“This place is even starting to look like it used to,” Michael said as he grabbed another chip. “Looks like the new VirtNet Commission is doing a pretty good job. I just can’t believe they haven’t asked me to work for them yet.”

Bryson glared. “Not. Funny.”

“VNC just sounds so stupid.” That came from Gabby, who’d brought along her boyfriend, one Jackson Porter. He’d taken on a completely new Aura to lessen the awkwardness of it all, but it still weirded Michael out. It was like he had an evil twin or something. “Reminds me of a hideous disease. They should’ve just called it the Commission.”

“How’re things back in the big bad world, anyway?” Michael asked. “I do my best to avoid all NewsBops these days. They give me the runs.”

Gabby groaned, something Sarah definitely would’ve done back in the day.

Jackson answered; he was getting more and more comfortable with his new friends. “They’re not too bad. Most of the special elections are done, markets are rebounding, people are brave enough to Sink into the Sleep again. Another few months and it’ll all be back to normal.”

Bryson tapped the table absently, a faraway look in his eyes. “Good thing we stopped them when we did. Seriously. I think if a week or two more had gone by, the world would have been toast. Good on ya, mate.” He raised his glass again, and the sound of glass clinking filled the air. It was a happy sound.

“What about you?” Gabby asked. That kind smile on her face was something Michael had started to get used to, virtual or not. “How’re you holding up?”

Michael thought about it for a second, then nodded with confidence. They didn’t have to know about the emptiness that still felt like an abscess in his heart.

“Things are really good,” he said. “Obviously I miss my parents. I miss you guys. I miss…Sarah. But it’s great to be with Helga and to have started school again in Lifeblood Deep. The great thing about that place is no one knows who’s real and who’s not, which suits me just fine. I’m lovin’ it, actually. I mean, hey, if I can beat back the Decay—and they’re saying being sentient does the trick—I’ll live a lot longer than you guys.”

“That’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever said to me,” Bryson replied, the beam of joy on his face exaggerated.

“Who’s to say what’s real and what’s not, anyway?” Gabby asked. “For all we know, the Wake is just an even more complicated program, run by a bunch of aliens. Or God. Or both. Maybe there’s an infinite number of levels. Maybe it gets rebooted every million years.”

That was some major food for thought. Everyone sat in silence for a good long minute, pondering the universe.