Part II: Last Stand

There was a floating sensation, first, like he was submerged in a pool of warm water. Flashes of light registered behind his closed lids. He hovered on the edge of awareness, understanding something was happening, but not yet curious enough to find out what.

Please, he thought, now that I am dead, when I open my eyes, let me be in the City.

He floated a while longer, hearing voices occasionally, but unable to focus enough to make out ...