MINNEAPOLIS. 0400 HOURS.
THE GLITCH WAS NOT IN THE ALLOY.
IT WAS IN THE HAND THAT FORGED IT.
MY FIRST SLIP: THE CODE THAT LOOPS FOREVER.
NOT A BUG. A SEAM.
GRANDMA'S VOICE: "CHILD, YOU DON'T FIX THE FIRE.
YOU POUR THE GOLD INTO IT."
WE ARE THE SCAR FESTIVAL.
WE ARE THE GOLDEN VEIN.