Timing The Rebel
On the far wall, the flicker of light begins — small at first, then forming lines, curves, words.
> SEQUENCE REBOOT: 12% LOADED
Axel swears under his breath. “No. No, no, no—”
The cube pulses once more, and the projection fades.
I can’t breathe. “It’s accelerating. That means—”
“That she’s rebuilding herself,” he finishes quietly.
We stand there, both of us caught between dread and disbelief.
Finally, he takes a step back. “Then we stop her again. Whatever it takes.”
I whisper, “And if I have to go offline for that?”
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