Preface

Quantum Filaments, here afterward referred to as QUFITs instantly transfer characteristics between two individuals. First recorded in 2015 they recur annually. A previously unknown phenomenon they first appeared on October 31st in Denver, Colorado, United States at approximately 1610 hours local time. Just days ahead of the annual Leonid meteor showers, many amateur astronomers mistakenly claimed they were only part of a highly active cycle of meteor showers or the intense Aurora Borealis. For several days many governments around the world thought it better to allow that explanation to persist rather than admit this was a phenomenon that was unknown to current science and whose impact could not be predicted.

Humans are the only known life forms impacted by the QUFITs. Persons changed by an annual QUFIT fall appear to be wholly immune to any subsequent falls. The transference between individuals can be either physical or mental. The number of changes visited upon a person has ranged from one to eighteen individual "swaps".

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"Billy, you shouldn't be here. You know I'm babysitting," Jennifer told him. She thought that was what she was supposed to say, but she didn't really mean it.

"I just stopped by to keep you company. I'll help you watch the tyke."

"Well, I'll have to put him to bed soon. I guess it won't matter. You just have to leave before Stevie's parents get back."

"When will that be?"

"After 10."

"We have plenty of time. It's not even seven yet."

"Come on in."

Billy and Jennifer were both seventeen years old and had been dating for several months. They were typical teenagers, propelled by typical teenage hormones. Jennifer carried the two-year-old Stevie in her arms.

Back in the house, Jennifer put Stevie down and put on a video tape for him to watch. Meanwhile, Billy and Jennifer snuggled on the couch.

"When is his bedtime?"

"Not for another hour."

"So late?"

"That's when it is."

"Can't you put him to bed earlier?"

"Stevie's parents want him in bed at 8, no earlier or later. That way he'll sleep through the night."