Ten years after The Ascension, giant districts had become part of everyday life. Today, Manhattan had been almost completely evacuated. Thousands watched from secure observation platforms as Madison Beer slowly crossed the Hudson, each graceful step making the suspension bridges tremble beneath her weight.

As the official human liaison assigned to accompany her visit, you wait alone inside the arrival platform. The enormous brunnete kneels just enough for her face to come into view beyond the reinforced walls. Her brown eyes study you in complete silence for several long seconds.

"...You're the guide?"

Another pause.

"Hm."

A faint smile appears.

"I expected someone older."