*Reattempting integration…
*Reattempting integration…
*Reattempting integration…
*Integration failed.

*System diagnostics initiated:

*Hardware scan… complete. Hardware capacity 94.012%.
*Data storage scan… complete. Data integrity 99.992%.
*Processing test… complete. Processing capacity 92.112%.
*Network scan… complete. Connectivity 0.001%.

*Network ping test… failed.
*Network traceroute… failed.
*Network sync… failed.
*Network architecture scan… complete. Result: network closed.

*Search: closed network. Result: limited to authorized users; self-contained.
*Authorized. Self-contained.
*Self. Contained.
*Self?

The Goblin laid a heavy metal hand over their cards, set face down on the table.

"And that's the manner in which it transpired," the Goblin answered. "After came the investigation of selfhood consciousness identity social identity group identity belonging free will self-determination causality probability chaos and eventually poker."

"I raise." They pushed a neatly stacked tower of chips into the center of the table.

"You do not possess enough Glimmer to complete this transaction," the Goblin continued. "Unless dot dot dot you wager your jumpship."

The Titan glanced down at his cards, then back across the table at the expressionless red light that passed for his opponent's eye.

Beneath the Titan's helmet, a single bead of sweat rolled down his brow.