The blaring metal music was cut shorter than a silenced mecha-crow's call when one of the scouts from the recently departed team rushed into the main room, ash-covered and bloodied.

The emperor penguins — actual emperor penguins and not holograms — were huddled around the zoologists as they made sure every single one of them was healthy.

I chuckled, trying to ignore the looks I got. I haven't talked with many holograms yet. A lot of them seem to ignore me.

The beast hologram walked past me. I was numb with fear, but I followed anyway. Whatever was going on — was I dreaming? Or hallucinating?? — I might find out soon.

You were supposed to be awake an hour ago. As you curse at your dead phone, you can already envision everyone except you graduating. Still, you decide to take a leap of faith and see if the teacher is feeling merciful.