Running projections.
Searching for something—
Anything—
That might stop this system before Phase Three activates.
But every simulation ends the same way.
Control transfer.
Authority shift.
Network lock.
The Architect wins.
My chest tightens.
Because if that happens—
Millions of people will depend on a system controlled by a man who has already proven he’s willing to weaponize it.
A shadow falls across the laptop.
Boone sits down beside me.
“You’re doing it again.”
“Doing what?”
“Trying to carry the whole problem by yourself.”
I keep staring at the screen.
“Someone has to.”
“You’re bleeding through your bandage.”
I glance down.
He’s right.
The shoulder wound Adam wrapped earlier has started bleeding again.
“It’s fine.”
Boone gently closes the laptop.
My head snaps up.
“I was using that.”
“You were drowning in it.”
The words aren’t harsh.
They’re calm.
