THE opening scene began with Abby sitting alone in a seaside café, absorbed in a physical book - a rare sight in this futuristic world where everyone used Terminals to read. The regular customers barely noticed her anymore; they'd grown accustomed to her old-fashioned habit.
Outside, the roar of a combustion engine broke the quiet morning - an impossible sound in this age of hover vehicles. A black motorcycle with actual wheels pulled up, ridden by a young man about Abby's age. He removed his helmet, revealing sweaty black hair and striking features that immediately drew attention from everyone in the café.
As he entered, his eyes scanned the room before landing on Abby's book. He began walking toward her just as a distracted waiter, staring at the newcomer, tripped and sent a tray of drinks flying directly at Abby's booth. At the last second, the young man stepped in front of her, taking the full brunt of the spill.
