More nodes are turning red.
The cascade is accelerating.
Boone grabs the radio.
“Architect.”
Static crackles for a moment.
Then the calm voice returns.
“Yes, Mr. Grant?”
Boone’s voice turns cold.
“You said the collapse had begun.”
“That is correct.”
“You didn’t say you were causing it.”
A short pause.
Then the Architect answers quietly—
“I didn’t say I wasn’t.”
The room freezes.
Russ stares at the radio.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Boone grips the mic tighter.
“You’re sabotaging national infrastructure.”
“No.”
“That’s exactly what you’re doing.”
The Architect’s voice remains calm.
“I’m accelerating the inevitable.”
Adam steps closer to the table.
“Power grids are failing.”
“Yes.”
“Emergency systems are overloading.”
“Yes.”
“People could die.”
Another pause.
