Five years. Alex has been stuck alone in her underground lab for five years, ever since the wave of nuclear explosions destroyed the United States. She passes the time trying to build a body for Dominic, her sentient computer system and only companion. It's slow going.

Until one day, Seth locates the bunker. He's a biologist, an A.I. expert, and an old friend.

Soon, Alex must make a choice: to escape, braving the remnants of life above ground, or to stay with Dominic, facing an uncertain future.

Qualia is a sci-fi thriller written by local superstar Ashleigh Ann Gardner—you may remember her thrilling performance as Nosferatu’s scary Scottish vampire. Jullien Aponte (The Cocaine Play, and often seen behind the bar) joins a couple newcomers to the Ren: Megan Borkes and Jason Blackwater. If you’re a fan of “Black Mirror,” “Star Trek,” or “Sweet Tooth,” then you'll love Qualia.