The radio hissed: “Dubbel 8 units were deployed in ’99 as analog backups. If the digital collapse happened, you were our reboot. 2000 was the deadline. You’re late. But… OK, Russia. You’re our last.”

He pressed button 8 twice. Then OK. Then RU.

Attempt six: 2000RU. The screen blinked green.

He tried 0800. Wrong. 8888. Wrong.

(Enter access code)

Viktor froze. Y2K was six months ago. Nothing happened. Planes didn’t fall. Power stayed on. Or so they told everyone.

“What idiot built this?” Viktor muttered, plugging it in.