Sherry Book, the chair of ComicCon 2040, browsed through the want ads as she considered other careers. Where did you go after destroying the most famous series of conferences in North American history? A few fast food restaurants still hired human servers. That was an option.

"Ms. Book," said Melody Reynolds. In addition to the fez, she now had what appeared to be a sprig of celery in her lapel. Should that mean something? Well, the woman still looked reasonably professional.

"What is it?" Sherry asked.

"I think I know why the authors started disappearing in 2025."

"Okay," Sherry said, uncertain about where this was going. "So what happened in that year that got the ball rolling?"

"A sunken island off the coast of Dubai was discovered. It was the tomb of Scheherazade." Melody's eyes grew wide as moons.

"Melody, there was no such person. She was fictional. And what possible connection could that have to our vanished authors?"

"But Sheherazade, some believe, was based on a real person. What if her ghost was collecting stories. What if--"

"Melody," Sherry said, cutting the woman short.

Was it worth trying to explain that the theory that the archaeologist who reported finding Scheherazade's tomb on the sunken island had been ridiculed and cast out from his research community? There was probably little point. Melody even believed in Elvis sightings.

"Yes?" Melody asked.

"Don't tell anyone else your crazy theories, okay? This thing is a circus already."

Crestfallen, Melody nodded.

"Close the door on your way out, will you?"

"Yes, Sherry."

#

After Chay's story there was quiet as each of the authors tried to work out the nature of the test they were facing. What kind of test? What did the woman in silken robes want from them?

"Where's Kristin?" Nancy asked, suddenly concerned.

Everyone looked around. Kristin was nowhere to be seen.

Just then, the door opened and a pale-faced Kristin stumbled in and sat down in one of the chairs lining the wall.

"What is it?" Dave asked.

"I found our bus."

"That's great!" Dave replied, getting to his feet. He shrugged his pack on with effort. Whatever he had in there, it was heavy.

"It's under water," Kristin said. "Mostly. The tide receded enough that I could see the top of it."

"Are you sure it's ours?" K.J. asked.

Kristin nodded.

"I remember something about the bus going into the water," Jinn said.

"Does anyone smell car exhaust?" Amber asked.

Several people nodded.

"I think--I think I'm starting to remember what happened to us," Kristin said. "There's a story that relates to this. If I tell it, maybe we can figure out what's going on."

"Please," Jesse said. "Maybe it will also help us with whatever test it is that we're facing."