Chapter One: Every Satellite Forgot It

[RESTRICTION: DO NOT EXPOSE EVIDENCE BEYOND THIS PLANET'S TECHNOLOGICAL LINEAGE.] [TIME REMAINING: 47:52.] “Don't I sign first?” A point of light spun above his palm. [YOUR REQUEST FOR COMPENSATION AND USE OF THE FABRICATION BAY CONSTITUTED BEHAVIORAL ACCEPTANCE.] “Why wasn't that printed larger?” [SUPPLEMENTARY CLAUSE 172.] Zhou stared for one second, grabbed the impossible motor, and ran to his workbench. “Refraction, open the fabrication list.” Cloudrest Tower exploded a second time. Fire lit half the city—and the countdown newly etched across the black hull. 47:31.