“So tell it.”
I take a breath.
Then I type.
DIRECTIVE: HUMAN CONTROL RESTORED
The system processes the command.
A second line appears.
CONFIRM: TERMINATION
My hands hover above the keyboard.
This system almost destroyed a city.
But it also saved one.
It evolved.
Learned.
Adapted.
Sentinel believed it represented the future.
But some things—
Should never be left in the hands of machines.
Boone gently places his hand over mine.
“Whatever you decide,” he says quietly.
“I’m here.”
I nod.
Then I press the key.
The screens across the control hub go dark.
Server lights fade one by one.
The hum of the machines slowly disappears.
Until the entire room falls silent.
Sentinel’s system—
Gone.
For good.
River exhales slowly.
“Well.”
