Editor’s Note: This story features very challenging and profane language.   _____________ Damn, Becky. Damn. “What writing chops,” as Professor Grafton would say. To be fair, I expected as much. But brah!—I never pegged you as one for sci-fi or alt reality. Wild. Really. I love that about you. Your first sentence gripped me so hard I felt your nails cutting into my skin:   “Remember the names of the places but use the compass to be sure. Both.” She spoke as she al ways spoke to Ilhan, with