The Supernova Era

by Liu Cixin

A short buzzing sound was followed by a line of text appearing at the bottom of the map: PORT 79633 CALLING. PORTS CURRENTLY AT CALL STATE: 1 On the map, a long red line linking Beijing and Shanghai appeared, with a label at its midpoint displaying the channel number: 79633. At the same time, a boy’s voice said, “Hello? Beijing! Beijing! Beijing? Is anyone there?” Huahua answered, “We’re here. This is Beijing!” “You’re a kid. Are there any adults?” “There aren’t any adults here. Or anywhere. Didn’t you see the Epoch Clock run out?” “There aren’t any anywhere?” “That’s right. Where are you?” “I’m in Shanghai. I’m alone in the building.” “How are things over there?” “How are things? Do you mean outside? I don’t know. I can’t see anyone on the street out the window, and there’s no noise. It’s all cloudy here, and it’s raining. There’s blue light coming through the clouds. It’s scary!” “Hey, it’s just us left now.” “What should I do?” “How should I know?” “Why don’t you know?” “Why should I?” “Because you’re Beijing!”