Clio and David go outside their reality.

Clio and David need to make a very dangerous jump.

David and Clio enter VR together. It gets steamy again.

A deception is revealed.

"A toned woman, drenched in an ebony bodysuit began to materialize, rising from the blue water. Drops of water trickled down her form...

'David, the reality you've grown to accept is nothing but an illusion,' she expressed, her voice steady and firm."

"Their bodies swayed and twisted in the sensuous dance of love, their breathing ragged and unchained. Every arched back, every whispered confession of love, every entwined finger was a verse in their unending sonnet of desire. The world beyond their haven faded into an inconsequential blur, their universe reduced to the undulating rhythm of their bodies."

"In the vast expanse of the sixty-five sprawling work locations, the image of Autonomous, projected in his regal Mayoral avatar, manifested on every screen. He replaced the digital portraits of loved ones, children at play, and halcyon memories. Screens that once radiated joy were now synchronized with a singular message.

'Due to an unforeseen operational development, work activities have been temporarily halted,...'"

"A soft mechanical hum reverberated through the room as the cybernetic surgeon stirred into action. The spidery arms overhead flung out for action, poised to perform. A cobalt laser beam punctuated the sterile white room, locking onto Sally's abdomen, aligning meticulously with her navel. The mechanical ensemble, in all its imposing glory, seemed to rally for the impending task."

Sometimes, tiny rumors circulated among those privy to the Central Complex's inner workings.    Small dark truths.  But the people, enthralled by the city's beauty chose to embrace the magic. They were willing to accept the unknown consequences for the sake of being part of something bigger than them. Something extraordinary.  ... It was the joy of fascism's captivating nature.

Autonomous writes.