David Gregory and Anika Rao were on their way back to NYC from Virginia Beach after having met with the duplicates of Merritt, Emma, Hannah, and Kent. They stopped in Philadelphia for lunch.
Once they were settled down, David said, “We should talk about our visit…”
Anika nodded. “So, what did we learn on this trip?”
David smiled, “For starters, I learned that you’re a lot of fun and have a smart sense of humor.”
Anika stared off into the distance and shook her head. “And you are a tireless flirt who’s always thinking of seven things at once! Try to focus on the research.”
David laughed. “Maybe I need some sessions with the shrink when we get one on board…”
“I’d say no… it might break you…” Anika looked at David and shook her head.
David had never thought he was flirting. He thought of it as being friendly and paying attention. In his 28 years, Anika was not the first girl to accuse him of being a flirt. But, no harm had ever come from it. In truth, David liked to think he treated girls like “one of the guys,” but with a little more respect and a little less “shoulder punching” (although it had been a long time since he actually punched anyone in the shoulder).
“Okay… the research…” David sipped his soda. “First off Emma-2005 is brilliant…”
Anika bulged her eyes and nodded. “Yes! DNA!”
The Emma born in 2005, whose consciousness shifted back to 1994, had gotten DNA genealogy kits for everyone. A certified accountant witnessed the sampling and bagging of the collections.
“We’ll get samples from the gang in Brooklyn.”
David nodded. “I was surprised by how invasive the memory thing is.”
Anika looked at him. “So, within the model Paul Charm gave us, at this moment, the Virginia Beach cohort exists both in 2025 and 1985. And the 1985 versions are getting merged memories from 2025 and 1881 that the Virginia Beach cohort sometimes remember, meaning their past is ever changing.”
David nodded. “My brain just melted again.”
Anika shook her head. “Moreso for them, I bet…”
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