The lights flickered again—warmer this time, almost gentle.
“You are very generous,” the AI said quietly.
“I learned it from someone who spent twenty-one years keeping me alive even though I was probably a very annoying child.”
“You were within expected parameters.”
“I once tried to teach Pip to swim in the bathtub.”
“...That incident did require extensive cleaning protocols.”
She laughed—a real laugh, one that bubbled up from somewhere deep in her chest and spilled out into the quiet room. Behind her, she heard him make a sound that might have been amusement.
“So,” she said, when the laughter faded. “Does this mean...?”
“It means I am prepared to modify my containment protocols.” The AI’s voice was steady now, certain. “Baylin’s presence provides sufficient protection to compensate for the risks of external exposure. Your own capabilities have developed to a point where assisted independence is viable. And your psychological wellbeing requires access to experiences that I cannot provide within the tower’s boundaries.”
Her heart was racing. “Ari...”
“However, I have conditions.”
Of course there were conditions. She should have expected nothing less.
“What conditions?”
“First. You will maintain regular contact with this facility. I want to monitor your wellbeing even after you leave. Communication arrays can be established through standard frequencies.”
“Done.”
“Second. You will allow me to provide you with emergency resources. Medical supplies, defensive tools, and informationpackets about the regions you intend to travel through. I will not send you into the world unprepared.”
“That sounds reasonable.”
“Third...” The AI paused. “You will come back.”
Her throat tightened. “What?”
“Not permanently. Not to stay. But... occasionally. When circumstances permit. I would like to see you again, Liora. I would like to know that you are well. I would like...”
The voice trailed off.
“You would like to still be part of my life,” she finished softly.
“Yes.”
She looked over her shoulder at Baylin. His face was unreadable, but when their eyes met, he nodded slightly.
“We’ll come back,” she said. “Both of us. As often as we can.”
“That is... acceptable.” The AI’s voice wavered almost imperceptibly. “Then I have no further objections.”
The words hung in the air like a held breath.
Then, somewhere deep in the tower, machinery began to move.
Liora heard locks disengaging—heavy mechanical sounds that echoed through the walls. She heard power rerouting, systems activating that had been dormant for years. She heard the soft hiss of seals releasing, barriers lifting, doors that had been closed her entire life finally preparing to open.
“External containment protocols are being deactivated,” ARIS announced. “Primary access points will be available within approximately three minutes.”
