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A message spreads across the entire wall display.
FINAL AUTHORITY REQUIRED
Boone reads it.
“Meaning?”
“This is the last step.”
“What happens when you do it?”
“The system dies.”
Cyclone folds his arms.
“Permanently?”
“Yes.”
River nods once.
“Good.”
I begin typing the final command.
The cursor pauses.
Then the observer node responds.
One final message appears.
QUERY: PURPOSE
The room goes silent.
Boone looks at me.
“What does that mean?”
I stare at the screen.
“It’s asking why it should shut down.”
Cyclone shakes his head.
“You’re kidding.”
“No.”
River steps closer.
“Can it refuse?”
“No.”
“But it’s asking for a directive.”
Boone looks down at me.
