It's at about this time that a fellow with vertical hair happens by, walking (or more accurately being towed by) a couple of very large, fluffy, enthusiastic white puppies. And while the pups don't know her, they are certainly interested in her. "Kepler, no. Down," he says, but Kepler has not quite mastered Down and Qubit has to grab his actual collar to keep the dog from trying to jump on her.

"I'm terribly sorry. Friendly little monster, isn't he," he grumbles. But when he glances up to her face, he's taken aback. "Goodness. Mako Mori? Is that you?"