without clothing when I am sleeping..."

"Start with the part about people disappearing. Or about five minutes before it."

"Oh, I did not see any of that happen. I was busy talking with Ms. Weaver about the things inside of shadows," Emily says. "She asked me to come get you."

Hooray for progress! "Okay, for the future? That's what you should have started with. Take me to her."

"It is not my fault," Emily snaps at Ryan. "You did not ask about Ms. Weaver. You wanted to know what happened to me."

"Less arguing, more taking me to Professor Weaver."