Verosika Mayday's life was good all things considered. She had friends, fame, wealth, and a legion of fans both in Hell and on Earth who worship the very ground she walked on. Her life is great. Or at least it was for a few years after her rise to stardom. But It had started to feel dry, and empty. So she would supplement the repetitive nature of her career. With wild parties and drinking. She gave romance a shot and only ended up hurt. The emptiness of her life only grew. But she persevered. Hoping that maybe something or someone would bring some needed spice to her life.

Verosika slowly walked off stage after another performance, she could hear her fans screaming as she left the stage. even if the music didn't feel the same as it once did she was glad she could at least bring some joy to her fans. After finally getting into her hotel room her team rented that for this event she was greeted with a small golden key at the foot of her door. She knew in wasn't hers, she never needed to carry keys on her and the room was the only one on the floor so it couldn't have been dropped by someone else. She picked up the key only to be surprised by it being warm. The prospect of a mystery like this was exciting. But right now she was way to exhausted to bother. So she pocketed the key, and went to lay down on her bed, tired after the performance. But as she was getting comfortable and beginning to relax she heard a knock on the door, rolling her eyes she layed there, not wanting to move she said "Fuck off! i need some rest."

However the knocking didn't stop, kinda pissed she stood up from her bed and walked towards the doorIt better be something improtant.."she whispered to herself as she opened the door and saw a tall human in tattered and burnt clothes with ruffled up hair, standing in front of her."How the fuck did you get through security?"she asked. she didn't recognized him as a part of her team, assuming him to be some fan that got off to using his human disguise in public.

The Doctor's eyes widen at the sight of Verosika he though he might have been on earth or one of her colonies, the colorful eye catching clothes and demeanor of the woman in front of him screamed that she was a celebrity but he had no clue who she was. His mind scrambles to come up with an explanation for being there, but the words just won't come. All he manages to say is, "Er... I'm a fan." He clears his throat and tries to sound more confident. "A huge fan. I, uh, found a... a unguarded backdoor into your house." What kind of angle was he going for? He thought to himself.

She didn't need to read minds to know he made that story up on the spot. "I know you just made that story up. Who are you and why are you really here?"

"So you weren't fooled by that, ok. To tell you the truth." He paused for a second, straightened his back and in an intense and serious voice, he says. "I am the Doctor, a Timelord from the planet Gallifrey. For years I have been traveling through time and space in my ship called the Tardis. After a accident mid flight. I am now lost here in a world I have no idea of, with no clue as to where my ship is."

Unamused by this weirdos antics. She slammed the door shut.

Verosika turned away. Heading back to her bed to get the sleep she so needed. Still hearing him through the door. Continuing to ramble on about what sounded like nonsense. Two words stood out to her though. "Golden key"

Was the key she found earlier his?. She thought to herself. Her drowsiness fading, being replaced by curiosity and a desire to get to the bottom of this mystery.

Her interest piqued. She slowly turned her head, looking at the now-closed door. Timelord, Gallifrey, Tardis, all these words were unfamiliar to her. Yet, she was drawn to them, the desire to uncovering this mystery growing by the second. What if this was all a trick by some crazy stalker? The doubt was there, but her curiosity won over in the end. If she ended up in trouble, she could always just suck someone off to get out. It would be far from the first time.

A exited grin spread across her face. She walked over to the bedside table, where she had placed the key. grabbing it along with her phone and flask. With a light in her eyes that hadn't been seen since her first album went platinum. she opened the door again.

The Doctor was still stood there, like a lost puppy. she tried to keep her voice cold and commanding but she couldn't help it. Her voice oozed with excitement. "Did you say something about a golden key?"

"Yes!" The Doctor responded excitedly. "I need that key to find my ship, Have you seen it?"

"Is this it?" She held the key in front of him.

"Yes that's it!" Excitedly, the Doctor reached out to grab the key but Verosika quickly retracted her hand, not letting him have it just yet.

"You're not getting it just yet, prove to me you are what you say, show me some proof"

"My ship would be more than enough proof if you would just give me my key!" Said the Doctor. Verosikas expression clearly sent the message that she wasn't going to hand over the key without some level of evidence.

The Doctor's face fell for a second, but he quickly regained his composure, his smile returning. "If you'd let me borrow your phone for a second, I can show you proof of my existence."

Verosika looked at him skeptically, but curiosity got the better of her, and she handed over her phone. The Doctor quickly tapped the screen a few times and showed her a human website full of articles talking about a man seen throughout history, attached are photos of the Doctor at the titanic before it set sail, in the crowd at jfk's assassination and a oil painting depicting him next to Ulysses S Grant. All the while he looked the same throughout them all. "Websites are easy to make and photo shop is only a program away." She said to him. This was good, but it wasn't enough to convince her.

Thinking for a second. He next reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out what looked like a oversized lazer pointer. Or a vibrator she really couldn't decide which it more resembles.

"This is a sonic screwdriver" He said. "It uses ultrasonic sound waves to interact with the environment, allowing it to manipulate and control technology, and it even opens locks"

With that he pointed it into the air and turned it on. I high pitched noise emanated from it, hurting Verosika's ears a little bit. All around them anything and everything electronic was reacting. the elevator had been called up to her floor without anything touching it or being inside. The coffee machine stared spewing out boiling hot water. A whiskey glass sat on the coffee table in front of the couch exploded. But if she wasn't already convinced enough by this otherworldly manipulation of technology, the TV turned on and started rapidly changing channels. Stopping on specific words, creating the sentence. Do, you, believe, me, now.

Verosika's eyes widened as she witnessed the Sonic Screwdriver's unbelievable ability. The fact that the device could manipulate technology without even touching it left her speechless.

"Well, I'll be damned," she muttered, shaking her head in amazement. "Alright, alright, I'll believe you for now." She extended her hand. Forfeiting the key. "My name is Verosika, by the way."

That name sounded familiar, but he couldn't put the name with the face.The Doctor breathed a sigh of relief. Finally having the Tardis key back in his hands.

Verosika stepped aside to let the Doctor step into her room. Anticipation for what was to come next ate away at her. "So... what happens now?" She said. The Doctor looked her way before replying. "Well Verosika, This." no amount of preparation could have prepared her for what she was about to witness. The golden key began to glow. Out of nowhere a wind had formed, throwing the papers containing new songs she was working on around the room. Then a loud sound. She could neither describe as a trumpet or siren drowned out every other noise in the room. In front of the Doctor, a tall blue transparent box formed before her eyes becoming more opaque with every pulse of the siren.

With a loud boom like a large heavy book being slammed closed. The box was still and silent. "Hello sexy." he said, walking up to the box, before inserting the key into the door and turning it. He looked behind him to see Verosika, frozen in awe at what she just saw. "It's something isn't it, I still haven't gotten over it after all these years"

Verosika's jaw dropped, her eyes still locked onto the blue box. Her heart was racing and her chest heaved as her breath came in short, sharp pants. The Doctor's statement snapped her back into the present, "who, are you?" She asked.

He replied: "I told you earlier, I'm the Doctor"

"Yeah but Doctor... who? You have a name right?"

"Nope just the Doctor."

Before she could say anything else. He disappeared into the Tardis closing the door behind him. Frustrated at him just leaving the conversation like that. She ran in after him. Stepping inside, she lost her footing not expecting the sight before her eyes. Grabbing a guard rail to keep herself up. She had stop and let everything she was seeing sink in.

The interior contained a large room with copper colored accents and bright orange lights lining the walls. In the center was a console where the ship was presumably piloted from. Around it were green lights, contrasting beautifully with the rest of the structure. It all looked like a steam punkers dream.

"I'm very sorry I completely forgot to mention that it was bigger on the inside", the Doctor stopped for a second and looked at her concerned. "Do you just need some time or do you want somthing to drink? I've got a lot of options."

Verosika's eyes darted from one intriguing corner to the next. The endless possibilities this place offered left her in awe. "No, I'm good". Remembering her flask of beelzejuice, she takes a swig hoping to calm her down from the shock.

She wandered around, taking in every detail. She ran her fingers over the smooth, metallic surfaces and peered into the control panels. "So, what exactly do you do in here, Doctor?" She turned to face him, her expression curious.

"Most of my time is spent out there exploring the universe." He says "What time I do spend in here. I'm either resting or working on some kind of gadget."

The Doctor took a second take in a deep breathe before saying. "I was thinking, sense you went out of your way to believe me and my crazy story, I want to repay you in return. So tell me, if you could go anywhere in all of time and space. Where would it be?"

Verosika's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Are you serious?" The Doctor only nodded in response. Contemplating it for a minute. She responded. "You know, I've always dreamed of seeing a concert in the far future. I want to know what kind of music they'll enjoy. Will it be melodic or harsh, loud or soothing? I'd love to know how my music would sound to them and how they'd react to it."

A smirk spread across her face. "And while we're at it, let's go see how humanity evolves. What will the Earth look like, and how will our species have changed? I'd love to see how the world has transformed over the millennia."

"Consider it done. Pack your bags and we'll be one our way to the distant future."

While Verosika ran off to pack her bag. The Doctor used the time to figure out where he was. Running a few basic scans returned nothing. It had to be some kind of other dimension then. He thought to himself. Referencing it with other dimensions he had visited gave him a hit. While not one to one, this dimension seemed to have similar properties to that of Heaven. Huh, so this is Hell then. He thought to himself.

I'll have to come back and explore. Perhaps Verosika could even show me around if she felt up to it. Accessing Hells equivalent to the internet he began looking up information about who he just invited to travel with him.

He was right on the money about her being a celebrity, what he wasn't expecting was to find out he did know who she was, just not this version of her. Verosika Mayday was someone who he was familiar with as a pretty big pop star on Earth, she just disguised herself as a human to blend in. he had even briefly met Verosikas human persona while she and her friends were drunk at party he was also invited to.

Verosika returned with her bag, a wide smile on her face. "Ready when you are, Doctor. You've got me all hyped up now." She leaned against the wall, tapping her foot, as she waited for him to finish inputting the coordinates.

"Oh wait! we can get going soon. But first, I want to go get my bodyguard if thats ok with you, I'm sure he's nearby. He'll enjoy the trip as well." Verosika's couldn't contain her excitement, and she couldn't wait to get going, but she also figured it better to be safe than sorry when traveling with strangers. especially ones who go by just The Doctor. And besides, Vortex would probably like the adventurer.

Verosika having run off for a second time to grab her friend, left the Doctor alone once again. Only now did he notice the state he was in after nearly blowing up in a drug Lord's mule ship. He decided to take the opportunity to get a change of clothes and a quick wash while he had some privacy.

Thankfully the Doctor always kept spare suits. so no matter how many times his clothes were burnt, ripped, shredded, vaporized or stolen, he could always find a new set of blue suits and brown coats ready for him in the Tardis.

Walking back to the console. The Doctor found Verosika standing by the doors of the Tardis. Laughing at what he assumed was her Bodyguard reaction to the Tardis

He popped his head in for a second before finally stepping fulling inside. "B-But how does it work?" He asked Verosika. The Doctor Decided to include himself into the conversation.

"A star that's how!" He said excitedly

"A dying one to be more specific. Down in the belly of the Tardis is a star about to collapse into a black hole suspended in time. That's what gives the Tardis its ability to break the laws of physics and travel through time and space!"

"It travels through time!" Yelled Verosika's large canine friend. Verosika had to chatch him as he started to fall which was not easy given their size difference. A hatch in the ground opened up. A chair rose from it giving him a place to sit and process everything he just learned.

The Doctor put his hand on the console and whispered thank you to the Tardis.

"So, Vortex, I want you to meet the Doctor." turning her head to him she continued. "Doctor, this is Vortex."

Shaking hands, Vortex was surprised by how strong of a grip this Doctor character had. The Doctor spoke: "I've met anthropomorphic cats before but not dogs. They weren't to terribly pleasant but I'm sure we'll get along just fine."

Verosika watched the interaction between Vortex and the Doctor, amused. She could sense the aura that the Doctor gave off, it was different from the humans she was used to dealing with. She liked that.

"Vortex, the Doctor promised to take me to a concert in the far future and I think you'll enjoy the trip as well. You in?" Having mostly recovered for the experience. Vortex responded in a deep, calming voice. "I'm up for anything you throw my way, as long as I get paid in the end." Verosika couldn't help but grin even wider. "Awesome." she exclaimed excitedly, "Let's get this show on the road Doctor!"

Turning his attention to the Tardis controls "Allons-y!" Was all the Doctor said in response before pulling down on a large lever on the console, she kicked to life. The unforgettable roaring of the engines Could still be heard from inside.

In what felt like no time, the Tardis materialized in the parking lot of a massive, futuristic concert venue. The sounds of music echoed through the air, making the ground beneath their feet vibrate. The sight that greeted them left Verosika breathless. thousands of people, of various species, races, and forms, danced, sang, and reveled in the joy of music.

"Holy hell," Verosika muttered under her breath, her eyes scanning the crowd. "This is going to be one hell of a show." She felt a tinge of nervous energy, as if she herself were about to perform. Verosika couldn't help but wonder what kind of musical talent they would encounter.

"We are now on earth in the year 3056. At the 'Music of the ages' concert. it's a show held once a year in the universes largest indoor arena playing some of the biggest hits of every decade from the 1960s to the current year. Aliens and humans from across the galaxy come to attend. Tickets are crazy expensive but lucky for you two." The Doctor pulled out what looked to be just a blank piece of paper. "I know a way in." He said with a smug, coy tone to his voice.

Switch to a more serious tone, he said. "Lets get some rules put in place before continuing. Number one. Stay near me, don't go wandering off and getting lost. And B. The Doctor paused for a second realizing he said something wrong. Shaking his head, he continued. I meant two, no asking stupid questions. Number three. don't let anyone know who or what you are or where and when you came from. Got it?"

Verosika nodded her head, her pinkish white hair swinging slightly with the motion. "You got it, doc, But no promises." The allure of the crowd was undeniable, but she knew it was best to stick close and play by the rules at least for now.

The Doctor reached into his coat pocket. Showing the two a pair of fake IDs for Verosika and Vortex. "Take these. IF, you get separated you have these to fall back on worst case scenario." If someone is asking to many questions, pretend English is not your first language.

Taking a look at the ID, the name immediately stood out to her: Veronica Meadows. She let out a soft chuckle before slipping her ID into her cleavage and proceeding to follow the Doctor through the crowd, Vortex following along.

Once inside, they were immediately surrounded by an explosion of sights, sounds, and smells. The place was packed, with every inch of space filled with people, aliens, robots, and cyborgs. Music blasted from the main stage, a mix of classical and contemporary that seemed to hypnotize the dancers.

Verosika was in her element, the thrill of the performance making her blood race. She felt like she could take on the world. The Doctor, too, seemed to be enjoying himself, bobbing his head to the music.

The two of them made their way to the edge of the dance floor, where Verosika couldn't help but throw a few suggestive moves into her dance routine. She felt a surge of confidence. The Doctor may have been an alien time traveler, but this was her wheelhouse. Verosika's sultry dance moves caught the attention of the surrounding crowd. Verosika took a moment to scan the sea of faces, sizing up potential partners. A handsome, well-built human with dark curls and piercing blue eyes caught her eye. luckily for her, he was already approaching her.

Flashing him a dazzling smile, Verosika introduced herself as Veronica. "You got some nice moves, baby. Wanna go somewhere private and show me some more?" He said, his smoldering gaze holding hers. The Doctor, unaware of this interaction. seemed to have faded off into the crowd.

Vortex, her hellhound bodyguard, stood guard a discreet distance away, watching the unfolding events with an unreadable expression. Verosika, however, was consumed by the thrill of the conquest, her confidence soaring with every flirtatious step. Take the lead! She exclaimed in a sultry, suggestive tone. Pulling her by the hand. He lead her off to somewhere more "private".

The Doctor couldn't get rid of the feeling that something bad was going to happen, but scanning around with the Sonic screwdriver turned up nothing. Vortex was stood nearby having a drink of something while taking in the event. But he had lost sight of Verosika. It wasn't a big deal though. He had preemptively installed trackers onto the ID cards he gave his new companions.

"How long ago did you last see her, was she with anyone?" Said the Doctor.

"About 10 minutes ago" He said "I saw a man walk up and talk to her before they both wandered off. She'll be fine she does this all the time."

"How she spends her time at events is not my business. But the possible effects on the future is my bigger concern."

Pulling our his sonic screwdriver. he scanned the room for Verosika and her newfound partner, or more specifically the tracking chip inside her ID, a nagging doubt crept into his mind. He tried not to let it overwhelm him, but the feeling persisted.

Weaving through the crowd with practiced ease Vortex struggled to keep up. The pitch of the Sonic Screwdriver increased indicating that they were closing in on Verosika. Reaching a staff only door the Doctor noticed something: the man Verosika had chosen to go with was not alone. He was with a group, four men stood and guarded the door keeping anyone for entering.

As he drew nearer, he could make out a tattoo on the neck of one of the men. It was the emblem of an infamous bounty hunter group. sudden chill ran down his spine. A sinking feeling told him that he had made a grave mistake taking his newfound companions somewhere so public, so soon after having ruined the businesses of some of the biggest crimelords in the universe. These guys were here to track down and capture him. And Verosika was caught in the middle of it.

He ducked behind a nearby pillar just in time to avoid their notice. A plan formed in his mind, one that would allow him some time to slip last those guards. Right as he was about to enact it Vortex caught up to him. "have you found Verosika yet?"

"Maybe. You see those guards by the staff door?" The Doctor said while pointing his thumb in thier direction. Vortex Nodded.

"Long story short, I made some people mad and they are here to take care of me." He paused for a second before continuing. "I'm pretty sure they have Verosika."

"So do we have a plan to get past them?" Said Vortex sounding a bit worried now.

The Doctor responded. "I always do!" Confidence driping from his voice.

With a swift movement, he activated the sonic screwdriver, there was a blinding flash from the lights in the hallway they were in before exploding around them, the room was now plunged into darkness.

In the chaos, The Doctor and Vortex made their way to the door. Despite the entire strip of hall being engulfed in shadow the Doctor had memorize the path to the door and using the sounds of their footsteps, weaved his way through the disoriented crowd. reaching the door in no time. Vortex was glad he had some level of night vision otherwise he would be completely lost. He had no clue how the Doctor made his was to the door like it was a practiced routine.

The Doctor could hear the bounty hunters grouping around in the dark for their flashlights. By the time they were in hand, it was to late. The Doctor and Vortex were already past the door.

"You're only making this harder on yourself miss Meadows," said the thug who lad lured her in here. Verosika was handcuffed to a chair while they interrogated her about her relationship to the Doctor.

I'm not the one sweating over a man with a blue box, am I, you clowns?" Verosika retorted, smirking in their direction. She tilted her head a little, her heart-shaped sunglasses falling to the side to reveal her hot pink eyes, flashing them a seductive look. "You boys look like you've gone a while without the touch of a real women. If you'll let me go I'll be more than willing to fulfill any desires you two have." She said in a voice smooth as silk.

The thug stood directly in front of her snorted, stepping closer to Verosika he pulled out his pistol aiming it at her head.

Horror crept into her heart. realizing seduction wasn't going to work this time she started to become desperate. "Do you even know who you're dealing with, honey? I'm a pop sensation, if you don't free me, you'll end up on the front page of every news outlet willing to listen. Trust me, that's not the kind of attention you want."

With her heart-shaped sunglasses slipping further to the side, her pink eyes darted between the two men in front of her, evaluating their reactions. She knew her words held no weight here in the future. But she was hoping the bluff would be enough to at least give the Doctor and Vortex time to find her. If they even knew she was gone.

Undeterred by her words, the man spoke. "I've never killed a pop star before." Verosika took a deep breath, closing her eyes and steeling herself for what was to come. But nothing happened. Looking up reveled the two men unconscious on the floor with Vortex and the Doctor standing above their bodies.

Vortex had snuck up behind them from the shadows. Grabbing the two by their shirt collars he smacked their heads together, knocking them both out.

"Remind me to never get into a fight with you." Said the Doctor to Vortex, impressed by his strength.

"You ok boss?" Vortex asked with concern. Verosika, adjusting her clothes to where they belong, having been ruffled by her kidnappers, She responded. "Not a moment to late you two."

The Doctor extended his hand presenting Verosika's dropped Sunglasses. "These guys were here for me. I'm sorry you had to get caught in the crossfire."

"No need to apologize. I am more than capable of handling myself, Vortex, can attest to that," Verosika retorted. Not wanting to look weak in front of Vortex and the Doctor. taking her sunglasses from the Doctor with a smirk.

"I must admit, though, it was rather impressive how you managed to slip by these ruffians unnoticed." The Doctor suddenly felt very abashed. "Oh! about that-" before he could continue a bullet zips past the three of them, imbeading itself into the wall, they had finally caught up.

Vortex pulled out a pistol and started returning fire, giving them some cover. "Was this part of your plan Doctor!?" She yelled over the sound of the gunfire.

He didn't respond, he was busy picking the lock on a nearby door with his sonic screwdriver. Ducking into cover by him, she exclaimed. "What's the move Doctor, Vortex only has so much ammo!"

The sliding door flew open. Grabbing Verosika hand and looking at her with a far to confident and brash expression given the situation, he said one word. "Run!"

Verosika let herself be pulled through the open door with Vortex following not far behind. The sultry succubus could sense the Doctor's confidence even though the situation was precarious. While she wouldn't admit it, she was secretly enjoying the excitement and rush of adrenaline.

With a sly grin, she kept up the pace, her tail swishing back and forth in rhythm. "I'll have to make sure to repay you the favor after all of this." She winked, her tone laced with a seductive challenge. Verosika didn't let her confidence falter, even in the face of danger.

After what felt like an eternity of running, turning a corner there stood the Tardis in all her glory.

"About time we got back to that blue box" Verosika quipped, the adrenaline making her heart race. Vortex let out a large sigh of relief, clearly as relieved as she was to finally reach some form of safety.

Still trying to catch her breath, she watched as the Doctor unlocked the doors and led them inside. she took a moment to gather her thoughts while the Doctor flipped switches and pulled leavers, stopping when the engines fired up. Taking a breath of relief himself, the Doctor sat down in a nearby bench Verosika swore wasn't there before.

"You really know how to show a girl a good time Doctor." she quipped to him.

"I'm still so sorry about this." I didn't intend to put you in danger. He paused for a second, it was clear how guilty he felt about what happened.

Verosika couldn't help but smirk as she sauntered over to the bench he was on. crossing her legs and leaning against the backrest. "You'll have to make sure to invite me on more of your wild escapades, if they're all as exciting as this one, I'm sold," she purred, her eyes locked onto the Doctor's, daring him to take her up on her offer. He couldn't believe she was willing to travel with him even after what she just went through. Though it didn't look like it, the Doctor was ecstatic. It had been years sence he last had a traveling companion.

Vortex had relaxed a little, but he was far from letting his guard down. Verosika could sense that he was more than ready to spring into action should the need arise.

Hoping to lighten up the mood, Verosika voiced a question she new both her and Vortex had. "If you don't mind me asking" she leaned in, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper, "just how did you manage to get your hands on this marvelous machine?" she teased, her gaze never leaving the Time Lord.

The Doctor thought for a second about how he wanted to answer her question. "The tardis is a creation of my people the Time Lord's. These were made in very limited number and were only given to those with a high rank or important mission that required one. By the time I saw this Tardis she was already a meuseum piece. But the moment I touched the console, I had fallen in love, so I decided to steal her and now I have been running ever since."

"You stole the Tardis, huh? You do know how to make a statement," Verosika quipped, a hint of amusement in her voice. She leaned back, taking a moment to let his answer sink in. "So, you've been on the run for a while, and I guess that's why you've got that 'I'm a time traveler, and I'm not afraid to use my screwdriver to pry my way out of any situation' look," she continued, playfully tapping her fingers on the sonic screwdriver she had snatched from his pocket while he was preoccupied.

Verosika let out a mischievous laugh, "You're quite the adventurer, Doctor, I must say." She flashed a wicked smile before sliding the screwdriver back into his pocket, before winking at him.

Vortex, though not as chatty as Verosika, let out a chuckle in amusement at his explanation having expected somthing a bit more grandiose.

The Doctor stared off into space, taking a moment to gather his thoughts, he said. "I know what you said earlier but." He paused for a moment. "Would you really be interested in joining me on a few of these adventures? The universe has a lot to offer, and I'm sure you have your share of stories as well." He gave her a such an innocent, inoffensive grin it kinda frustrated her.

Vortex's head slightly perked up at the mention of her joining the Doctor on his journeys. His gaze remained fixed on the Time Lord, as if calculating the potential risks. Verosika, however, paid no mind to her bodyguard's silent disapproval.

"I'm in, for as long as your timey-wimey adventures don't bore me," she added, giving the Doctor a sly wink. "Let's see what kind of trouble we can get into together, eh?" Verosika didn't know what her life was going to be after this moment. But if one thing was certain. It would be anything but empty.