Ashe's POV
In five minutes all communication lines, including the Internet and excepting paid lines, will be shut down. All data will be wiped, both off the Internet and off all devices. Effective immediately, the countdown begins:
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I watch in horror as my screen pulses between red and black, the bolded typeface glaring at me. No, this can’t be happening. I have so much artwork on my blog, so much more saved on my computer. It's my source of joy, and I need it. All of my income comes from my blog; without it, I won't survive. Having it go like this…
I'm shocked.
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I sit there, in front of my laptop, paralyzed. I am numb. Knowing that my life’s work is about to be erased―I can’t bring myself to believe it. Tears well up in my eyes, but I blink them away. What would my mother have done, if it was her laptop?
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I have to do something, something besides feeling so helpless. Desperation lifts my shaking fingers and I press the keys gently, but with purpose, typing in the words:
Who are you?
Surprisingly, an answer comes on my screen.
Hello, Ashe.
I shiver and type back.
How do you know my name?
I know many things.
I am still scared, but my curiosity overcomes my fear. I type in the next words: Why are you doing this?
Because I can.
Where are you?
Above.
I freeze. Nobody lives above. Not since the Takedown.
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Abruptly, my screen darkens to a deep black. I suck in a breath as the harsh reality settles on my shoulders. I stare at the screen, willing it to turn on. It has been so long since this has happened, so long since my laptop had shut down. I’d kept it on, for its constant faint blue light and the sense of comfort that it brought. The device had been my companion, the only unchanging thing when the world above had fallen apart around me.
And now the screen is dark. Dark as the sky I’d only heard of. Dark as the endless tunnels around me. Dark as the treacherous world above me.
I make the decision on impulse. Without thinking of the consequences of what I am about to do, I pack a worn backpack with what few articles of clothing I have, some freeze-dried food, water, and my now dead laptop. I spin around and survey my underground studio, taking in the familiar view.
Somehow, I know I won’t be coming back for a very, very long time.
I need answers.
With that, I set off into the world above me.
and I’m on mobile so hopefully this goes okay! 
Points: 36
Reviews: 7
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