The People in the Copied City

The girl was about twelve and hugged an old radio to her chest. “What's your name?” “Mi Li. Mister, can you make the voice stop?” “What voice?” “Someone underground is counting. Four-three-six-two, four-three-six-one, four-three-six-zero...” The population counter dropped by one. A scream came from the western edge. Lu Yao and Han Zheng ran to an apartment entrance, where an old man lay on the ground. Gray-white particles formed along the edges of his body, erasing him a fraction at a time. [INDIVIDUAL IDENTITY ANCHOR FAILED.] [UNCLAIMED-ASSET RECLAMATION INITIATED.] “How do I stop it?” Lu Yao demanded silently. [ESTABLISH DOMAIN ADMINISTRATION OR RAISE STABILITY ABOVE 20%.] [RECOMMENDATION: RECRUIT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST.]