The call sheet was simple. LOCATION: Abandoned Orrery, Sector G. SUBJECT: Fantasia Aiy-10 Shorts. DURATION: 30 frames.

The camera whirred, spat out a single, warm photograph. The image showed the Fantasia in her first moment: whole, laughing, holding the thimble of stars. The real model, however, was gone. Only a faint scorch mark remained on the brass gear Terra .

“Frame five.”