Chapter Two: Ninety Seconds

This terminal connects only when they synchronize movement data between me and the substitute.] “What is he?” The silence lasted a long time. [He is me. At least, he was me until forty-three days ago.] During a muscle-repair treatment in Madrid, Noah Dynamics had scanned Vega completely. Forty-three days earlier, he had awakened in an unfamiliar complex. Researchers forced him to train, answer questions about his childhood, and recall every goal. Meanwhile, a man with the same memories returned to his club, finished the season, and signed the transfer contract. [If the substitute can play, sign papers, and earn money for clubs, who cares whether the man in the cage is real?] “Why did you contact me?” Lin asked.