He was grateful for the lack of furniture; everyone had gathered to hear Larani’s message. Anna, Cassi, Sun, Drayvin, Corin, Shinela and Kevin: they all formed a ring around the room, leaving an empty space in the middle. When Jack and his poker buddies joined in, things got very cramped indeed.
Three holograms appeared before him: Larani flanked by Melissa and Novol. The chief director smiled and nodded to him. “Jack,” she said. “I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”
He stepped forward with hands clasped behind his back, studying her with lips pursed. “Well, you’re all here,” he said. “So, I assume you’re not going to tell me that someone died.”
“I’m afraid it’s worse than that.”
“What happened?”
Larani ran her gaze over the lot of them, then took a deep breath. “I am calling you from
