“You mean the men who tried to kill us?” Adam asks.
“They were not authorized.”
“Convenient answer.”
“They were… a complication.”
I step closer to the radio.
“What do you want?”
“Cooperation.”
Russ laughs.
“You’ve got the wrong group for that.”
The Architect’s voice stays calm.
“I don’t believe I do.”
Wren watches the laptop screen.
The countdown continues ticking.
11:14:02
I cross my arms.
“You assigned us command positions.”
“Yes.”
“You didn’t ask.”
“You were evaluated.”
Adam’s voice lowers slightly.
“You think we’re going to run your system?”
“I believe you are the most capable people to do so.”
Russ shakes his head.
“Not happening.”
The Architect pauses.
Then says something that chills the entire room.
“You misunderstand.”
“Oh yeah?” I say.
“Yes.”
“This is no longer optional.”
