“No,” I said.

Dr. Vex and her team were perplexed by the anomalies Aria reported. They reviewed the data and discovered a glitch in the PI304's code. The device had begun to create particles that were not part of the original simulation, introducing unpredictable elements into the illusion.

The studio lot had a number for everything: stage 1, gate 12, the coffee shack with a faded “EVENING CAST CALL” sign. At the far edge, behind a chain-link fence draped with mesh, sat Soundstage 304. Once a hub for practical effects and stunt rehearsals, it had lately become the kingdom of Mira Chen, a visual effects designer who spoke fluent light.