I’m sure the fall broke my neck. The trick was just hoping no one came to my aid. A woman with a giant schnauzer walked past.

“Oh my god!” She screamed. Her skirt twirled in the wind as she lowered herself to the ground. It looked like she had come from the 50’s except her dress was made of a black suede material with big white polka dots. Her dog began a spectacle of indecision: licking my face and backing off… barking loudly.

“Leave me alone,” I got out in a rasp. The sunlight appeared blood red, but I wasn’t sure if it was me or the circumstances of the 23rd century. Over the city, a net phased in and out of view, like how the Starship Enterprise’s own sheids are revealed when it is struck by a weapon. I could tell the woman was about to call the hospital—she pressed something on her lapel.

I grabbed her by the back of the head and felt the wiry hairnet she had been wearing over her bun. “Don’t..”

“Mister, I am trying…”

I punched her in the face. She fell to the ground, silent. Her dog barking.