50
With the aid of time, a peaceful patch of grass, a building to lean against, and a connection back to the steady, sane world of his machines, Dale eventually slowed his disordered thoughts. The June breeze over his face soothed him more than he’d expected. Weirdly, the other geeks passing by and talking had their own soothing effect. He didn’t have to talk with them or pay attention to their conversations to catch that the deaths had distressed everyone in the community. Dale knew he wasn’t unique, but it comforted him to see it.
He felt almost normal when someone calling his name shattered his attention. He jerked his head up.
The crowd was funneling back into the building.
Surge stood on the sidewalk, an expectant look on his face.
Dale blinked. “Sorry.”
Surge nodded. “Programme
