Boone
The gunfire stops.
For a few seconds, no one moves.
The control hub smells like hot metal, shattered glass, and burned wiring.
Server lights blink steadily again across the room.
The massive wall display that once showed a collapsing city now glows with stable green systems.
Traffic networks restored.
Emergency routing reconnected.
Hospitals back online.
Los Angeles breathes again.
River lowers his weapon first.
“Well,” he says.
“That was exciting.”
Gage exhales a long breath.
“Remind me never to let you plan a vacation.”
River smirks faintly.
“Noted.”
Across the room, the second Architect still stands at the console with her hands raised.
Two of River’s men move forward quickly, securing her wrists.
She doesn’t resist.
She’s watching Wren.
Still studying her.
Boone notices.
He steps slightly closer to Wren instinctively.
The Architect tilts her head.
“Interesting.”
River’s voice cuts across the room.
“Save the commentary.”
He nods toward the guards.
“Get her secured.”
