"Predictive radiometry algorithms," he explained, looking just right pleased with himself. "It's not perfect, but because it's easier for me to sense electromagnetic radiation than it is to measure where it crosses the visible light threshold on the spectrum, I can make longer term projections about where certain conditions will fall and adjust accordingly."

"The holoform can't 'get' wet," he said. "I can simulate it looking wet, though I haven't actually coded those parameters, but kinetic buffers only engage in reaction to applied force, and route through haptic sensors. So while I technically could set up something to detect 'feeling' raindrops, for example, that would crash my buffers in minutes."

His smile tames from vibrant pride to something more self-conscious. "And I thought you might enjoy the chance to engage in more conventional places, for a change. There's a café on Chapman Ave that's supposed to be very good."