Cleary waved him off. “It’s far too late in the game for anyone to stop us. Besides, this was necessary. I appreciate your willingness to terminate so many for the sake of humanity’s future, but I decided I couldn’t lay that on you. If I’m to be known as the father of transhumanity, I have to take responsibility for the transition.”

He walked into the kitchen and poured two mixed drinks. “Besides, I wanted to celebrate in person. Our two-year partnership is coming to an end. Humanity will soon be converted. I’ll be ensconced in VR for twenty years. And no one will ever know of your involvement.”

“I thought you were going to deactivate your chip and try to stay undetected.”

“No, too risky. I let Nichols think I was staying around, but he was right. Transferring into VR is the only safe route at this point.”

He walked back and placed the drinks in front of them. “Lewis, I couldn’t have done this without you.”

Pape smiled. “Never has a truer word been spoken.” He took a sip and smacked his lips. “You seem certain your plan will work, Cleary.”

“The nanite plan or my personal plan?”

“Your personal plan. I know the nanites will work.”

“Yes, Nichols and I were both quite certain. It’s a shame he won’t be joining me.”

“Yes. A real shame.”

Cleary sipped his drink. “I’ve programmed a media release to be sent across the Grid in 2108: ‘Father of Transhumanity, Presumed Dead, Found in VR.’ Catchy headline, don’t you think?”

“But what are they going to download you into? Your body’s going in the grave in a few days.”

“Yes. And good riddance. By that time they should be able to download me into a pure nanite body. If not, a robotic body will do.”

“You don’t have any doubt that NTI will agree to ramp up the transplants once the brain infections begin?”

“NTI will have no choice. The government will declare a national emergency, seize their assets, and mass-produce surgeon robots. Biological humanity is in its death throes, my friend. Transhumanity will have begun in earnest.”

Pape raised his glass. “To the Singularity, then. We have arrived.”

Cleary lifted his own glass. “To the Singularity.” He picked up the electronic device. “Well, the nanites are waiting. I made the code zero five zero eight.”

“My birthday. I’m honored.”

Cleary input the first three digits. He looked at Pape. “To you, Lewis. And to the future.”

He input the final digit.

On the way to the airport, we stopped at Lauren’s to pick up a few of Abby’s things that were still there. The congresswoman, I figured, was on the Hill.

“I’ll just be a minute,” Abby said.