It was 5pm as Charlie and Vera strolled leisurely across Stanford's campus. The students were emerging from the buildings, heading toward the numerous courts.

There were outdoor basketball courts, football fields, tennis courts, and many other sports facilities occupying any free space. Stanford wasn't sports-oriented, but college sports teams were central to the local culture and occupy much of a player's schedule. As soon as class was over, they'd be out there, conducting drills and training