"I am writing that shocking database. Well, part of it," Miguel replied, laughing a little as he spoke. "I've been building a genetic database for here for almost four years now and I'm not running out of work any time soon. There are so many plants here, Gabe, and animals I never even heard of until I got here. It's amazing. It's shocking crazy, but it's amazing." He pointed out the turns they needed to take as they walked towards the Mall, zigzagging across the level as they went. He wanted to start explaining about all of the shocked-up stuff that could happen, like Gabe becoming a girl or swapping bodies with Tommy or Bryn or whoever, but he figured that would be best kept for when they were sitting in the lab, drinking coffee.
"Lyla, front and center," he said, holding his hand out for her to appear on the palm of it, tiny and yellow.
"Hello, Miguel. Hello, Gabriel, how are you?" she asked, and clasped her hands behind her back as she waited.
"Can you start the coffee down in the lab, please? We should be there in about five to seven minutes. And keep the lights low, I don't have my glasses or contacts with me," he asked.
"Of course, Miguel. It will be ready when you arrive."
"Will you let me get genetic samples from you?" he asked Gabri after Lyla vanished, "You don't have to, it's entirely voluntary and you have to fill out a form, same as back in Nueva York, but... it's a pretty comprehensive database, you know?"