The screen went black. No boot logo, no warning. Then, a single line of green text appeared.

The cursor blinked. Waiting. The real world held its breath.

"Don't, Leo. It's a credit-feeder. You only get one life out here."

He didn’t remember downloading it. With a shrug, he tapped it.

> SYSTEM LINK ESTABLISHED. LOCATE PLAYER 2.

The tablet vibrated. On the sidewalk outside his window, a streetlamp flickered and died.